Vasectomy

Sterilization via surgically severing the sperm duct is the safest method of inducing permanent infertility in men. It is a medical procedure in which the vas deferens, or sperm duct, is cut and sealed in order to stop the transfer of sperm cells from the testes to the prostate.

Vasectomy is a very common procedure considered extremely safe because it carries a low risk of complications.

Because the operation permanent, the decision to go forward with it requires careful consideration. Ideally, it should be made together with your partner. If there is any chance you may regret or reconsider your decision later, it’s important to understand there is no guarantee the procedure can be reversed.

Before the procedure, the patient will undergo a general examination. This enables the doctor to assess the patient’s general medical condition, their medical history, and have a conversation about the reasons for going forward with the procedure.

Vasectomies are usually performed in the form of outpatient surgery and take just 20 to 30 minutes. While it can be performed under general anesthesia, it is normally performed under local anesthesia. After the anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will make a small incision in the upper part of the scrotum.

Through this incision, the surgeon will locate the vas deferens, perform the cut, seal it, and repeat the procedure on the other tube. The part of the vas deferens that is removed is then sent for pathohistological analysis to confirm it belongs to the vas deferens. Afterwards, the incision is closed using resorbable sutures.

It is important to abstain from physical activity for 24 hours. You can begin having sexual intercourse after a few days, but keep in mind that you will continue to be fertile for a period after the procedure. Contraception should continue to be used by one partner until a semen test confirms the absence of sperm cells.

Complications, while rare, are still possible. They include hematoma, infection, the presence of blood in the ejaculate, swelling of the scrotum, and light pain or discomfort. After the procedure, the patient will continue to ejaculate as usual.

This is possible because seminal fluid is still being produced in the prostate and the sperm cells are reabsorbed by the testicles as they would normally be.