Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

• Physical exam
• Medical history
• Review of medications
• Discussion of the effects of this procedure

In the days leading up to your procedure:

• Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen ) for one week before surgery, unless told otherwise by your doctor. You may also need to stop taking blood-thinning medications. Examples include clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), or ticlopidine (Ticlid). Talk to your doctor.
• Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
• The night before, eat a light meal and do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Wear comfortable clothing and tight-fitting underwear.
• Take any medication ordered by your doctor. A mild sedative before the procedure may be recommended.
• Shower before leaving home.
• You may be asked to clip your scrotal hair.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

There are three techniques for a vasectomy:

• Conventional approach—The doctor makes one small cut in the skin on each side of the scrotum. He brings the vas deferens through the opening. The tube is cut, and a small piece may be removed. The ends are sealed off with stitches, clips, or cauterization (using an electric needle to destroy the tissue). The vas deferens is placed back in the scrotum and the incision is closed with stitches.
• No-scalpel vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens under the scrotal skin and attaches a clamp to hold it in place. Using a special instrument, the doctor punches a small hole in the skin and stretches it open to pull the vas deferens through. The tubes are cut and sealed the same way as in the conventional approach. The holes heal without stitches.
• Vas clip vasectomy—The doctor locates the vas deferens in either of the two manners mentioned above. Once the vas deferens are delivered through the skin, specially designed clips are placed around each vas deferens and cinched in place. This blocks the flow of sperm beyond the position of the clip.

Conventional Approach

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

After Procedure

You will rest at the doctor's office for a short time.

How Long Will It Take?

Conventional vasectomy takes about 30 minutes. No-scalpel procedures take about 20 minutes.

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, but you can expect some soreness for a few days after. Take pain medication given by your doctor. Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medications without your doctor's approval.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Inflammation
• Anesthesia-related problems
• Chronic pain in and around the testes
• Sperm granuloma (lumps due to immune system response to sperm leaking from the reproductive organs)
• Swollen, painful testes occurring during the year following a vasectomy
• Continued fertility, or rejoining of the ends of the vas deferens resulting in renewed fertility, potentially resulting in pregnancy in a sexual partner
• Psychological issues related to lack of fertility

Average Hospital Stay

None

Postoperative Care

• Apply ice packs, covered with a towel, on and off during the first eight hours.
• Rest in bed for at least one day and at home for a couple of days.
• You may shower the next day.
• Wear an athletic supporter, if recommended by your doctor.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Cover the incisions with clean gauze for three days or as directed by your doctor.
• A small amount of blood on the gauze pads is normal. Tell your doctor if you have excessive bleeding or need to change the gauze pads more that 2-3 times daily.
• Your doctor may give you antibiotics for several days following the procedure.