How Does Vasectomy Work?
Sperm are made in the testicles. They pass through two tubes called the vasa deferentia to other glands and mix with seminal fluids to form semen. Vasectomy blocks each vas deferens and keeps sperm out of the seminal fluid. The sperm are absorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated. Without sperm, your "cum" (ejaculate) cannot cause pregnancy.
What Are the Types of Vasectomy?
There are different ways for men to be sterilized. One type does not require an incision — a cut. The other types of vasectomy require an incision. Incision methods take about 20 minutes. The no-incision method takes less time.
Incision Method
Usually, a local anesthetic is injected into the pelvic area. Then, the doctor makes an incision on each side of the scrotum to reach each vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm. Sometimes a single incision is made in the center. Each tube is blocked. In most procedures, a small section of each tube is removed. Tubes may be tied off or blocked with surgical clips. Or, they may be closed using an instrument with an electrical current.
No-Incision Method
With the no-incision ("no-scalpel") method, the skin of the scrotum is not cut. One tiny puncture is made to reach both tubes. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked. The tiny puncture heals quickly. No stitches are needed, and no scarring takes place.
The no-scalpel method reduces bleeding and decreases the possibility of infection, bruising, and other complications.
Does Vasectomy Hurt?
Your health care provider will give you medicine to make it as comfortable as possible. Numbing medication and/or sedatives will be used. The choice depends on your health and the method of sterilization being used. Conscious sedation allows you to be awake but deeply relaxed. Local anesthesia blocks the feeling of pain in a certain area of your body. It is much safer than general anesthesia.
General anesthesia is entirely painless. It allows you to sleep through the procedure.
When you get local anesthesia, you may feel brief discomfort. You may also feel some pain when the tubes are brought out through the incision.
How Will I Feel After Vasectomy?
As with any surgery, there's some discomfort after the operation. It will be different for each man. However, most men say the pain is "slight" or "moderate" and not "excessive." An athletic supporter, ice bag, and non-aspirin pain reliever may help ease the pain. Avoid strenuous physical work or exercise for about a week. There seems to be less pain associated with no-incision procedures.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Vasectomy?
That depends on your general health and lifestyle. Most men lose little or no time from work. A few need a day or two to rest. You will have to avoid strenuous work or exercise for about a week.
Rare complications may require more days at home. However, prompt medical attention usually clears up any problems.
For most men, sexual activity can begin again within a week. Others have sex sooner. Some wait longer. But remember, after the procedure, it takes about three months to clear sperm out of your system. Use another form of birth control for vaginal intercourse until a semen analysis shows there are no longer any sperm in your seminal fluid.