Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and effective form of permanent birth control for men. It is a gentle, office-based procedure that takes about 15 minutes to complete. Vasectomy works by blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles. This prevents sperm from entering the semen. You will have little or no discomfort during the vasectomy. We use a minimally-invasion "no scalpel" vasectomy technique. No-scalpel vasectomy instead of using a scalpel uses special small tools to reach the vas tubes by making one small opening in the scrotum without cutting. Because this opening is so small, stitches are not needed. This is different from the “classic” vasectomy that makes two larger openings on the scrotum and sometimes needs stitches. The chance of complications is less with the “no scalpel” technique and the patient usually feels much more comfortable. Recovery is faster. The no scalpel vasectomy is as effective as classic vasectomy for birth control. Vasectomy is permanent

Avoid aspirin and any other “blood-thinning” medications for a week before your procedure. Of course, if you take aspirin or other medication for any serious medical issue discuss this with your primary care provider first. Take a regular shower with soap on the morning of your procedure. Wear (or bring) tight underwear or a supportive jock strap on the day of your procedure. You can buy a jockstrap at any major sporting goods store, although many men feel that snug briefs work just as well. Make sure you have had a light meal or snack before you vasectomy because being hungry can make you lightheaded. Bring a copy of you signed sterilization consent form. Feel free, also, to bring a partner or support person along for the experience!

What surprises most men during a no-scalpel vasectomy is that the procedure is much more gentle than they expect. On the day of your vasectomy, you will get to review the procedure with the physician, ask any questions you may have, and go over consent forms. The actual procedure is fairly quick, between ten and thirty minutes, depending on your particular body shape. It takes place in a regular exam room, with the doctor and at least on assistant. You will keep your pants and underwear on but let them fall to your lower legs while your “private parts” are covered with a surgical drape. We use an antiseptic solution to clean the skin. The doctor examines the area and then applies a local anesthetic to the scrotum and tubes. This is usually causes minimal or no discomfort. After the local anesthetic is placed, you should be completely numb in the area of the vasectomy. Your comfort is very important. If you want, you can have a support person in the room and/or listen to music. For the procedure itself, the doctor will access the vas tubes through a single tiny opening in the skin, then cauterize and separate the tubes. For extra security, one end of each tube is also covered over with a tie or clip to prevent the ends from accidentally rejoining. After the procedure, the tiny opening in the skin is so small that it can be covered with a small bandaid. Most men are pleasantly surprised by the whole process and say they would recommend the procedure to their friends.

You will be given a set of detailed instructions after your vasectomy. The information here is to give you a general idea of the process. On the day of your vasectomy, plan to rest with your feet up and limit your activities to minimal movements. For the first 24 hours, keep the bandage and your snug underwear or athletic support on. You can expect some soreness, mild swelling, or bruising of the scrotum. You may take acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for any discomfort. Don’t take aspirin for 2 days after the vasectomy. You may also use a bag of ice or frozen peas for comfort. You can apply these for up to 20 minutes at a time. Please wait 24 hours before you take a shower or bath. You can go back to your regular, non-strenuous activities the day after your procedure. For 2-3 days, take it easy. Do not do any heavy activity, and do not have sex. Wear tight underpants whenever you are up for 2 days, and during moderate activity for 7 days. You may start sports and heavy physical activity again after 7 days. If you would like to, you can resume sexual activity after 2-3 days, but in general it is good to “take it easy” for the first two weeks. It is normal to have some blood in the semen for the first few ejaculations. You will be given a follow-up sheet with instructions including a contact number for Dr. Miller. Call with any questions regarding post-vasectomy care. One of the most important parts of post-vasectomy care is the post-vasectomy semen check. Vasectomy is a highly-effective method of birth control, but it takes several months to work, and very rarely the tubes can grow back together. DO NOT STOP YOUR OTHER BIRTH CONTROL. The only way to be sure that it works is to look under a microscope! So, make sure to bring a semen sample during the time frame indicated on your aftercare instructions sheet. You should continue to think of yourself as “fertile” (able to get someone pregnant) until you get the “all clear” results back from your semen analysis.