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A vasectomy is usually done at a doctor's office or surgery center under local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake and have medicine to numb the surgery area.
During surgery
Vasectomy surgery usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. To perform a vasectomy, your doctor will:
- Numb the surgery area by injecting a local anesthetic into the skin of your scrotum with a small needle.
- Make a small cut (incision) in the upper part of your scrotum once the surgery area is numb. Or, with the "no-scalpel" technique, a small puncture is made in the scrotum instead of an incision.
- Locate the tube that carries semen from your testicle (vas deferens) on either the right or left side.
- Withdraw part of the vas deferens through the incision or puncture.
- Cut the vas deferens where it has been pulled out of the scrotum.
- Seal the vas deferens by tying it, sealing it with heat (cauterizing) or using surgical clips. Then your doctor will return the ends of the vas deferens to the scrotum.
- Stitch up the incision at the surgery area. Stiches aren't necessary if your doctor has used the no-scalpel technique.
- Repeat the procedure on the other side.
After surgery
Following a vasectomy, you'll have some bruising, swelling and pain. It usually gets better within a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions for recovery. Your doctor may tell you to:
- Support your scrotum with a bandage and tightfitting underwear for at least 48 hours after your vasectomy.
- Limit activity after surgery. You'll need to rest for 24 hours after surgery. You can probably do light activity after two or three days, but you'll need to avoid sports, lifting and heavy work for a week or so. Overdoing it could cause pain or bleeding inside the scrotum.
- Use an ice pack periodically to help with swelling and pain for one to three days after surgery.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications for three to seven days after surgery. These medications can increase your risk of bleeding.
- Refrain from bathing or swimming for a few days following surgery.
- Avoid any sexual activity for a week or so. If you do ejaculate, you may feel pain or notice blood in your semen. Don't have sexual intercourse until your doctor says it's okay, unless you use another form of birth control. It takes several weeks or longer before sperm are no longer present in your semen.
- Call right away if you have signs of infection, such as pus or blood oozing from the surgery site, fever, or worsening pain or swelling.
- Ongaro T, et al. Overview of vasectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Sandlow J. Vasectomy. In: Wein A, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113902114-4/783811529/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec5_2536. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Clenny T, et al. Vasectomy techniques. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/990700ap/137.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
- Cutie CJ. Patient information: Vasectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2010.
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