How to Get a Vasectomy

In the United States, 500,000 vasectomies are performed every year. If done correctly, vasectomies result in a less than 1 percent pregnancy rate. This sterilization procedure does not diminish sex drive, potency or male hormone levels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Briefs
• Athletic Supporters

1. Talk to your spouse, in-depth, about this permanent sterilization. Although it is possible for vasectomies to be reversed, you should not consider having a vasectomy unless you are sure you are done having children.
2. Be evaluated by a board-certified urologist. She will not perform a vasectomy on you unless she is sure you and your spouse do not want children.
3. Sign a surgical permit. Although most vasectomies are done in a doctor's office or an outpatient clinic, it is still considered a surgical procedure.
4. Have the procedure performed. Your scrotum will be shaved (you may be asked to shave it yourself) and washed, and the urologist will inject you with a local anesthetic. She will locate your vas deferens, isolate it, draw it through an incision, clamp it, cut it and remove a segment, then close the vas with sutures, clips or cauterization.
5. Put on the athletic supporter you'll be given afterward.
6. Be driven home by someone. You will not be permitted to drive yourself.
7. Be aware that almost all health insurance policies cover vasectomies, as long as the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two methods of vasectomy - standard or no-scalpel - which involve different methods of accessing the vas. Standard means that one incision is made on each scrotal side. No-scalpel means that instead of two incisions, one tiny puncture wound is made with a special instrument; the vas deferens is pulled through that puncture wound, severed and closed off.
• Some studies say that after the first week, the no-scalpel patients report less pain, fewer infections and fewer extra visits back to the urologist, compared with those who undergo the standard procedure.
• Men who are injected with the anesthetic bupivacaine report less acute and chronic pain after a vasectomy. Talk to your urologist about her choice of anesthetic.
• It is possible to have your sperm frozen before having a vasectomy, but if you want more children, you shouldn't be sterilized.
• If you're asked to shave your scrotum before the procedure, do not use a depilatory product.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.