How to Get a Vasectomy

How to Get a Vasectomy thumbnail
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.

Things You'll Need

  • Briefs
  • Athletic Supporters
Show More

Instructions

    • 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.

Related Searches:

You May Also Like

Related Ads

Featured