Vasectomy Facts

• A vasectomy is one of the most popular forms of contraception in the United States and worldwide. Each year, more than half million men choose to get a vasectomy.
• The No Scalpel Vasectomy procedure was developed in the early 1970s in China. Almost 20 million No-Scalpel Vasectomies have been performed around the world.
• Sterilization for a man (vasectomy) is significantly less expensive than for a woman (tubal ligation), which may be up to five times more costly.
• Vasectomies are nearly 100 percent effective and safe. They don’t reduce a man’s sexual drive, virility, or ability to have or enjoy sex.
• Most vasectomies are done in the doctors’ offices. A No Scalp, No-Scalpel Vasectomy takes only about 20 minutes.
• Most patients can go back to work in three days.
• There may be little or no cost to you since most health care insurance programs cover vasectomies.

Risk and Complications

Although a vasectomy is one of the safest procedures, there are still chances of minor complications, such as infection, bleeding or transient bruising, temporary swelling or fluid accumulation. Some patients experience a dull ache in the scrotal region, but this can be treated with medication.

The potential risks and complications:

• Bleeding under the skin that may cause scrotum area to look bruised. Hematoma (collection of blood) in the scrotum that should be reported immediately
• Infection occurs in the wound or inside scrotum, more common if there is a hematoma (blood collecting) beneath the skin, can be treated with antibiotics, hematoma evacuation, I&D drainage, and antimicrobial creams.
• Postoperative acute pain (mild) for a few days or occasional chronic dull ache (congestion) in the testicles, usually disappears within six months.
• Epididymitis, when the larger tube behind the testicle becomes inflamed and swollen, can be treated with heat application and medication
• Failure if the man has sex before all the sperm is confirmed to be gone
• Prostate cancer, the recent study showed there is no increased risk of prostate cancer if a vasectomy is done
• Sexual difficulties for the man due to psychological and emotional responses to a vasectomy
• Sperm granulomas, a rare sperm collection from the testicular cut end of the vas, producing harmless lump.

Psychological issue related to vasectomy

Almost all men fear the idea of having surgery anywhere near their genital regions. However, it is important to understand that vasectomies are generally less painful than surgical options for the woman, and they are also less expensive with fewer complications. Patients are recommended to ask questions and consult doctors about any risks and concerns in order to relieve anxiety. Vasectomies are often the best option that benefit the man as well as his loved ones. Many men have the following common fears:

• Pain – Local anesthetic completely numbs the area, so there should not be any discomfort or sensations during the procedure. If patients feel mild discomfort the first couple days after the anesthetic wears off, medications or ice packs can be used.
• Sexual dysfunction – A vasectomy does not reduce a man’s sexual drive or his ability to have an erection or enjoy sex. The procedure only blocks sperm and simply prevents the possibility of conceiving a child. There’s no effect on “masculinity,” The man’s body continues to produce hormones as before; testosterone continues to be produced and released into the bloodstream.
• Procedure failure – Vasectomies are almost 100 percent effect and very reliable. The risk of failure is under 0.1% in the literature. There is no single case report from hundreds of vasectomies performed in Dr. Shu’s office over the past 10 years.
• Complications – There are few risks involved with vasectomies. These include infection or swelling around the incision or inside the scrotum, bruising or inflammation and the development of a small lump due to a sperm leak.
• Absence from work – Patients typically return to work in three days of surgery, they are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.

OTHER CONTRACEPTION OPTIONS

• Abstinence – both the man and the woman choose not to have sex.
• Cervical Cap/Diaphragm/ Vaginal Pouch – barrier devices placed over the cervix and vagina and stops sperm from entering.
• Condom – the most common form of contraception; risk of tearing, breaking, slipping or leaking, any of which can lead to conception.
• Depo-Provera® – a progesterone injection administered every 12 weeks that stops ovulation, highly effective but may cause significant side effects such as weight gain or depression. No menstruation with
• Depo-Provera, but it returns after stopping the injection.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) – a small T-shaped plastic device placed in the uterus that creates a low-grade inflammation, preventing sperm and fertilized egg from settling in uterus.
• Norplant® – a long-term contraceptive system that involves small pellets being surgically inserted under the skin of the upper arm, and a progesterone-like hormone (levonorgestrel) is released gradually over time, blocking ovulation.
• Oral Contraceptives – estrogen tablet that is fairly effective.
• Rhythm Method – couples abstain from having sex for five to 15 days per month in order to avoid the most fertile days in the woman’s menstrual cycle. However, this is not a precise method.
• Spermicides – chemical contraceptives, such as foam, cream or jellies that kill sperm on contact in the vagina.
• Tubal Ligation – permanent surgical sterilization for women, involves tying, cutting or cauterizing fallopian tubes to permanently block egg passage from the ovaries to the uterus.
• Withdrawal method – the man withdraws from intercourse before ejaculation, not reliable since sperm may enter the vagina before ejaculation.