What You Need to Know Before Having a Vasectomy

What You Need to Know Before Having a Vasectomy

Vasectomy is one of the only forms of male birth control available today. It’s a safe, simple procedure that involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis — and it’s nearly 100% effective to prevent pregnancy.

At Advanced Urology, our surgeons perform no-scalpel vasectomies for men of all ages. We use local anesthesia, and most vasectomies only take about 20-30 minutes, with a few days of recovery afterward.

While getting a vasectomy is a relatively straightforward procedure, it's important to be prepared and know what to expect beforehand. It’s a permanent form of birth control, so here’s what you should consider if you’re thinking about getting one.

Understand how vasectomy works

Start by learning what will happen during the procedure. In no-scalpel vasectomy, your surgeon administers local anesthesia and makes a small puncture in your scrotum to access your vas deferens, the tube through which sperm travel from the testicles to the urethra. They cut or block the vas deferens tubes, which stops sperm from mixing with semen.

The puncture is so small that it doesn’t require stitches. You’re free to go home right away, and the puncture heals on its own in a few days.

While vasectomies are generally safe, there are a few potential risks and complications to be aware of. These can include bleeding, infection, or pain at the site of the incision.

Consider other birth control options

A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control, so it's important to be sure you’re comfortable with your decision before proceeding. If you think you might want the option to father a child in the future, getting a vasectomy may not be the best choice for you.

Although vasectomies can be reversed, results aren’t guaranteed. Talk to our team about other long-acting birth control options that you and your partner can consider, like an intrauterine device (IUD), arm implant, or birth control pills.

Choose a reputable provider

You should find a skilled provider with experience performing vasectomies. Your doctor should explain the procedure and risks to you, answer any questions you have, and help you feel comfortable.

Our surgeons at Advanced Urology specialize in no-scalpel vasectomies. No-scalpel procedures offer faster, more comfortable recovery, and we’ve performed thousands in our  offices. 

Decide when to schedule your procedure

You’ll be able to walk out of the office after your vasectomy, but full recovery takes a few days. Schedule your vasectomy for a time when you can take it easy for a few days afterward.

Plan to work from home, take a few days off, or otherwise rearrange your schedule to allow for plenty of rest. You should also discuss the timing of your vasectomy with your partner, because it will affect both of you.

Learn what to expect after your vasectomy

After your vasectomy, you’ll need to rest for a few days. We may recommend wearing supportive underwear or a jock strap to help reduce swelling. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few days.

Plan to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, or until we give you the OK to resume. Once you start having sex again, you’ll need to keep using other forms of birth control. It can take several months for sperm to clear out of your system. We monitor your sperm count and tell you when it’s safe to stop using other birth control methods.

Vasectomy is a simple and effective way for men to take control of their fertility. If you think vasectomy might be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team. Call our offices in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, or San Pedro, California, or send us a message online to get started.

You Might Also Enjoy...

10 Factors That Can Affect Your PSA Levels

Did you get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and find out your levels are elevated? High PSA levels could indicate prostate cancer, but that’s far from the only cause. Learn more about the most common factors that can affect your PSA levels.

4 Effective Ways to Manage Peyronie's Disease

There’s no cure for Peyronie’s disease, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer the symptoms in silence. Find effective ways to manage your condition and improve your quality of life with a custom treatment plan from urology experts.

How Does Biofeedback Address Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction is painful, uncomfortable, and embarrassing — but it’s also treatable. Find out how biofeedback therapy can evaluate your condition and help relieve your symptoms, without the need for invasive treatments.

Do I Have Kidney Stones or a UTI? How To Tell the Difference

Maybe you have sharp abdominal pain. Or maybe you’ve noticed a burning sensation when you urinate. Now, you’re wondering what’s wrong. Learn the tell-tale signs of kidney stones and urinary tract infections — and how to tell the difference.

Pain When Urinating: 3 Reasons Why

Urination is one of the ways your body eliminates waste. You probably don’t think much about it — unless you experience pain or burning when you pee. Pain when urinating could be a sign of an underlying condition; here’s what to do about it.