Vasectomy Procedure

Vasectomy is one of the most common and popular methods of permanent contraception in males. It is a simple surgical procedure that is considered to be 99% effective and risk free. Vasectomy is a minor surgery, through which, the tubes that carry sperms to the ejaculatory ducts are severed, so that the sperms do not enter the seminal fluid, thereby preventing the risks of pregnancy. The testes will produce sperms, even after vasectomy. But, these sperms will die and will be absorbed by the body. As compared to the methods of female sterilization, like, tubal ligation, vasectomy is found to be risk-free and inexpensive. It is always better to have a basic idea about the vasectomy procedure, if you have any plans of undergoing this surgery.

What is Vasectomy

As mentioned above, vasectomy involves the severance and sealing of the vas deferentia, the thin tubes that carry sperms to the ejaculatory ducts. Sperms are male reproductive cells, that are produced in the testes, which are located inside the scrotum. These sperms are carried to the ejaculatory ducts by two thin tubes called vas deferens. The sperms join the seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and are ejaculated through the urethra. In short, blocking the vas deferentia means that the sperms can no longer enter the ejaculatory ducts, thereby preventing conception. Vasectomy involves the cutting of the vas deferens to prevent the sperms from entering the ejaculatory ducts. Apart from cutting the vas deferentia, the cut ends of these tubes are sealed by tying, burning and stitching.

Procedure Description

Vasectomy procedure is simple and takes around thirty minutes only. It is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. The patient is advised to avoid any blood thinning medications, to prevent the possibilities of excessive bleeding during the surgery. Before the surgery, the scrotum is cleaned and is injected with a local anesthetic. An incision is made on one side of the scrotum and one vas deferens is taken out through the incision. Two clamps are fitted on the vas deferens at a distance of around 20 mm. The segment that lies in between the clamps is removed and the ends are sealed with sutures, by clipping or by cauterization. Once the cut ends are sealed, the vas deferens is placed back inside the scrotum. The same process is repeated on the other vas deferens.

Vasectomy Types

Apart from the procedure explained above, there are various other types of vasectomy, like, fascial interposition vasectomy, wherein the cut ends of the vas deferens are covered and sutured with the fascia, the fibrous covering of the tube. The fascial covering at the ends act as an extra protection. In open-ended vasectomy, only one end of the cut vas deferens is sutured and the other end is left open. The end that leads to the testes is left open and the end that leads to the ejaculatory duct is sutured. There is a no-scalpel vasectomy procedure, in which, a very small suture is made on the scrotum, through which the tubes are taken out, cut and sutured. The small puncture made on the scrotum will heal on its own. In another form of vasectomy, clips are implanted on the vas deferens and there will be no cutting or sealing. It is always better to discuss with the doctor and choose the best vasectomy procedure.

In short, vasectomy is a minor surgery, which can cause mild pain and discomfort. The pain will subside within a week and if pain or other symptoms persist, you have to seek medical attention. In most cases, with proper rest and care, the symptoms will subside within a week, but, total recovery takes around three to four weeks. In short, vasectomy complications and side effects are very rare, but, consult your doctor and discuss the various aspects of this procedure, before undergoing this surgery.