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A vasectomy is usually done at a doctor's office or surgery center under local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake and have medicine to numb the surgery area.
During surgery
To perform a vasectomy, your doctor will:
- Examine your scrotum
- Numb the surgery area
- Make a small puncture in the upper part of your scrotum after the area is numb
- Withdraw each of the tubes that carry semen (vas deferens) and tie them, seal them with heat (cauterize them) or close them with surgical clips
In some cases a small incision in the scrotum is used to do a vasectomy, but vasectomy is usually done with a "no-scalpel" technique. This involves making a tiny puncture in the scrotum and using special clamps to seal each vas deferens. This procedure is preferable because the hole in your scrotum is virtually invisible and will heal without stitches. It has less of a risk of bleeding or infection than other vasectomy techniques.
Vasectomy surgery usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
After surgery
Following a vasectomy, you'll have some bruising, swelling and pain. It usually gets better within a few days. Your doctor will give you instructions for taking care of yourself after your vasectomy, which may include:
- Supporting your scrotum with a bandage and tightfitting underwear for at least 48 hours after your vasectomy.
- Periodically using an ice pack to help with swelling and pain for one to three days after surgery.
- Resting for 24 hours after surgery. You can probably do light activity after two or three days, but you'll need to avoid sports, lifting and heavy work for a week or so.
- Not taking any aspirin or ibuprofen for three to seven days after surgery. These medications increase your risk of bleeding.
- Avoiding sexual activity for a week. If you do ejaculate, you may notice blood in your semen for three or four days after surgery.
- Contacting your doctor right away if you have signs of infection, such as pus or blood oozing from the surgery site, fever, or worsening pain or swelling.
- Ongaro T, et al. Overview of vasectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Sandlow J. Vasectomy. In: Wein A, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113902114-4/783811529/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec5_2536. Accessed December 17, 2008.
- Clenny T, et al. Vasectomy techniques. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/990700ap/137.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
