If you or a family member decides not to have children (again), it may be a good idea for you or him to have a vasectomy. Modern vasectomy is a simple procedure that serves as a less invasive permanent family planning tool and is usually an outpatient operation under local anesthesia.
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Part 1 of 2: Learning the Vasectomy Details
Step 1. Learn the details of the vasectomy procedure
A vasectomy is a simple operation that will cut the ducts that mix sperm with semen. This surgery has proven to be an effective method of family planning and is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.
- Vasectomy is a permanent procedure. Although successful in some cases, there is no guarantee that the vasectomy can be reversed. Some people keep a reserve of sperm in case they want to fertilize the ovaries in the future.
- Make sure you understand that you are unlikely to have children after having a vasectomy.
- The risk of complications in a vasectomy is quite small.
- You should still practice safe and protected sex, as a vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.
- Usually, it takes an average of a week to fully recover.
Step 2. Understand the details of the vasectomy procedure
The main vasectomy technique used today is the “percutaneous no-scalpel vasectomy”. All vasectomy procedures will target the same area: a tube called the vas deferens. These tubes will be searched, opened, cut, tied, and then secured in the scrotum for healing. This procedure usually lasts 30 minutes.
- The doctor will give you a local anesthetic first. The anesthetic will numb the area and relieve pain.
- Then, the vas deferens will be looked for by the doctor. The doctor simply feels the area to look for this tube.
- The doctor will use a special tool to make an opening in the scrotum. The doctor will be able to directly access the vas deferens through this opening.
- Once visible, the vas deferens will be cut and tied. Thus, sperm will not leave the body so that reproduction will not occur.
- Modern techniques cause minimal bleeding and do not require stitches.
Step 3. Understand the risks
Although often performed without problems, a vasectomy still carries risks. So that you can make a definite decision regarding a vasectomy, be aware of the following risks before visiting your doctor.
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Side effects may occur immediately after surgery:
- Bleeding. Blood may be visible in the semen, at the site of your vasectomy, or the formation of a blood clot in the scrotum.
- Bruising or swelling at the surgical area.
- Mild pain or discomfort.
- Infection (as with other surgeries)
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Long-term complications that may occur are:
- Chronic pain, although very rare, may occur after a vasectomy.
- Formation of fluid or inflammation due to leaking sperm.
- Pregnancy, in case the vasectomy fails.
Step 4. Discuss with your partner
If you are in a relationship, and are planning to have a vasectomy, discuss it with your partner. The decision is completely up to you, but the repercussions will affect both of you. It is better to make this decision together.
Part 2 of 2: Preparation Before and After Vasectomy
Step 1. Know what to tell the doctor
When you make an appointment with your doctor to discuss a vasectomy, you should have prepared your medical history. This way, your doctor will have sufficient information and can determine the best and safest procedure for you. Discuss the following with your doctor:
- History of excessive bleeding or blood disorders. Since a vasectomy is a surgical procedure, issues related to bleeding should be discussed.
- If you have allergies, especially anesthetic allergies. A vasectomy will use anesthesia so your doctor will need to know if you can't take the anesthetic.
- Are you taking aspirin or other blood-reducing medications on a regular basis.
- All previous injuries and surgeries or infections in the genital area or urinary system.
Step 2. Prepare for surgery
Be prepared at least a week before the vasectomy. Follow the steps below to make the operation run smoothly.
- Stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, warfarin, heparin and ibuprofen.
- Shave the genital hair and clean the area to be operated on.
- Prepare underwear (not boxers) that are the right size (not loose) to carry during surgery. Panties will help reduce swelling and support the area after surgery.
- Ask someone to drive you home after the vasectomy. Thus, post-operative genital area disorders can be reduced.
Step 3. Perform postoperative care
After a vasectomy, you must perform postoperative techniques properly. Give yourself a break for 2-3 days. While modern vasectomy techniques cause almost no discomfort, there are things that need to be done to speed healing.
- If you experience symptoms of a fever or infection, seek medical attention immediately.
- Support your scrotum with a proper bandage or underwear for 48 hours.
- Keep the area cool with an ice pack for the initial 48 hours. This will reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Do not do heavy lifting for a week after surgery.
- Wait a week before intercourse. If you have sex before the week is over, there will be pain and blood in your ejaculate.
- There may still be sperm in your semen so there is a risk of pregnancy. You need to ejaculate 20 times to get rid of the sperm in the vas deferens tube before this family planning technique is effective. Ask your doctor to confirm that the vasectomy has worked successfully.
- Follow-up actions include checking the sperm at 3-4 months after surgery to check the amount of sperm in the sample.
- Vasectomy can sometimes be reversed, but not always successful.
Warning
- Vasectomy is a permanent procedure. Don't do it if you're not really sure you don't want to have children (again).
- A vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases and you should still use a condom.
