What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the procedure for permanent birth control in men where the surgeon cuts and seals off a section of the male reproductive tract in order to prevent sperm from exiting from the man’s body during ejaculation and Vasectomy is the only approved form of birth control in men. One will have orgasm and ejaculate but the sperms do not enter into women.
Vasectomy is one form of sterilization to permanently avoid pregnancy. It is one of the safest and most effective birth control options for men who don’t want to be a father in the future. This being said Vasectomy does not offer any protection for Sexually transmitted diseases. This process involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from testicles to the penis.
Vasectomy is considered a permanent means of birth control even though reverse vasectomy is possible. This is an outpatient procedure and it can be performed in a hospital or a clinic, usually under local anesthesia.
There are three different types of vasectomy methods
- Conventional vasectomy
- Non-Scalpel vasectomy
- Vas clip vasectomy
Precautions to be taken before a vasectomy
- For the week leading up to vasectomy, the patient should not take Aspirin, blood thinners, or NSAIDs such as Advil or Mortin as taking these medications increases the risk of bleeding.
- On the day of the vasectomy shave away the hair from the entire scrotum with a single blade disposable razor and also remove hair around the base of the penis including any pubic hair that may seem to fall under the scrotum. Do not use an electric razor on the scrotum.
- To reduce the risk of infection, thoroughly wash the scrotum and groin the day before and the morning of the surgery.
- Before the procedure take any preoperative medications as directed by the doctor.
- Make sure you tell your doctor about any prior medications that you’ve been taking and you may have to stop taking medication one week prior to the procedure.
How is Vasectomy done and it’s procedure
The basic procedure of Vasectomy involves surgical cutting or blocking of the vas deferens that carries sperm to the penis. It is best to talk to a doctor to determine which type of vasectomy one should opt for. Before the procedure begins injection of local anesthetic is given to numb areo=a of the scrotum.
The procedure for different types of vasectomy are
Conventional Vasectomy:
In conventional Vasectomy, a Scalpel is involved. The surgeon will make two cuts on either side of the scrotum.
These cuts allow the surgeon to get into the scrotum and remove the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm to the penis.
The vas deferens are then sealed off or tied and the cuts are stitched off and this process is repeated on both sides of the scrotum. This method involves little complications. A conventional vasectomy takes about 30 minutes.
Non-Scalpel Vasectomy:
In this procedure, the surgeon makes a hole in the skin of the scrotum and pulls the Vas deferens out of it.
A small clamp is used to hold the vas deferens in place and the surgeon a piece out of the vas deferens and then the vas deferens are sealed off.
- Stitches are not involved in this procedure as the hole in the scrotum heals itself and this is the most common method of vasectomy widely practiced as it involves less complication during surgery. Non-scalpel vasectomy is usually quicker. A no-scalpel vasectomy takes about 20 minutes.
Vas clip Vasectomy:
In this method, the surgeon can open up the scrotum but make a hole in the skin of it or make two cuts on either side of the scrotum.
- The vas deferens will be exposed and special clips will be placed around each vas deferens and cinched in place. The clips will block the flow of sperms beyond the position of the clip.
When should a Man go for a vasectomy?
A man should get a vasectomy done only if he’s totally sure that he doesn’t want to be a father for the rest of his life. Vasectomy is kinda termed as a permanent condition so one needs to very sure about it even though vasectomy reversals are possible.
One should go for it after talking it out with their partner and family about it.
When shouldn’t a Man go for Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is not a good choice if you want a child biologically in the near future.
Vasectomy should not be done for temporary problems such as marriage or sexual problems, short-term mental, or physical illness.
Most certainly it should not be done because of pressure by your partner or family as it’s more like permanent contraception.