What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a procedure in which a tube, present in men, called vas deferens is cut. As a result, no sperms are released during ejaculation. Vasectomy is a reversible procedure, but the reversal doesn’t always work. So, if you decide to have a vasectomy make sure that you do not want any more kids.
Purpose of a Vasectomy
Vasectomy is done to prevent pregnancy. It acts like birth control. For pregnancy to occur, sperms must be present in the coitus. In the case of vasectomy, the sperms can not travel to the urethra, and hence, there are no sperms in the coitus. It is the most efficient way of preventing pregnancy.
Procedure of Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a minor surgery but surgery nonetheless. So, it should be performed in a professional facility. Urologists, doctors who focus on conditions of the urinary tract and male genital tract, mostly perform a vasectomy. Vasectomy is mostly done under local anesthesia, but in some cases, general anesthesia might be given.
Vasectomy can be performed by two procedures.
1. Conventional Vasectomy:
In a conventional vasectomy, an incision is made in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. A small piece is cut from the duct. The free ends are tied together or tissue is placed between them.
2. No Scalpel Vasectomy:
No incision is made in this process. The urologist finds the vas deferens from the surface and clamps it to hold it in place. A small hole is then made in the scrotum to get the vas deferens out. A piece of vas deferens is cut and free ends are tied together. The urologist put the vas deferens inside the scrotum again.
Effectiveness:
Vasectomy is generally a very effective process but exceptions are there.
First of all, you need to clear out the sperms that are already present in the system. It takes up to three months for this to happen. So immediately after the process, do not assume that your sperm count is under control. Stay in touch with your urologist and until he clears it that the process has been effective, keep using the conventional birth control methods.
Risks of Vasectomy:
Keep in mind that the reversal of vasectomy is more complicated than the initial procedure.
Short-term effects of vasectomy include:
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Bruising
The symptoms settle on their own in a couple of weeks.
The worrisome symptoms include:
- Infection – fever and redness or pain in the scrotum.
- Hematoma – bleeding inside the skin that forms a dark bruise.
Very rare risks of vasectomy include:
- Failure of procedure
- Post vasectomy pain syndrome
- Granuloma
- Regret over procedure
If you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please visit your health professional as soon as possible. Medications are available due to the efforts of the pharmaceuticals and biologics CDMO companies to treat these symptoms.
Is Vasectomy For You?
Before having a vasectomy, make sure that you know all the possible outcomes and complications to make yourself aware of what you are getting into. It is a safe procedure and complications are very rare. Only go for a vasectomy if you and your partner are one hundred percent sure that you do not want another kid because it isn’t always reversible.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
