Health

Vasectomy: Procedure, Risks and Information

When it comes to birth control, there are various methods to control unwanted pregnancies. And vasectomy is among the most effective and efficient ones. The human reproduction cycle starts when the sperm from the male meets the eggs of a female leading to fertilization. There are several surgical and non-surgical methods to birth control. However, vasectomy is known to have a higher success rate.

What is Vasectomy?

Put simply, it is a medical procedure that blocks your sperm from mixing with the semen. Hence prevents you from getting someone pregnant. It is a minor surgery and doesn’t require any extensive preparation. The procedure often referred to as ‘the snip’, involves snipping the tube that carries the sperm to the semen.

Procedure and options

Vasectomy is a simple procedure that is usually less than a 30 min surgery. One can get a vasectomy in Brooklyn, New York at a urological clinic or a hospital. Medically, it is a simple treatment, however, it involves dealing with legalities. You will have to provide consent and sign forms approving the procedure. Some states have special laws and might require some additional legal documentation.

Before the surgery, the scrotal area is cleaned, shaved and numbed with an anaesthetic. You can opt for local or complete sedation during the procedure.

–          Conventional Vasectomy

The conventional procedure requires the surgeon to make 2 small cuts at the scrotum. The next step in the procedure is to cut the vas and either tie the ends or remove a part of it. Vas is the connecting tube that carries the sperm from the testicles to semen during ejaculation. This procedure will leave a minor scar on the skin.

–          No-scalpel procedure

Contrary to the conventional vasectomy, in this method, the urologist would make two tiny holes in the skin. And use specialized equipment to stretch the skin and perform necessary cuts to the vas.

Risks and considerations

Vasectomies are known to be safe and don’t have any complications. In most cases, people report mild pain and swelling. However, it subsides and can be eased with anti-inflammation medication. In exceptional cases, men have experienced mild bleeding and infection. These are easily treatable and not to be worried about. But, consult your doctor about any such incidents.

Vasectomy is an effective and permanent method for birth control. So, if you do wish to have children in the future, discuss your options with your urologist. You can talk about freezing your sperm, Vitro fertilization, vasectomy reversal etc.

If you are concerned about your sex drive, ejaculation or chances of developing erectile dysfunction, don’t be. Vasectomy does not cause any inhibition or issues in that area. The only difference after getting a vasectomy would be a lack of sperm in your semen and a minor scar. And over time, the scar will dissolve and become less prominent.

Before resuming your sexual activities, do consult your urologist as you would need some time to recover. Also, it may take a few weeks for the residual sperm in the semen to exit your body.