Vasectomy

Effective Birth Control Procedure

At Blue Ridge Urological, we offer vasectomies for men who are looking for an effective birth control option. We understand that choosing to undergo a vasectomy is an important decision. That is why we are here to help you understand the benefits of the procedure and what to expect before and after getting a vasectomy.

What Is A Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure designed to prevent the release of sperm from semen. It is an effective method of permanent male birth control, with a nearly 100% effectiveness rate. It is a safe and low-risk procedure and can be done at one of our offices as an outpatient procedure.

Quick Facts

Surgery Time: 10-20 minutes
Recovery: 2-3 days
Preparation: May include stopping certain medication, bathing, and arranging for a ride home.

What To Expect During A Vasectomy

We will administer local anesthesia to numb the area and to keep you as comfortable as possible. During the vasectomy procedure, the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the urethra (vas deferens) are cut, which prevents sperm from reaching the semen. The tubes are then sealed through various methods. The procedure will only take about 10 to 20 minutes.

Who Is A Good Candidate For A Vasectomy?

Men who are certain that they do not want any children in the future and wish to prevent pregnancy can often benefit from a vasectomy. The cost of vasectomy is less than that of female sterilization (tubal ligation) and is nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.

How To Prepare For A Vasectomy

To prepare for a vasectomy, your doctor may ask you to:

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Ibuprofen for a few days before surgery.
Shower or bathe on the day of surgery and trim any hair if necessary.
Arrange for a ride home after your surgery.

What To Expect After a Vasectomy

Vasectomy is an outpatient surgery, so you can return home afterward to heal. You might have some light swelling or bruising after your procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. To reduce any swelling, wrap an ice pack in a cloth and ice the area. We recommend icing the area for 20 minutes at a time for the first two days after your vasectomy. Below, we have outlined some tips to help your recovery be as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Do:

Wait to shower until 24 hours after your procedure
Replace the gauze on your incision sites two to three times a day
Take time to rest and recover
Return to your day-to-day activities in two to three days

Don’t:

Engage in sexual intercourse for a week after the procedure.
Engage in strenuous activities for a week.
Bathe or swim

Vasectomy FAQs

At Blue Ridge Urological, nothing is more important than helping our patients live healthy and fulfilling lives. We want you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable about your choice to undergo this procedure, which is why we have outlined some frequently asked questions below.

Is the procedure painful?

No, the vasectomy procedure will not be painful. You will be numbed so that you will not feel any pain. You might only feel a light tugging sensation.

When should I call a doctor?

If you are experiencing a fever, loose stitches, blood, or pain that is not getting better following your vasectomy, we recommend calling our office.

Is a vasectomy permanent?

Yes—it is a one-time procedure that is up to 99.99% effective. While a vasectomy can be reversed through a vasectomy reversal procedure, it is not always successful, which is why the procedure should be considered permanent.

Is it immediately effective?

No—it can take up to 2 to 3 months for a vasectomy to become effective. You will have a test done several months after your procedure to test the effectiveness and make sure you are sterile.

Will it affect sexual activity?

The procedure will not affect your sexual activity in any way. The only difference is that there will not be sperm in the semen.

Where does sperm go after a vasectomy?

The testes will still produce sperm following a vasectomy, but the sperm die and are absorbed in the body rather than leave the body through semen.

Can ejaculating too soon after a vasectomy damage it?

Yes, ejaculating too often too soon after a vasectomy may increase inflammation. This may lead to increased swelling, bleeding, and other complications.

What are the side effects of a vasectomy?

As with any surgical procedure, vasectomy is associated with possible risks. These include hematoma inside the scrotum, blood in the semen, bruising of the scrotum, infection of the surgical site, mild pain and swelling, and post-vasectomy pain syndrome. When performed by a skilled urologist, these risks are reduced.

Request Your Appointment

At Blue Ridge Urological, we are dedicated to providing exceptional urological care. If you are interested in discussing if a vasectomy is the right birth control option for you, or if you have any additional questions or concerns, get in touch with our team. Fill out the request form below, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.