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 Vasectomy
Vasectomy is often called 'male birth control'. The process
involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens', which are the
tubes that carry sperm into the seminal fluid. This
permanently ends the ability of sperm to be released with
semen. It is important to understand that a vasectomy does not
interfere with the ability to obtain or maintain an erection,
the ability to achieve orgasm, the production of male
hormones, the production of sperm in the testicles or the
secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicles vital to
sexual function. There is also no decrease in the amount of
semen ejected during ejaculation. This is because sperm makes
up a miniscule amount of ejaculate.
A vasectomy procedure can be completed in approximately 20 minutes and
begins with the injection of an anesthetic into the scrotum. A
pair of tiny cuts are made in the scrotum, at which point each
vas deferens is pulled through the opening, forming a loop.
Approximately a half inch is removed from each vas deferens,
then each vas deferens is closed using stitches or
cauterization (or both) and placed back into the scrotum. The
tiny incisions are then closed with stitches.
No Scalpel Vasectomy
A vasectomy using the
'no-scalpel technique' employs a small, sharp hook to
penetrate the skin of the scrotum and pull out the vas
deferens' so that the surgeon can sever them. This method results
in a slightly smaller skin incision than that resulting from a
scalpel cut.
Vasectomy Recovery
Recovery from a vasectomy is fast and usually virtually pain
free. Some swelling and/or discomfort in the scrotum is common
for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Patients are advised to
refrain from strenuous exercise and intercourse for 2-3 weeks.
One or several tests will be carried out 2-4 weeks (or months,
if necessary) after the procedure to ensure that no sperm is
present in the ejaculate. Until this is assured, patients
should practice an alternative birth control method.
Vasectomy is an extremely reliable procedure. Under 1%
of vasectomies are deemed failures.
Vasectomy Cost
The costs associated with a
vasectomy procedure vary depending on geographical location,
however, the cost is typically between $500-$1000. Many health
insurance plans fully cover the cost of a vasectomy.
Vasectomy Reversal
In a typical year, over 1
million men undergo a vasectomy procedure. Of these men, 2-5%
later decide to have a vasectomy reversal. Vasectomy reversal
involves reconnecting the ducts that carry sperm from the
testicles into the semen. A vasectomy reversal typically costs
between $5-$10,000 and is not usually covered by most
healthcare plans. It is important to note that the success
rate of a vasectomy reversal declines sharply for those men
who underwent the vasectomy more than 15 years in the past.
For more information about
vasectomies, visit the Mayo Clinic's website and perform a
search
for vasectomy. For detailed information about the no
scalpel vasectomy,
visit Vasectomy Medical.com.
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