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What is a vasectomy? — A vasectomy is a procedure that can be done as a type of long-term birth control. After a successful vasectomy, you cannot get a partner pregnant.
How does a vasectomy prevent pregnancy? — A vasectomy prevents pregnancy by blocking the path the sperm takes to leave the body (figure 1).
Sperm are made in the testicles. The testicles are located inside a skin sac called the "scrotum." Sperm are stored in the epididymis, which is a small organ that sits on top of the testicles. During ejaculation, sperm travel from the epididymis through tubes and out the end of the penis.
During a vasectomy, a doctor cuts and blocks a tube called the "vas deferens" on each side. This prevents sperm from leaving the body. After a vasectomy, you can still ejaculate fluid, called semen. But the semen does not have any sperm in it.
Why might I choose to have a vasectomy? — You might choose to have a vasectomy if you do not want any more biological children, and do not want to use birth control each time you have sex.
Tell your doctor if you have any questions or worries about having a vasectomy. They can talk with you and tell you about the procedure.
Some people choose to have a sample of their sperm saved before they have a vasectomy. If you want this, talk with your doctor.
What happens during a vasectomy? — A vasectomy is done in a doctor's office and takes about 30 minutes. During the procedure, a doctor numbs the skin on the scrotum. Then, they make a small cut in the skin to reach the vas deferens, cut it, and seal it off. The procedure does not hurt, but some people can feel cramping or pulling.
What happens after a vasectomy? — You can go home right after the procedure, but you will need to rest for 2 to 3 days. After a vasectomy, you will likely have some discomfort and bruising in your scrotum. Your doctor will tell you which pain-relieving medicines to take. They might also prescribe a medicine to treat your pain.
Your doctor will give you instructions about what you should and should not do after your vasectomy. They will probably tell you to:
●Wear a jock strap to hold the bandage in place.
●Avoid bathing and swimming for 1 to 2 days.
●Avoid lifting heavy objects or exercising too hard for 7 days.
●Wait 7 days before having sex. After that, you must use another form of birth control for a few months to prevent pregnancy.
What are the side effects of a vasectomy? — Side effects are uncommon. When they do happen, they can include:
●Severe pain in the scrotum
●Bleeding in the scrotum
●Infection of the skin around the cut
If you have any side effects, tell your doctor. Some side effects go away over time, but others might need treatment.
How long does it take for a vasectomy to work? — It takes a few months. That's because the tubes can still have sperm in them.
You will need to ejaculate 20 or more times after a vasectomy to clear out all of the sperm from the tubes. Because of this, it's important to use another type of birth control for a few months to prevent getting a partner pregnant.
How will I know if my vasectomy worked? — You will have a follow-up test called a "sperm count" to make sure that your semen does not have any sperm in it. This is usually done 3 months after a vasectomy.
A sperm count checks how many sperm are in a sample of semen. For this test, you will provide a sample of your semen.
If your sample has no sperm, you cannot get a partner pregnant. You can stop using other birth control.
If your sample does have sperm in it, you could get a partner pregnant. You should still use birth control until you have another sperm count done and the sample has no sperm.
What if I change my mind after having a vasectomy? — If you had a vasectomy and decide that you do want to be able to get a partner pregnant, talk with your doctor. A surgery to reconnect the vas deferens and open the sperm's path can be done. But this surgery does not always work.
Does a vasectomy prevent me getting a disease from sex? — No. A vasectomy does not prevent you from getting or spreading a disease from sex. To prevent getting or spreading a disease from sex, you should use a type of protection called a condom.
Patient education: Choosing birth control (The Basics)
Patient education: Male infertility (The Basics)
Patient education: Vasectomy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Long-acting methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Permanent birth control for women (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Barrier and pericoital methods of birth control (Beyond the Basics)
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