What you should know about getting a vasectomy

For men looking for a permanent form of birth control, a vasectomy is a popular option. Read on for more on what the procedure involves, potential risks, and what to expect after the surgery.

When you have a vasectomy a doctor will tie, clamp, cut or seal the vas deferens of both testicles. Afterwards, you will still produce seminal fluid but the sperm will no longer be present, which means you will no longer be fertile. Importantly, a vasectomy will not change your sex drive or impact your orgasm.

However, before you get a vasectomy, you should be sure that you want this procedure performed in the first place, as it is a permanent procedure. Although it can be reversed in some cases, it is a difficult, and sometimes costly, process. Often, men are advised to freeze some of their sperm before the procedure in case they decide later they want to start or grow their family.

Doctors will prep the surgical area with antiseptic and then provide local anaesthetic directly to the areas that will be worked on. You may also receive oral medication that helps reduce pain during the procedure.

The doctor will make two small incisions near your scrotum and then seal your vas deferens. The surgery is relatively quick, lasting on average about a half-hour, and you should usually have no problem leaving the same day.

Ultimately, vasectomies are a very safe surgical procedure and complications are rare, but you should be aware of them. You may experience inflammation and bleeding as well as infection at the surgical incision site. If you notice any pus, experience severe pain, or have a high fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. The vas deferens can also grow back and reconnect in rare cases in a process known as re-canalization, which can lead to you producing sperm once again.

Following surgery, you might experience slight pain and swelling of the scrotum for a few days. Apply ice, give your testes support with a jockstrap, and take painkillers like ibuprofen if you're experiencing any discomfort. You can usually return to work within a few days, but be careful about exerting yourself or lifting heavy objects.

After your vasectomy, you must still wait several months before your sperm is completely gone from your system. During that time, it's still possible to get someone pregnant, and you will need to undergo periodic testing to ensure all the sperm is cleared from your body.