A vasectomy is a procedure for men who want to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The procedure is a highly effective form of birth control as it prevents sperm from entering the semen. If you undergo this surgery, you can enjoy a healthy sex life without the need for extra contraception once your urologist confirms the procedure’s success. Here are some FAQs about the procedure:
How Does It Work?
A vasectomy is an outpatient surgical procedure that takes only a few minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. Your surgeon seals the vas deferens, which are the sperm-carrying tubes, to prevent sperm cells from entering your semen. After a successful procedure, your ejaculation shouldn’t feature any sperm cells that could cause fertilization and pregnancy.
How Effective Is the Procedure?
Vasectomies are highly effective and eliminate the need for additional male or female contraceptives. Successful procedures relieve your partner from the symptoms of hormonal contraceptives while eliminating the possibility of accidental pregnancy. Vasectomies are also reversible, so you can choose to have a child years after the procedure. Reversing the procedure involves reopening the sealed vas deferens.
How Long Until I Can Have Sex?
You can resume regular sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable enough. Doctors recommend waiting a couple of days for the incision wound to heal before resuming sex. Sperm cells inside your cut tubes may still find their way into your semen, so avoid having unprotected intercourse for a couple of months or until the procedure is confirmed as a success. Contact your urologist immediately if you experience any undesirable symptoms.
Does It Affect My Sex Drive?
Vasectomies don’t affect your sex drive or ability to ejaculate. Your sex drive is regulated by testosterone, which is produced in the testicles. After the procedure, your body continues to produce testosterone and other male hormones. The operation has no impact on your performance or the appearance of your semen.
Do I Need Other Contraceptives?
You won’t need additional contraceptives after your surgeon confirms the procedure was successful. Vasectomies seal the tubes containing sperm cells, but some sperm can exist in the tubes after the procedure. For this reason, you’ll need contraceptives for a couple of months until all sperm cells in your semen are released through ejaculation. Use a condom or female birth control options until your doctor approves unprotected intercourse.
How Do I Know if the Procedure Is Successful?
Your urologist will take a sample of your semen and examine it under a microscope to check for sperm. If there are live, moving sperm cells present, you can wait a few more weeks and undergo another semen analysis. Your urologist may schedule several tests during the months after the surgery. Success is declared if the test reveals no motile sperm. A successful treatment relieves you from the need to use backup birth-control methods.
What Is the Recovery Like?
Plan to rest for a few days after the procedure to allow your body to heal. Sexual activity can be resumed within a couple of days, but sports and strenuous physical activity must be avoided until you’re fully healed. Avoid activities like cycling, weight lifting, and contact sports. If you experience pain or discomfort in the treatment area, your urologist may prescribe medication to provide relief as you heal. Recovery usually takes a few weeks to heal fully.
Schedule a Vasectomy Today
Vasectomies offer a long-term alternative to other forms of birth control and are suitable for men who may want a family in the future. You can meet with a urologist to learn more about your candidacy for the treatment. Contact a qualified urologist today to schedule a consultation or vasectomy appointment.
