What a Vasectomy Does
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control that requires a minor surgical procedure for a man. The surgery permanently prevents the sperm from reaching the ejaculate so that a man is infertile, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Incision of the Vas Deferens
The procedure may be performed outpatient at a hospital or in the doctor's office, using a local anesthetic to numb the area but without general anesthesia to put you to sleep. Once the scrotum has been numbed, says the AAFP, a small incision is made to gain access to the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries the sperm to the semen. The doctor then cuts out a small portion of the vas deferens, then the tip of the tube is sealed with stitches or heat. There will also be stitches to close up the incision in the scrotum.
Vasectomy Without Scalpel
Another vasectomy procedure doesn't require the use of a scalpel or an incision. Instead, the doctor punctures a tiny hole in the scrotum, through which the doctor can reach the vas deferens. Then, the doctor cuts the vas deferens and seals off the tube or ties it, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The small puncture wound heals without stitches.
Recovery and Effectiveness
Immediately after the vasectomy procedure is completed, you'll need to lie still with an ice pack on the scrotum for a few hours, says the AAFP. The area will be tender and bruised for around two weeks. But, you should be able to resume normal activities and feel better within just a few weeks of the procedure. It's important to know that the effects of the vasectomy don't take place right away; you'll need to continue using some form of birth control for a while after the procedure. The AAFP notes that you'll need to ejaculate at least 15 to 20 times to help get all of the sperm out of the reproductive system, which may take as long as three months. It's important to take samples of your semen to your doctor to examine; after you have had two clean samples free of sperm, you can be considered infertile.
