Facts
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure used to make a man sterile, or unable to impregnate a woman. This is a permanent form of birth control. Reversal is available but not always possible or successful. A vasectomy is common; around half a million men undergo this procedure annually in the United States. It is much less invasive and the recovery time is quicker than that the procedure to sterilize a woman. Cost for a vasectomy is often covered by the patients insurance, as long as birth control is covered. According to the Planned Parenthood Organization, the out of pocket the price as of 2009 is between $350 and $1,000. If a man elects to later have the reversal surgery, it can be much more costly and insurance does not pay any of the cost.
Preparation
During a vasectomy a physicians goal is to clip and seal the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, these tubes are called the vas deferens. The vasectomy is done on an outpatient basis and it typically takes around half an hour to perform. The doctor may give the patient a mild sedative to reduce anxiety. The testicles are then shaved and a local anesthetic is injected into the scrotum area to ensure there is no feeling.
Procedure
The doctor then locates the sperm-carrying tubes called the vas deferens externally and a small incision is made on both sides of the scrotum. Once located, each vas deferens is blocked by one of the following methods: removing a small section of each tube, tying the ends, using a surgical clip to block the flow of sperm, or using an electric current to seal the tube. If there are any variations in the way this procedure is performed, it usually involves the method in which the physician chooses to seal the tubes with.
Post-Procedure
A vasectomy is a highly effective method of birth control, with a one in 1,000 failure rate. It is possible to become pregnant within the first eight to 10 ejaculations because there may be sperm left in the testes tubes. The vasectomy does not effect the man's ability to get an erection or produce semen; it simply blocks the flow of sperm so it can't combine with the semen and result in pregnancy. After a vasectomy there may be mild pain to the scrotum area usually cured by taking ibuprofen. There is also a risk of bruising, bleeding or pain during intercourse. There are options such as freezing sperm for later use before the vasectomy is performed, however a male should be certain this is the best option for him because it is long term.
