Male Reproductive Anatomy
Vasectomies work by disabling certain parts of the male reproductive system ensuring that sperm cannot be ejaculated. Sperm are made in the testicles and then travel from the testicles to another organ, called the prostate, via two tubes called the vasa deferentia (sometimes called the vas deferens). The sperm then mix with fluid produced by the prostate and are stored in the seminal vesicles, which are found just outside the bladder. During ejaculation, sperm and their surrounding fluid (now called semen) are expelled out where they can potentially impregnate a woman. Vasectomies work by disconnecting the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from leaving the testicles.
Procedure
A vasectomy is done at a doctor's office. Your doctor will begin by washing and shaving your scrotum and then injecting it with some local anesthetic to numb the area. Then the scrotum will either be cut or punctured to gain access to the vasa deferentia. The vasa deferentia will then be pulled out through the hole or incision in the scrotum and then either tied shut, cauterized with heat or closed off with special clips. The vasa deferentia will then be placed back inside the scrotum, which will then be sewn up (if necessary). The entire procedure takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Recovery and Post-Operation
After the procedure you may experience a small amount of discharge from the operation site, which can be absorbed using gauze placed in the underwear. You may need to wear bandages or special underwear to help support your scrotum as it heals. Medline indicates that you will not be able to have sex for the first few days (anywhere between three days to one week) after the procedure, but you can resume sexual activity once the bruising and swelling has gone down. You also need to keep in mind that some sperm will still be present in the seminal vesicles, so your sperm count will go down gradually over the following three months. As a result, you should continue to use birth control methods during this time.
