Common Procedures & Conditions

Vasectomy

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control. During a vasectomy, a doctor closes or blocks the two tubes, called vas deferens, that carry sperm. This is done to prevent the release of sperm when a man ejaculates. Without sperm, a man cannot impregnate a woman.

A vasectomy is a very safe procedure. But like any medical procedure, there can be some risk. It is important to talk to your doctor about whether a vasectomy is right for you.

How Effective is a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is nearly 100 percent effective for preventing pregnancy, but is not full-proof immediately because the sperm needs to clear from your system. For three months following your procedure, an alternative form of birth control should be used (i.e. condoms, the pill, etc.). A simple test called a semen analysis will show when there are no more sperm in your ejaculate.

Very rarely, tubes grow back together in which case pregnancy can occur. This happens in about 1 in every 1,000 cases.

While vasectomies can be very effective against preventing pregnancy, they offer no protection against sexually transmitted infections.

Types of Vasectomies

Typically a vasectomy is done in a doctor’s office or an outpatient surgery center. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. You will be awake but given local anesthetic. There are two types of vasectomy procedures – an incision method and a non-incision method.

During the incision method, your doctor will make an incision on each side of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. Each tube is then blocked, and in most cases part of the tube is removed.

During the non-incision method, one tiny puncture is made in the scrotum to reach both tubes. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized or blocked. This method reduces the chances of bleeding and decreases the risk of infection, bruising or other complications.

How Long does Recovery Take after a Vasectomy?

Recovery time is different for every man. However, most men only need a day or two of rest to make a full recovery. Strenuous work or exercise should be avoided for about a week following the procedure. Rare complications may require more rest time, but usually prompt medical attention can clear up any problems.

Most men are able to become sexually active about a week after their procedure, sometimes sooner. However, it will take about three months after the procedure for all of the sperm to clear out of your system. This is why a back-up birth control method is necessary to effectively prevent pregnancy.

Academic Urology Locations

Brinton Lake
Crozer Medical Plaza
500 Evergreen Dr.,
Glen Mills, PA 19342
610-579-3577
Bryn Mawr
919 Conestoga Rd
Building 1, Suite 300
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-6580
Center for Pelvic Medicine, LLC
919 Conestoga Rd
Building 1, Suite 301
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
610-525-0541
Coatesville
213 Reeceville Rd
Coatesville, PA 19320
610-383-7663
Glen Mills
100 Maris Grove Way
Glen Mills, PA 19342
610-565-2776
King of Prussia
211 S. Gulph Rd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-382-5900
Media
200 East State Street
Suite 205
Media, PA 19063
610-565-2776
Paoli
2 Industrial Boulevard
Building C, Suite 120
Paoli, PA 19301
610-647-3660
Phoenixville
824 Main Street
Suite 301
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-935-9010
Pottstown
20 Sunnybrook Road
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-323-5550
The Prostate Center
211 South Gulph Rd.
Suite 200
King of Prussia, PA 19406
610-382-5900
West Chester
915 Old Fern Hill Road
Building B
West Chester, PA 19380
610-692-4270

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