Vasectomy - Mission Urology
A vasectomy is a simple office surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is performed in our Riverside office under local anesthesia. Plan to rest at home the day of the procedure and the next day to prevent post procedure pain or other complications. The patient may resume sexual activity and heavy exercise one week after the procedure.
The Vas Deferens are tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the urethra at the time of ejaculation. A small segment of each Vas is removed and the free ends are then sealed to prevent passage of the sperm. The sperm only accounts for a small portion of the fluid emitted at the time of ejaculation (which will not be noticed by the patient). Furthermore, there will be no change to the sensation of sexual activity after a vasectomy. A vasectomy is the most effective form of birth control of all of the standard treatments available including birth control pills and tubal ligation.
Mission Urology physicians have performed thousands of vasectomy's for patients from all areas across Southern California.
How a Vasectomy Works
Sperm are formed in a man's testes, and they mature in an area attached to the testes called the epididymis. It takes nearly 90 days from the time of sperm production for them to travel gradually up two tubes called the vas deferentia and then become available for ejaculation. Before ejaculation, fluids from the seminal vesicles and the prostate are combined with sperm to form semen. Vasectomy interrupts this process by closing off the vas deferentia, preventing the sperm from joining the other fluids. Because the sperm's contribution to volume is less than 5 percent, there is no noticeable change in the man's semen.
A man's virility is not affected by vasectomy, because it doesn't change the testes' production of the male hormone, testosterone. His sex drive, potency, male characteristics, and sexual pleasure should be unchanged. In fact, roughly 30 percent of men report improved sexuality after a vasectomy, most likely because the worry of pregnancy is eliminated. After a vasectomy, sperm continue to be produced but at a decreased rate. Those that are produced die and are absorbed by the body.
Vasectomy Procedure
Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure completed in the doctor's office that removes a small section of each vas deferens and seals off the ends. Prior to the late 1980s, most vasectomies were done using a small scalpel, took about 30 minutes, and required a couple of days for full recovery. Around 1988, though, a Chinese technique was introduced to the United States. The no-scalpel vasectomy simplifies the procedure, reducing the total time to between 8 and 10 minutes. As no incision is made, no stitches are required. Discomfort during and after the procedure is reduced, complications such as bleeding are minimal, and recovery is quicker.
‘No scalpel vasectomy’ is done with a special tool that creates the least amount of disturbance. For most men, the prick of the needle for the local anesthetic is about the extent of the pain. In many cases men do not even need over-the counter-medication afterward, let alone prescription medication.
Though it is not always necessary, it is advised to have someone come along to drive you home. Resting and applying an ice pack to your scrotum for a couple of days following the procedure will significantly speed your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
If you are perhaps considering a vasectomy, contact Mission Urology at (951) 276-4505.
