What is a vasectomy procedure like?

Vasectomies are usually done in our office, but they may also be done at a surgery center or in a hospital. You and your urologist may decide if you need to be fully sedated (put to sleep) for the procedure. If you need to be sedated, you may have your vasectomy at a surgery center or hospital. The need for sedation is based on your anatomy, how nervous you are, or if you might need other surgery at the same time.

In the procedure room, your scrotal area will be shaved and washed with an antiseptic solution. Local anesthesia will be injected to numb the area, but you'll be aware of touch, and movement. You might feel minor pain, pulling or tugging during surgery. If you feel pain during the procedure, you can let your urologist know so you can get more anesthesia. The local anesthetic should block any sharp pain. Since pain is one of the biggest concerns our patients worry about, we provide an extra level of attention to make sure the entire procedure is one where pain never becomes an issue.

After a vasectomy

Dr. Pigato and his staff will give you instructions for care after a vasectomy. Most of our patients go home right away after the procedure. You should avoid sex or any activities that take a lot of strength for 3-7 days.

Sex can often be resumed within a week after the vasectomy, but it's important to know that a vasectomy doesn't work right away. After the vasectomy, new sperm won't be able to get into the semen, but there will still be lots of sperm "in the pipeline" that takes time to clear. You should follow up with our office for a semen analysis to check for sperm in your ejaculate. During this time, you should use other forms of birth control. You shouldn't assume that your vasectomy is effective until a semen analysis proves it is.

Swelling and pain can be treated with an ice pack on the scrotum and wearing a supportive undergarment, such as a jockstrap. Most men fully heal in less than a week. Many men are able to return to their job as early as the next day if they do desk work.

What is a Vasectomy?

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What is a no-scalpel Vasectomy?

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vasectomy FAQ

Click here to see our answers to the most frequently asked questions about vasectomies.