What is a Vasectomy and What are the Side Effects from a Vasectomy?

According to WebMD, a vasectomy is a procedure, a form of birth control for men, “A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control. A vasectomy prevents the release of sperm when a man ejaculates.” The procedure is focused on the vans deferens:”

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed. This prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis.”

The Vasectomy Procedure

So, what happens in the procedure itself? “Your testicles and scrotum are cleaned with an antiseptic and possibly shaved. You may be given an oral or intravenous (IV) medicine to reduce anxiety and make you sleepy. If you do take this medicine, you may not remember much about the procedure.

Each vas deferens is located by touch. A local anesthetic is injected into the area. Your doctor makes one or two small openings in your scrotum. Through an opening, the two vas deferens tubes are cut. The two ends of the vas deferens are tied, stitched, or sealed. Electrocautery may be used to seal the ends with heat. Scar tissue from the surgery helps block the tubes. The vas deferens is then replaced inside the scrotum and the skin is closed with stitches that dissolve and do not have to be removed.”

There are other options, “No-scalpel vasectomy is a technique that uses a small clamp with pointed ends. Instead of using a scalpel to cut the skin, the clamp is poked through the skin of the scrotum and then opened. The benefits of this procedure include less bleeding, a smaller hole in the skin, and fewer complications. No-scalpel vasectomy is as effective as traditional vasectomy.”

Another option for the vasectomy, “In the Vasclip implant procedure, the vas deferens is locked closed with a device called a Vasclip. The vas deferens is not cut, sutured, or cauterized (sealed by burning), which possibly reduces the potential for pain and complications. Some studies show that clipping is not as effective as other methods of sealing off the vas deferens.”

Side Effects from a Vasectomy

What are the side effects of a vasectomy? Well, there are a few side effects, “Your scrotum will be numb for 1 to 2 hours after a vasectomy. Apply cold packs to the area and lie on your back as much as possible for the rest of the day. Wearing snug underwear or a jockstrap will help ease discomfort and protect the area.”

And then there is also another concern, which is some pain. “You may have some swelling and minor pain in your scrotum for several days after the surgery. Unless your work is strenuous, you will be able to return to work in 1 or 2 days. Avoid heavy lifting for a week.”

The surgery is not without risks, though: “Complications may include: Bleeding under the skin, which may cause swelling or bruising”.

Infection at the site of the incision. In rare instances, an infection develops inside the scrotum. Sperm leaking from a vas deferens into the tissue around it and forming a small lump (sperm granuloma). This condition is usually not painful, and it can be treated with rest and pain medication. Occasionally, surgery may be needed to remove the granuloma. Inflammation of the tubes that move sperm from the testicles (congestiveepididymitis).”