A vasectomy is a significant decision in any man’s life. It is a permanent form of birth control that affects one’s health and long-term family planning. If you are considering undergoing a vasectomy, you may have a lot of questions swirling in your mind about its effectiveness, what to expect, sex after the procedure, etc. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a list of ten critical questions you should ask your healthcare provider before going ahead with a vasectomy. After all, you want to be confident that it is the right choice for you and your family and have peace of mind on the day of the procedure.
01
What are the potential risks and side effects associated with vasectomy?
While a vasectomy is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure, it is still important to understand the potential risks and side effects. The most common side effects typically include mild discomfort and swelling in the scrotal area during the initial days. Additionally, you may observe small amounts of blood in the first few ejaculations following the procedure.
More uncommon side effects can include swelling and inflammation of the vas deferens, testicles, epididymis. Rare complications include a Sperm Granuloma – a small pea or bean-sized lump that forms at the end of the recently cut vas deferens, an infected scrotum, and a Scrotal Hematoma. Your healthcare provider should review all possible side effects and risks with you during your consultation.
02
What are vasectomy success and failure rates?
Vasectomies have an extremely high success rate of 99.9%. There is a very rare chance of failure – about roughly 1 in 2,000 pregnancies occur after vasectomies or a <1% failure rate. Compared to condoms, which have a failure rate of 2-18%, and oral contraceptive pills, which have a failure rate of 2-9%, vasectomies are significantly more effective.
03
Are vasectomies permanent?
Yes, vasectomies should be considered a permanent form of contraception. The overall success of a vasectomy reversal is only 85%. The reversal success rate gradually decreases the longer the period of time between the vasectomy and the reversal. Post-reversal pregnancy rates also decrease with time. Reversals are expensive and are usually not covered by insurance. Make sure to thoroughly consider and consult with yourself, your family, and your medical professionals to determine if the permanency of this procedure is right for you.
04
When can I have sex again?
You can typically resume masturbation and sexual intercourse one week after the vasectomy procedure. Make sure to use contraception before your post-vasectomy sperm screening determines you have no sperm present.
05
Will a vasectomy affect my sexual performance or enjoyment?
One of the most common misconceptions is that a vasectomy will impact sexual function/sex drive. It will NOT impact sexual functioning, performance, or enjoyment. Following the procedure, your testicles will continue to produce the male hormone testosterone. Your sex drive, orgasms, genital sensation, and ability to achieve an erection will remain unaffected. Your healthcare provider should go over this with you during your consultation and put your mind at ease.
06
What can I expect during the procedure?
To start the procedure, your healthcare provider will place a warm pack over your scrotum. Then, they will identify and isolate the Vas Deferens tubes on each side and administer local anesthesia using a pressurized pneumatic device. Using a small dissecting instrument, they will create a small puncture hole in the scrotal skin at the midline. Each vas deferens will be gently pulled externally one at a time, cut, cauterized, and sealed before being returned to the scrotum. The entire process typically takes around 20-30 minutes from start to finish.
07
What is the recovery process like?
Recovery experiences can vary widely among individuals. However, you can expect to take it easy and relax for the first three days. You can manage any pain/swelling with ice and by taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen. You can return to light activities after three days and exercise, work, and sexual intercourse after one week. Overall, the recovery process is quick and pain-free. Your healthcare provider can provide you with specifics on what to expect in the days following the procedure.
08
How can I be sure that the vasectomy worked?
After a vasectomy, sperm may still be present in your semen for up to 3 months. You will need to go in for a post-vasectomy semen analysis 12-16 weeks after your procedure to confirm that there is no sperm present. Once you get the results of your sperm test, you are officially in the clear and can have sex without any form of birth control. No-scalpel vasectomies have a success rate of over 99%, meaning the chances of failure is <1%.
09
Is a vasectomy reversible?
While vasectomy reversals are possible, they are not recommended. While vasectomy reversal can be successful, they are not guaranteed to restore fertility, and the success rates vary depending on factors such as the length of time since the vasectomy and one’s age and overall health. A reversal is also much more costly and they are usually not covered by insurance. For this reason, we recommend thinking of a vasectomy as permanent and not temporary.
10
What are the costs associated with vasectomy, and is it covered by insurance?
Typically, a vasectomy procedure costs around $1,200 on average. However, this estimate does not encompass additional expenses such as copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs that may be linked to your insurance plan. Thankfully, most private insurance companies will cover some or all of a vasectomy. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to determine how much they may cover and how much you might have to pay out-of-pocket. You should also check with your healthcare provider to see what their costs are.
Contact Pacific Vasectomy Clinic For a Vasectomy Consultation Today
The decision to undergo vasectomy is not one to be made lightly. You need to ask the right questions to ensure that you are fully informed and confident in your decision. Here at Pacific Vasectomy Clinic, we make it our mission to provide all our patients with the highest level of customer care, offering support and answering any and all questions along the way.
Our team can provide you with all the information regarding the procedure and help you decide if it is the right choice for you and your family. Please don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation at our Bellevue clinic.
