Frequently Asked Questions About Vasectomies

This technique was pioneered in China in the 1970s and was introduced in the United States in the 1980s. Since then, the procedure has undergone further refinement and now is a widely accepted form of long-term male contraception & sterilization.

Traditional Vasectomy involves making two incisions, with a scalpel, in the skin of the scrotum. This requires more anesthesia (needle sticks), carries an increased risk of bleeding & infections, and also requires stitches to close the two incisions. The No Scalpel Vasectomy technique uses a pressured device to administer local anesthesia without the use of needles. There are no incisions made, but rather a small puncture in the scrotal skin is made, which heals on its own without the need for stitches within a few days.

This technique is the most effective form of birth control and is > 99% effective. The lifetime failure rate is 1 in 2,000 males = 0.05%. The most common cause of failure is recanalization of the vas deferens tubes, allowing sperm to travel from the testicles to the urethra in the ejaculate. We use a Fascial Interposition technique, which, according to the most recent clinical studies, carries the lowest risk of failure.

No procedure is 100% pain-free. However, we use a no-needle technique for anesthesia in which you might feel a gentle “rubber band like” snap on the scrotal skin. Once local anesthesia is achieved, you will feel minimal pressure or pulling in the scrotum. For most patients, the anticipation of a Vasectomy is more uncomfortable than the procedure itself.

Seven days prior to your procedure, you should stop all Aspirin-containing medications, Gingko, Fish Oil supplements, Olive Tree extract, and all other natural supplements due to the potential increased risk of bleeding. You should stop all Ibuprofen-containing medications 3 days prior to your procedure appointment. If you are taking a prescribed anticoagulant (Pradaxa, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, Isocover/Co-Placix, Brillinta or Warfarin) please discuss with your prescribing physician regarding whether it’s safe for you to hold the anticoagulant for a few days. You can continue to use Tylenol as needed.

Yes, but it’s simple. We ask that you thoroughly lather and clean your scrotal area the day before and the morning of your Vasectomy. In addition, you need to shave your scrotum within 24 hours prior to your Vasectomy (Please use a razor and do NOT use an electric shaver).

Yes. Ideally, you should have someone provide you with private transportation to & from your Vasectomy. This is for your own safety and to reduce the risk of post-procedure complications. If you have a history of getting lightheaded, dizziness, or losing consciousness during or after procedures (blood draws, dental appointments, or any other medical procedure); then we highly recommend you have someone drive you to & from your Vasectomy. Please also make sure we are aware of your history of these symptoms.

Most patients do not require medications (Xanax, Ativan or Valium). However, if you do, then please schedule a consultation with one of our Physicians to discuss this option.

Yes, but we do recommend two things. Wear comfortable clothing so you can relax before, during and after your Vasectomy. Do not wear boxers. We suggest wearing either a “jock-strap”, briefs, speedos or biker shorts under your clothing. These can be more supportive to the scrotum after your Vasectomy which can decrease pain, swelling and bruising.

You should follow the instructions provided during your consultation with our Physicians, but generally we recommend taking the medication 60 mins prior to your procedure. Make sure someone is driving you to & from your Vasectomy.

Our receptionist will greet you and check you in. The receptionist will verify your personal information, medical history & insurance information if you have not already uploaded this on our electronic medical record prior to your appointment. Depending on your plan, our staff will also collect any copayment or co-insurance if you have not already made an online payment via our website.

It is always the patient’s choice if they prefer to have a significant other, family member or friend with them in the procedure room for support. We just ask you to limit this to one person and no children in the procedure room. We also ask that your guest stay seated during the procedure to avoid inadvertently getting in the way of the Physician or contaminating the sterile field.

We suggest that you lay down, relax, and wear your supportive undergarment for the remainder of the day. Manage your pain with application of ice and by taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Please review the provided Post-Vasectomy home care instructions for detailed instructions and pain management guidelines.

If you are mainly in a sedentary office job, then you can return to work in 3 days. If you are in a physically demanding job, then you can return in 1 week. If you have any questions or concerns prior to returning to work, then do not hesitate to call us or reach out via the patient portal on our website.

You can resume lifting weights, running or any other form of exercise 1 week after your procedure. If you have any persisting symptoms or have questions prior to engaging in exercise, then please contact us.

Most patients can resume engaging in masturbation or sexual intercourse 1 week after their Vasectomy. If you have any persisting symptoms or have questions prior to engaging in sex, then please contact us.

You are not immediately sterile due to residual sperm that can reside in the vas deferens for several weeks. We recommend a semen analysis 12-16 weeks after your Vasectomy to confirm sterility. Until then you should continue to use your preferred method of contraception.

Clinical studies have reviewed patient data and there is no increased risk of Prostate, Testicular nor any other cancer in post-vasectomy patients.

There is no clinical evidence of an increase in risk of CV events (heart attack or stroke) in post-Vasectomy patients.

NO. After undergoing a Vasectomy, your testicles will continue to produce the male hormone (testosterone). Your sex drive, orgasms, genital sensation and ability to have an erection will not be affected. Your body still produces sperm, but they are absorbed and cleared by the body without harm. The only difference is there are no sperm in your semen and hence your ejaculate.

Expected side effects are mild pain and swelling of the scrotum area for the first few days. You might also notice traces of blood in the first few ejaculates after the procedure. To minimize this, avoid any sexual activity until 1 week after your procedure. Treat your pain and swelling as directed.

Uncommon complications can include swelling and inflammation of the vas deferens, testicles, epididymis. However, we expect these to resolve within the first few days. You can apply ice and use an OTC anti-inflammatory (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Naproxen)

Rare complications include a Sperm Granuloma. This a small pea or bean sized lump that forms at the end of the recently cut vas deferens. It’s caused by residual sperm leaking out of the Vas and triggering a local inflammatory reaction. This can easily be treated with anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Naproxen). Many times, they tend to resolve spontaneously. Avoiding ejaculating for 1 week after your Vasectomy will reduce the risk of a Sperm Granuloma.

An infected scrotum should be addressed immediately. Signs of an infection would be increasing redness, swelling, pain, fever, chills or body aches.

A Scrotal Hematoma is a large pocket of blood within the scrotum. This occurs after a local blood vessel begins or continues to bleed after your Vasectomy. This requires immediate evaluation and possibly drainage to reduce discomfort and also stop the bleeding. This is commonly done by an experienced Urologist.

An allergic reaction to local anesthesia or pre-Vasectomy medications are very rare. We will ask you for a history of past allergic reactions prior to the Vasectomy. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include, but are not limited to: facial swelling, lip swelling, tongue swelling, neck swelling, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or elevated heart rate. Sometimes a mild skin reaction including hives and itching can occur. If you are concerned you are having an allergic reaction, you should be evaluated immediately in an Urgent Care clinic or Emergency Room.

– Uncontrolled Diabetes (A1c > 9.0)
– Currently on oral or injectable anticoagulants (blood thinners beyond Aspirin)
– Transplant Patients on Immunosuppressive medications
– Cancer patients currently on treatment or not in remission
– History of prior Urological complications or Surgery

– Allergies to NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naproxen)
– History of Chronic Kidney Disease
– History of PUD (Stomach Ulcers)
– History of coagulopathy (history of bruising or bleeding history)