Have you made the decision that you’ve finished having children? A vasectomy procedure is a safe, effective form of male birth control proven to prevent nearly 100 percent of potential pregnancies. Vasectomies are a common form of birth control among men. In fact, almost 500,000 men in the U.S. elect to have a vasectomy every year.
What is a vasectomy?
A Vasectomy is a surgical procedure performed in-office that prevents sperm from leaving the body. The surgery, typically performed using local anesthesia and an antianxiety medication such as valium or Ativan, involves four parts. Your surgeon will remove a small piece of the tube that carries sperm (vas deferens), cauterize both ends of the tube, tie them off, and then bury one of the tubes in a layer of tissue separate from each other.
What are the risks involved with a vasectomy?
There are few risks associated with vasectomies. Infection is possible, but uncommon. You may experience discomfort or a hematoma (a collection of blood in the scrotum) both of which are not dangerous. There is also a 1/100 to 1/10,000 chance of developing chronic pain, which is rare. Those who consider this procedure often are concerned about decreased sex drive or increased risk of prostate cancer; however, there is no evidence that supports vasectomies are associated with these side effects. A vasectomy will have no impact on a male’s sexual performance/desire or testosterone levels.
How can I prepare for a vasectomy?
Make sure all the information regarding your procedure is coming from your physician. Do not rely solely on the internet or friends and family to prepare. The person who will know your case best is your physician. Additionally, make sure you have a conversation with your partner regarding the procedure. While vasectomies are reversible in theory, insurance often will not pay for reversals and your chances of having children are low, even after the reversal.
Make sure you have a ride to and from the procedure. The anxiety medication and your own discomfort could make driving dangerous on your own. Be sure to shave the scrotum before the procedure and bring compression-type boxer briefs or compression underwear.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Patients should not engage in any strenuous behavior at least 48 hours after the procedure. Activities like mowing the lawn and lifting children, among other heavy lifting could cause increased swelling and lengthen your recovery period. Patients typically experience discomfort for two to five days. Swelling might last up to a couple of weeks.
If you experience redness, fever, or pain that isn’t controlled with pain medication, or drainage at the incision sites, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you have any other concerns regarding your procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your physician.
“My patients are satisfied with the results of their procedure because, in the long run, they can have unprotected intercourse and not worry about conception,” said Urologist, Geoffrey B. Kostiner, MD of TPMG Williamsburg Urology. Unlike many forms of female birth control like pills or tubal ligation that can carry harmful side effects, vasectomies are far less harmful to men.
If you’re considering getting a vasectomy, don’t hesitate to reach out to a TPMG Urologist. The 20-minute procedure is performed in the comfort of a TPMG office, minimizing facility costs associated with vasectomies performed in hospital settings. We can also tailor our care to fit each individual patient’s needs regarding pain management and cost. The relaxing office environment, friendly staff, and decreased expense attracts patients from all over Virginia, from Richmond to Virginia Beach, to have Dr. Kostiner perform their vasectomy.
About Geoffrey B. Kostiner, MD
Geoffrey B. Kostiner, MD, is a board certified Urologist with TPMG Williamsburg Urology. Dr. Kostiner offers state-of-the-art vasectomy services for his patients at a competitive cost. This relatively painless, outpatient procedure is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and has far fewer health risks than traditional female birth control. The 20-minute procedure is performed in the comfort of a TPMG office, minimizing facility costs associated with vasectomies performed in outpatient hospital settings. The relaxing environment and decreased expense attract patients across Virginia, from Richmond to Waynesboro seeking Dr. Kostiner for their vasectomy procedures.
