Frequently Asked Questions
Worried about your vasectomy? We get it, they can be scary. Trust the PRO.
Will it decrease my sex drive?
Changes in sex drive are rare, far more rare than the changes in drive experienced by women who take contraceptive pills and shots. A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2014 showed that the sexual drive and responses of women often improve after their partners undergo vasectomy.
Will it decrease my performance?
90% of men notice no change, but when there is a change, it is usually a positive one.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a procedure that blocks the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. The purpose is to prevent pregnancy. The procedure is done by making a very small opening in the skin in the front of the scrotum, then separating the tubes. Vasectomy is simple, inexpensive, and effective.
What are the potential complications of a vasectomy?
Overall, a vasectomy is considered an extremely low-risk procedure, but it does come with some potential risks. Short-term risks may include reactions to anesthesia, pain, infection, bruising, and bleeding or hematoma. Long-term risks could involve granuloma formation (a lump of scar tissue), chronic scrotal pain, and the continued ability to conceive a child. While these complications are uncommon, at Vasectomy Pro, we take measures to significantly reduce these risks.
What is the recovery after a vasectomy like?
Most men feel some soreness for a night or two and then they feel fine. Relax with your feet up on the day of your vasectomy. If you choose, you can return to office work or light activity the following day. Don’t schedule vigorous activities until 1 week after your vasectomy.
Will my insurance cover the vasectomy cost?
Typically health insurance will cover the cost of your vasectomy after you have met your deductible. Contact our office for further information as each health insurance provider can vary. We will provide you with a charge estimate prior to your vasectomy.
Will I be able to notice any change in my semen?
No, most men will never notice any change in their semen. Most of the semen is made in the prostate and seminal vesicles, with only a small portion of the total volume being made in the testes. After a vasectomy, the prostate and seminal vesicles still make the same secretions, so neither you nor your partner will notice any change in the semen. The only way to tell is with a microscope.
How is a vasectomy done without a scalpel?
A pointed hemostat is used to make a tiny opening into anesthetized skin of the scrotum. A ring clamp is then used initially to secure each vas tube through this opening. The pointed hemostat is then used to spread all the tissue layers surrounding the vas tube to then deliver a small loop of the vas through the opening as the ring clamp is released. The vas tubes are then divided and the upper end cauterized with a hand-held cautery unit so that it will seal closed.
Will it decrease testosterone production?
There is no change in testosterone production.
Can a man still have a baby after a vasectomy?
If you change your mind after a vasectomy, you can explore vasectomy reversal or sperm aspiration for IVF. However, it's wise to complete your family planning before getting a vasectomy, as these options may not always be successful.
Do I have to wait the full 3 months to check my semen for sperm?
A semen check is a crucial part of confirming a vasectomy’s success. You should consider yourself “fertile” until a semen analysis confirms that no sperm are present. Submitting your semen sample too early can lead to inaccurate results. Waiting three months allows time for any remaining sperm to be cleared, increasing the likelihood of a “no sperm” result. Additionally, while rare, there is a small chance that the tubes could reconnect after a vasectomy. Therefore, it’s essential not to skip this important follow-up step.
Can I still get pregnant if my husband has had a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is over 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancies after proven clearance of sperm from semen. The semen analysis test performed 3 months after the procedure to ensure there is no sperm in the semen.
Does a vasectomy affect erections?
There will be no change in erections. A vasectomy has no effect on the hormones, bodily processes, or penile structures that affect your ability to get an erection. A recent study showed improved female desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication and satisfaction following male partner vasectomy.
Does a vasectomy increase my risk of getting prostate cancer?
Recent research shows that a vasectomy does not significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer. A comprehensive Mendelian randomization study, which examined various factors including genetic predisposition, PSA testing history, BMI, and prostate cancer incidence, found no strong link between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk. Even after considering PSA testing and BMI, no clear causal relationship was identified.
How is a vasectomy done without a needle?
Traditionally, local anesthetic was injected into the skin and vas tubes with a needle, but many dislike needles. The MadaJet® uses a high-pressure spray to deliver anesthetic, penetrating the skin about 3/16" to numb the vas tubes effectively. Each vas is sprayed 2-3 times, providing adequate numbing for 99% of men. The remaining 1%, typically those with thick skin or scarring, may need additional anesthetic with a needle, often without pain due to the MadaJet's partial anesthesia.
Are vasectomies reversible?
Yes, however the chances of vasectomy reversal success depend on how much time has passed between the vasectomy and the reversal.
What are the alternatives to a vasectomy?
There are many methods of contraception. A vasectomy is a great choice when you want your method to be low-cost, highly effective, and permanent. There are times in life when you want a less-permanent method, or you just want to know your options. Below is a useful link to compare other methods:
Does a vasectomy hurt?
Your vasectomy will be pain free… or almost. You will have little or no discomfort during the vasectomy. Almost all men say that it is easier than going to the dentist or getting blood drawn! The doctor uses local anesthetic spray (no needle) to numb the skin and area around the vas tubes. The vasectomy site does NOT involve the testicles or penis, thus you are spared discomfort in these sensitive areas.
How effective is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is the simplest, safest, and most effective form of permanent birth control. It has a 99.9% success. It is more effective at preventing pregnancy than any other method, except abstinence.
Will there be any long-term effects?
There is no link between vasectomies and prostate cancer. The American Urological Association considers the risk too small to address. Factors like dairy, meat, alcohol, and sexual habits have a greater impact on prostate cancer risk.
What happens to sperm after a vasectomy?
The sperm is reabsorbed by your body. Our bodies are very good at reabsorbing cells that are getting old or that don’t get used. For example, you make new red blood cells every day and your body does not become swollen or explode with excess blood cells. The body just reabsorbs the blood cells after a while. Similarly, the body will reabsorb the sperm that are produced by the testes but not used after the vasectomy.