Before the vasectomy, the doctor may give you a mild sedative to relax you. When the local anesthetic is injected into the skin of the scrotum, you will feel some discomfort. But as soon as it takes effect, you should feel no pain. Afterwards – lets be honest – you will be sore for a couple of days, and you might want to take a mild painkiller. Bu the discomfort is usually less than the no-scalpel technique, because there is less injury to the tissues. Also, there are no stitches. Your doctor or nurse will provide you with complete instructions about what to do after surgery.
How soon can I go back to work?
You should not do heavy physical labor for at least 48 hours after your vasectomy. If your job doesn’t involve this kind of work, you can go back sooner. Many men have their vasectomies on Friday so they can take it easy over the weekend and go back to work on Monday.
Will vasectomy change me sexually?
The only thing that will change is that you will not be able to make your partner pregnant. Your body will continue to produce the hormones that make you a man. You will have the same amount of semen. Vasectomy won’t change your beard, your muscles, your sex drive, your erections, or your climaxes. And you won’t sing soprano. Some men say that without the worry of accidental pregnancy and the bother of other birth control methods, sex is more relaxed and enjoyable than before.
Will I be sterile right away?
No. After a vasectomy, there are always some active sperm left in your system. It takes about 20 ejaculations to clear them. You and your partner should use some other form of birth control until your doctor tests your semen and tells you it is free of sperm.
When can I start having sex again?
As soon as you are comfortable, but remember to use some other kind of birth control until the doctor says you are sterile.
Does vasectomy cause any medical problems?
Most medical experts, including special panels convened by the National Institutes of Health and by the World Health Organization, have concluded that vasectomy is a safe procedure. A number of studies have examined the health effects of vasectomy. The body of research evidence continues to be reassuring and suggests that vasectomized men are no more likely than other men to develop heart disease, cancer, or other illnesses.
Will it protect me from getting or passing on STDs or AIDS?
No. It will only prevent you from making your partner pregnant. If you or your partner have a sexual disease or have more than one sexual partner, the best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a latex condom.
Can a no-scalpel vasectomy be reversed?
No more than any other vasectomy procedure. All vasectomies should be considered permanent. Reversal operations are expensive and not always successful. If you are thinking about reversal, perhaps vasectomy is not right for you.
How much will a vasectomy cost?
Costs will include the doctor’s fee, medication, counseling, clinic fees, and a follow-up visit to check your semen. Amounts will vary; family planning clinics usually cost less than private doctors. The doctor or clinic should tell you in advance how much it will be. Your insurance company may pay for sterilization, or you may be able to get coverage through Medicaid or a military medical plan. For more information about help with payment, contact your local social service or welfare office.
