Is vasectomy the best male birth control for me?

Vasectomy is a practical birth control option for men who no longer want to have children. And it’s likely a procedure you can have done at your local Gundersen clinic.

What is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that offers permanent birth control for men. The procedure involves cutting the vas deferens – the tubes that carry sperm – to keep sperm from reaching the prostate gland and mixing with semen. By stopping the flow of sperm, vasectomy prevents pregnancy. You are still able to ejaculate after having a vasectomy, but you can’t make a woman pregnant.

How is a vasectomy performed?

Traditional vasectomies and no-scalpel vasectomies are both highly effective birth control options. The main difference is how the surgeon accesses the vas deferens during surgery.

“In the majority of cases, vasectomy is performed in the office under local anesthesia,” says Gundersen urologist Thomas Londergan, MD.

Traditional vasectomy

The surgeon makes a small incision on each side of the scrotum to access the vas deferens. The vas deferens is then cut, tied off and sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the semen.

No-scalpel vasectomy

A no-scalpel vasectomy is a minimally invasive technique that allows access to the vas deferens through a small puncture in the scrotum rather than incisions. Similarly to a traditional vasectomy, the vas deferens is then cut, tied and sealed.

A no-scalpel vasectomy typically results in less bleeding, bruising and discomfort compared to a traditional vasectomy. Patients also typically experience shorter recovery time and lower risk of complications.

Vasectomy recovery

If you decide to have a vasectomy, do your best to pick a date that will allow you proper time to rest and recover. It is important to limit activities for the first day or two after a vasectomy procedure and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for seven days.

Bruising and swelling in the testicles is normal, though most men experience little to no discomfort. A dull ache in your testicles may last for a few days. Here are some ways to lessen the pain:

• Apply an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes at a time
• Wear tight briefs or a jock strap
• Take acetaminophen as needed

Vasectomy FAQs

Answers to these common questions may help you determine if vasectomy is the right choice for you.

Is a vasectomy painful?

Vasectomy is typically a low-pain procedure, though pain levels can vary from person to person. It is common to experience some discomfort or mild pain during and after the procedure. Your doctor can provide more specific information based on your individual circumstances.
 

How effective is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a highly effective form of permanent birth control for men as the failure rate for the procedure is very low. However, it is important to use other forms of birth control until a follow-up test confirms that you are sterile. That test is usually done one to two months after your surgery. 
“For men and couples who are comfortable with the decision not to have children, vasectomy is an excellent choice,” explains Dr. Londergan. “It is important to have the follow-up test after the procedure to confirm the result, but once sterility is confirmed then other forms of contraception can be safely discontinued.”

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

You should consider vasectomy to be irreversible, though most vasectomies can be reversed. Success often depends on the type of vasectomy you had and how much time has passed since your vasectomy procedure. Most men who undergo a vasectomy reversal will again have sperm in their semen, though that does not always mean they will be able to have a child.

What are the risks of a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is generally considered a safe and effective male birth control option. “Although no procedure is without risk, the likelihood of any serious complication or long-term side effects is extremely low,” says Dr. Londergan. 
Vasectomy side effects you may experience include:

• Infection 
• Bleeding or bruising 
• Sperm granuloma – uncomfortable swelling in the scrotum caused by sperm leaking from the vas deferens 
• Reaction to anesthesia 
• Tubes may grow back together 
• Chronic testicular pain

Does a vasectomy affect sexual function?

Vasectomy doesn’t affect your ability to have sex or experience pleasure. It eliminates the need for other forms of birth control, so it can provide you and your partner freedom from the worry of unplanned pregnancy.

Does insurance cover vasectomies?

Many health insurance plans cover the cost of vasectomy, though coverage can vary depending on your individual insurance provider and plan. It is important to review your insurance policy and contact your insurance provider to better understand the details of your coverage.

The impact of vasectomy on lifestyle

Vasectomy typically has minimal impact on lifestyle outside of the brief recovery in the days after surgery. The biggest change is that you won’t be able to have children, so it’s important to talk over your options with your partner.

Discussing vasectomy with your partner

Vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of male birth control for those who are sure they don’t want any more children. It’s important to carefully consider your decision and discuss it with your partner. Gundersen’s urology experts are happy to answer any questions if either of you have questions or concerns about how vasectomy may impact your lifestyle.

How to schedule a vasectomy

Reach out to Gundersen Urology if you’re interested in scheduling a vasectomy. Make sure to ask if vasectomy is offered at your local Gundersen clinic. Find a location near you.