A vasectomy is a minor, 15-minute office-based procedure meant for permanent male contraception where the 2 tubes (i.e. left and right ‘vas’) that transport sperm are cut and separated. The tiny skin puncture (5 mm) heals on its own. No stitches are necessary.

The success rate of a vasectomy is more than 99.95% effective under Dr. Eiley’s care.

HOW COMMON IS A VASECTOMY?
In Canada, approximately 20% of fertile couples choose a vasectomy for birth control. The vast majority of vasectomies are performed by urologists, who specialize in the surgical management of the male reproductive system.

The “No Scalpel” vasectomy has been shown to have fewer complications and most patients find the method to be surprisingly gentle. The procedure itself takes under 15 minutes.

Local anesthesia is administered by a tiny needle under the skin (NOT in the testicles). There will be a tiny pinch for a few seconds, similar to the feeling of a mosquito bite, which is barely felt. The area will be numbed so that you remain comfortable during the rest of the procedure. Before continuing, the area is ‘tested’ to ensure the freezing has taken.

Each vas tube (left and right) is cut, a segment is removed, the tips are sealed and other normal existing tissue is placed between the 2 cut ends. These represent SEVERAL fail-safe mechanisms to block the passage of sperm permanently.

The success rate is excellent, as determined by the following:

• A 1/2000 chance of failure
• Continuous use of birth control must be used for a least 3 months after the procedure, at which point a ‘sperm count’ test must be done to confirm success of the procedure

IS VASECTOMY REALLY PERMANENT?
Every man who undergoes a vasectomy should consider it to be a permanent method of birth control, or contraception. However, a small percentage of men who undergo vasectomy do wish to have more children. Options to achieve pregnancy after undergoing vasectomy include vasectomy reversal—in which the small ducts that are cut during vasectomy are re-connected. Since a man’s testicles do not stop producing sperm after a vasectomy, sperm can also be extracted from the testicle. Sperm banking—or, freezing sperm—prior to vasectomy is another option.

Other methods of birth control are available and can be discussed with your family physician, your partner’s obstetrician/gynecologist or your urologist. For example:

• Condoms
• Diaphragms
• Intrauterine device (IUD)
• Hormone implants
• Oral contraceptive pills (OCP)

• Fully shave the scrotal sac 2-7 days before the procedure (straight blade or clipper). You do not have to shave the pubic hair above the penis
• Come accompanied only if you like (not required). You WILL be able to drive yourself home afterwards
• Plan on going home after the procedure in order to begin applying a cold compress to the area. If you have far (>1 hour) to drive, you can consider bringing an ice pack to the procedure and begin using it soon thereafter
• Wear tight, snug underwear that ‘hugs’ the scrotum to the procedure
• Avoid blood thinners, such as Ibuprofen in the few days leading up to the procedure. Stop taking any prescription blood-thinners as per your doctor’s instructions
• Eat a small, nutritious meal before the vasectomy to prevent light-headedness or nausea that can occur after fasting for several hours
• Shower before surgery to ensure the site is appropriately cleaned before the procedure. A sterile medical disinfectant will be applied to the area immediately prior to the procedure

1. The local anesthesia (i.e. ‘freezing’) wears off about 1 hour later
2. No prescription medications are required after the procedure. You can take Acetaminophen if there is any discomfort after the freezing wears off. This is rarely needed (avoid Ibuprofen or ASA for the first 3 days)
3. Take it easy for 2-3 days (avoid sports, intercourse, strenuous activities)
4. Use good personal judgement as to when to resume full physical activities
5. You may resume sexual activity when comfortable anytime after 3 days
6. You CAN shower
7. You should not submerse the scrotum in water (pool, hot tub, bath) for at least 1 week
8. There is a tiny nick in the skin where the procedure was done
9. There are NO stitches
10. There is a band aid on the skin
11. If the band aid falls off; just place a dab of any antibiotic ointment (ex: Polysporin) on the skin and place a new, small regular adhesive bandage (ex: Band-Aid) for approximately 7 days
12. Intermittently ice (or soft ice pack, frozen corn, etc.) the scrotal sac (ex: 10 minutes every ½ hour while awake). This will help prevent swelling/bruising
13. You must do a sperm analysis test in a lab at least 3 months after your vasectomy. A telephone appointment can be made to share these results and answer any questions or concerns that you may have
14. You must use another form of birth control until your urologist confirms sperm are no longer in your semen
15. Return to work the following day if it is not physically vigorous
16. For heavy physical labour, consider taking 2-3 days off work

There are NO changes sexually, including:

• Sex drive (libido)
• Hormone levels (ie Testosterone)
• Erections, orgasm, ejaculation (minor decreased volume only). When you ejaculate there will still be semen fluid that comes out, just no live sperm. Following a vasectomy, the testes still produce sperm, but sperm die and are absorbed by the body

All surgical procedures have some risk, but complications after a vasectomy are rare. In fact, the American Urological Association notes that complication rates are around 1% to 2%. Complications can include the following:

• Bruising. This can be localized to the scrotal sac or extend up to the base of the penis. Although rare, when it occurs, it typically resolves fully after approximately 1 week
• Infections. Some men develop an infection after their vasectomy. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. This is extremely rare
• Hematoma. A hematoma occurs when blood collects in the scrotum after surgery. It often goes away on its own, but men should call their doctor if their scrotum gets bigger or becomes painful
• Sperm granuloma. When a vas deferens is cut, stray sperm cells can leak out. The immune system responds, which can lead to inflammation and, eventually, a small mass called a sperm granuloma. The mass is benign (not cancerous). A sperm granuloma can cause some temporary discomfort, but it usually goes away on its own. Pain medications may help. If it is especially bothersome, it may need to be surgically removed
• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome. A very small percentage of men can have chronic pain after vasectomy due to fluid buildup in the scrotum. Pain medications and warm baths may help. In more severe cases, surgery—or a vasectomy reversal procedure—may be needed
• There is NO increased risk of prostate or testicle cancer
• A vasectomy is not effective in preventing STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections)

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact our office for a prompt reply.