PREOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR VASECTOMY
 
ABOUT VASECTOMIES: Vasectomy is a safe and effective means of contraception, but it is a permanent form of sterilization. Vasectomies can be reversed, but this is a detailed operation. You should be aware that sperm banking is available.

The procedure is done in our office and takes about 20 minutes. The skin is anesthetized with Xylocaine (lidocaine) and 1 or 2 small openings are made in the skin. The left and right tubes (vas deferens) are partially removed through these openings. The ends are tied or clipped. The skin is closed with an absorbable suture.

You are advised to relax that evening and most men can resume regular activity the next day. But, heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 7 days.

Less than 1% of men develop a pain syndrome after the procedure. Sperm continue to be made in the testicle. They are stored in the tubular network and disintegrate there over time. Sperm are absorbed just as they would for a man who is celibate and does not ejaculate. This congestion in the tubular network may lead to this pain syndrome.

You may resume sexual activity, but you are not cleared for unprotected intercourse until you have 2 negative sperm analyses about 6 and 8 weeks after the procedure. You must verify the proper lab based on your insurance carrier.

There is a small but finite risk of a vasectomy reversing itself and that risk is as high as 1/165 per lifetime. There is no risk that a vasectomy will caused prostate cancer.

The bottom line is that if you are certain that you want a permanent form of sterilization, vasectomy is clearly the safest and most effective way to achieve that.
 
ONE WEEK BEFORE:
Do not take aspirin, Plavix or other blood-thinning medications for seven (7) days prior to your procedure.

THE NIGHT BEFORE:
To prevent infection, it is mandatory that you shave the hair from the pubic area and genitals.  After shaving the area, thoroughly wash the penis and scrotum and then shower using your usual soap to remove all loose hair. Please shower again the day of your appointment for surgery.

DAY OF SURGERY:
Please make sure to eat breakfast or lunch so as not to come to the office on an empty stomach.  Also, it is mandatory that you bring an athletic supporter with you to the office at the time of the operation.

POSTOPERATIVE:
You should have no problem driving home after the operation.  Your spouse need not accompany you at the time of the procedure.

Prostate Cancer
Interstitial Cystitis
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Cyberknife Technology
Cryosurgery
Kidney Stones
Laparoscopic Surgery
Low Testosterone
Stereotatic Radiosurgery at Somerset Medical Center
Vasectomy