A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that produces infertility by blocking the transport of sperm through the vas deferens. It is a form of
permanent contraception
, often performed by a vasectomy specialist who can be a urologist, a family physician or, sometimes, a general surgeon.
Although a vasectomy problem or complications is not likely, it is probably better to locate a vasectomy doctor who focuses more on vasectomies who will explain any risks before you make an informed decision. Information should include answers to all your questions about side effects, vesectomy success and failure rates and cost.
This safe and effective vasectomy procedure – frequently performed as a no-scalpel vasectomy – is often done in a doctor’s office in about 20 minutes. This is a permanent birth control that may not be able to reversed without microsurgery
.
Gallery and Glossary
The following pictures illustrate portions of the male reproductive system with information to define terms related to sterilization and
birth control
.
This diagram illustrates the primary elements of the male reproductive system.
Portions of the system pictured include:
-
Bladder - a muscular, elastic pouch that serves to store and expel urine.
-
Epididymis - tightly coiled, very small tubes covering the back and sides of the testis, where sperm are stored and mature after leaving the testis.
-
Prostate Gland - the gland that contributes to seminal secretions and where the ejaculatory ducts, the vas deferens and the urethra join.
-
Seminal Vesicle - a gland that produces a component of seminal secretions, the fluid that is ejaculated by a man at sexual climax. The fluid transports and nourishes the sperm.
-
Testes - (testicles) located in the scrotum, the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and testosterone.
-
Urethra - the passageway running from the bladder to the penis, which carries urine and semen outside the body.
-
Vas Deferens - the two muscular tubes that carry sperm from the testicle and epididymis to the urethra of the prostate. Each tube is referred to as a vas. Together, they are called vasa.
The
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
does not require a scalpel; there are no incisions (only one or two very small openings) and, frequently, no stitches. It does not affect sexual function, but when complete, the vas deferens no longer carry sperm from the testicle. It is important to carefully review and follow the instructions and information from your doctor.
Most patients report that pain or discomfort following the procedure usually is mild and controlled with medication. Return to work is typical in a week or less. Vasectomy doctors or specialists will usually advise that reversing the procedure - reversal - is not always possible, so the procedure should be considered permanent.
No-Needle Vasectomy
-
a term that focuses on a new delivery anesthesia technique for vasectomies. This less invasive technique offers men a highly effective alternative, in most cases, to a needle. In a traditional vasectomy, an anesthetic is delivered via a needle into the scrotum to numb the area before the surgical procedure.
With the ”No Needle Vasectomy”, the anesthetic is delivered into the target area with a spray anesthetic jet injector, thereby avoiding needles and their associated pain. The result is a more accepting patient, when fear of needles in the scrotum has prevented the man from considering this highly effective way to achieve permanent birth control. Fortunately, the No Needle technique can be used with other less invasive techniques such as the No-Scalpel Vasectomy. This technique is slowly spreading across North America. More information can be obtained at www.noneedlevasectomy.com.
The No-Needle jet spray device looks like this:
For more information about vasectomies or to use an online
FIND A DOCTOR
directory,
CLICK HERE.
Additional vasectomy procedure videos and images at the Cornell University No-Scalpel VasectomyCenter
CLICK HERE.
