Vasectomy Animation Overview

Sperm production occurs in the male testis (testicle). Each testis contains seminiferous tubules, which are tiny coiled tubes lined with spermatogonia (sperm stem cells) and sertoli cells (sperm nurse cells) for sperm production. Around the tubes are testosterone-producing cells called Leydig cells, which produce hormones that stimulate the nurse cells and regulate sperm production. It takes roughly 70 days for sperm to develop in the testis and be ready for action.

Movement of Sperm

Newly formed sperm cells move into the epididymis (a tightly coiled duct located above the testis), where special proteins are added to the sperm membrane resulting in highly specialized cells capable of swimming, binding and penetrating the ovum (female egg). Since sperm cells only form a small portion of the ejaculated fluid, the cells are typically mixed with fluids from glands such as prostate, seminal vesicles and Cowper’s gland as they are pushed through the ducts. In fact, a big part of the fluid making up semen comes from the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. From the epididymis, sperm cells move into the vas deferens and then into the urethra.

Sperm after vasectomy

During a vasectomy, the sperm duct (vas deferens) is cut and its ends sealed to prevent passage of sperm into the urethra. So sperm cells are still produced and moved into the epididymis to mature but are not able to pass into the vas deferens because of the blockage at the ends of the vas. After a vasectomy, sperm is still produced but does not get into the ejaculated fluid due to the blockage of the vas deferens. And since the sperm cells cannot move out, they naturally dissolve and are absorbed by the lining (membrane) of the epididymis. Vasectomy does not reduce a man’s ability to have orgasms. In fact, you still have the same mind-blowing experience but without the possibility of a pregnancy.

Does vasectomy have complications?

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and safest methods of birth control. However, like every other surgical procedure, a vasectomy may have complications. Therefore, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Whenever complications occur after a vasectomy, they are usually minor and very easy to treat. For instance, after the procedure a man may experience a dull ache or pain due to pressure on the tiny tubes of the epididymis. This pain is treated with medication, though removal of epididymis sometimes may be recommended. Other possible complications are a risk of infection, fluid accumulation, temporary swelling, transient bruising or bleeding. Vasectomy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Looking for a surgical and medical center where you can have the safest vasectomy procedure? At St Pete Urology, you can be sure of getting one of the most skilled and experienced pool of urologists, latest medical and surgical equipment, and patient-friendly, multidisciplinary services that guarantee the best outcomes. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

What happens to the sperm when you have a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is an effective way of sterilizing men permanently. The surgical procedure involves partially removing (cutting) or blocking both sides of the vas deferens to stop sperm from getting into the semen. A vasectomy is not intended to stop the production of sperm; it just ensures that the sperm produced in the testes does not reach the ejaculate and no longer reaches the female reproductive tract to trigger pregnancy.

So what is the fate of the sperm that is still produced after a vasectomy?

After a vasectomy, your ejaculations remain much the same as before the procedure. You will still produce as much ejaculatory fluid as before and will experience the same feeling and pleasure as before the operation. The only change is that your semen will no longer have sperm. However, since sperm is just around 2-5 percent of the ejaculate volume, there is no significant difference in ejaculate volume after a vasectomy.

Continued production of sperm

The testicles continue to produce sperm even after a vasectomy. The testicles are made up of small, coiled tubes known as seminiferous tubules, which produce sperm. In the tubules are sperm nurse cells that regulate sperm stem cells. The tubules are also surrounded by testosterone-generating cells, which promote sperm development by stimulating the nurse cells and in turn controlling the sperm stem cells. It takes around 70 days for sperm cells to develop fully and be ready for action. After sperm cells are produced, they move into the duct where some proteins are added to improve sperm performance. The sperm then gets into the vas deferens (tubes) for transportation to the ejaculation point.

Fate of sperm after a vasectomy

For sperm to mature, it is usually stored in a tube called the epididymis. The epididymis is a tightly-coiled tube measuring 15-18 feet long where sperm usually leaves to the vas deferens to take part in fertilizing an ovum (egg). After undergoing a vasectomy, the sperm cannot move out of the epididymis. Therefore, most of the sperm is absorbed by the lining (membrane) of the epididymis and dissolves naturally into the body.

Open-ended vasectomy

At St Pete Urology, we use the open-ended vasectomy procedure as part of our no-scalpel, no-needle technique to improve sperm drainage after vasectomy. We understand that a man’s testicles age and the sperm machinery may be less efficient with time. Therefore, instead of leaving our patients to rely solely on the epididymis for sperm disintegration and absorption, we apply the open-ended technique to ensure the bottom end of the tubes (vas deferens) is left open (uncauterized) while cauterizing the end leading to the penis, providing a reliable way for drainage of sperm after a vasectomy. The open-ended technique ensures that sperm is naturally reabsorbed back into the testes without any pain, discomfort or pressure.

Are you planning to have a vasectomy? At St Pete Urology, we perform the procedure using a simple, safe and effective method. Our no-scalpel, no-needle technique ensures quick recovery and a return to work in as soon as 2 days. Want an appointment with our vasectomy experts? Visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

Vasectomy vs Tubal Ligation

Are you done having children or just feel sure you never want kids? If so, then you may consider having a permanent birth control (sterilization) procedure. For couples, sterilization can be performed on either a man or woman, with the procedure for men called a vasectomy while for women it is known as tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied). Sterilization is a common method of birth control, with more than 23 percent of all couples in the United States relying on it to stop having children.

What is tubal ligation? What is vasectomy?

Tubal ligation is a sterilization option for women. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are sealed off or blocked to prevent ova (eggs) moving from the ovary via the fallopian tubes, preventing them from meeting with male sperm. A vasectomy is a sterilization option for men in which a man’s vas deferens tubes are blocked or tied and cauterized to prevent the transportation of sperm during ejaculation. While both vasectomy and tubal ligation are viable options, only one of the two procedures may be necessary when a couple chooses sterilization as a method of birth control. And often, vasectomy is the most preferred method of sterilization for couples because it is simpler, safer, cheaper, more reversible and more effective than tubal ligation.

Safety of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Both tubal ligation and vasectomy are extremely safe. However, tubal ligation involves hospitalization of women as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Tubal ligation is a more complex and lengthier procedure. On the other hand, a vasectomy, particularly the no-scalpel procedure, can be performed in as little as 10 minutes with the patient allowed to go home soon after operation. Vasectomy is less invasive and the doctor barely scores the scrotum skin. So when as a couple you are choosing between a vasectomy and tubal ligation, then the safety, convenience, minimal complications and short recovery time should make vasectomy the better option.

Risks of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is typically a laparoscopic procedure that requires many hours or days of recovery. There also may be serious complications associated with general anesthesia, perforation of intestines or even infection. Tubal ligation also may cause long term side effects such as painful menstrual cycles and pelvic pain, though this occurs rarely. A vasectomy is a simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure which takes less than one hour. It also does not have scientifically proven long-term risks or complications.

Efficacy of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Both vasectomy and tubal ligation are very effective. Studies examining the failure rates of vasectomy and tubal ligation have rated them among the most effective methods of birth control, with less than 1 in 100 chance of pregnancy after sterilization. However, because tubal ligation is more invasive and women have to stop using all forms of contraception after attaining a certain age, vasectomy is more appropriate.

Cost of vasectomy and tubal ligation

The costs associated with vasectomy and tubal ligation is quite different. A tubal ligation costs four times as much as a vasectomy. The average cost of a tubal ligation procedure is $2,000 or more while the average cost of a vasectomy procedure is $500, though the exact price varies from one surgeon to another. Nevertheless, if you have to pay for sterilization straight from your pocket, then a vasectomy may be more preferable as it is less expensive.

Reversibility of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Vasectomy and tubal ligation are considered permanent procedures. While a reversal of either is possible, the reversal procedures are quite expensive and without guarantee of success. While at least half of couples have reported successful pregnancy after a reversal of either type of sterilization, success rates depend on a number of factors, including the age, time since sterilization and type of surgery. So if you are not really sure that you do not want children, you should consider other birth control methods such as the implant (IUD) instead of sterilization.
Birth control is not the sole responsibility of women and their male partners should work with them to choose safer and more effective methods of birth control. A vasectomy has lower risks of complications, lower costs and more convenience than tubal ligation. However, before making a decision, it is important to speak with your doctor to obtain all the crucial information necessary for making an informed decision. At St Pete Urology, we help couples to make the right birth control decisions and to have access to safe and effective procedures. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

Can You Get a Vasectomy Undone?

If for some reason, such as a remarriage or loss of a child after a vasectomy, you choose to have children, can you get a vasectomy undone? Certainly yes! In fact, you can have a vasectomy undone even after a period of time as long as 25 years. However, at St Pete Urology, we are aware that some people may misuse this procedure. For this reason, we are committed to open and informative discussions with our patients before they have a vasectomy, ensuring they know that vasectomy is a permanent birth control method which they should undergo only when certain that they no longer want to have children. We also inform them of the option of vasectomy reversal but only as an ideal option when there is a drastic change of circumstances and a pressing need to have children after a vasectomy.

Outpatient procedure

Vasectomy reversal is often done as an outpatient surgery performed under localized, regional or general anesthesia. Executed with the help of an operating microscope and taking 3-4 hours, vasectomy reversal involves reconnecting the two severed ends of the vas deferens to allow sperm to be transported out of the body. Most men are eligible for a vasectomy reversal, but we usually go through the procedure in detail with our patients to ensure it is right for them.

Techniques for reversing a vasectomy

Before embarking on a reverse vasectomy, the urologist checks for sperm within the vas deferens. The presence or absence of sperm determines the type of surgery performed by the doctor. For instance, if sperm is found within the vas, the urologist will simply need to put the two ends of the vas deferens back together in order to restore male fertility. This procedure is called vasovasostomy, a sewing back together of the severed ends of each tube that carries sperm. In other cases, a blockage closer to the testicle may prevent sperm from reaching the vas. This calls for a more complicated surgery called vasoepididymostomy, which bypasses the blockage. Vasoepididymostomy involves connecting the vas deferens directly to the epididymis (a small organ located at the back of every testicle and which holds sperm).

High success rate

A vasectomy reversal is a more complex procedure that requires more expertise and experience than the original vasectomy. Therefore, it is important that you work with a surgeon who performs vasectomy reversals on a regular basis and who has a track record of success with both types of reversals. When properly performed, vasectomy reversal has a high success rate of 80-95 percent. In fact, the return of sperm (potency rate) is as high as 95 percent, while pregnancy rates vary from 50-70 percent. However, the likelihood to achieve pregnancy after a reversal depends on various factors, including experience of the surgeon, length of time since the vasectomy was done, tissue or tube damage that occurred during original vasectomy, and fertility status and age of your female partner.

Recovery after a reversal

After reversal surgery, it takes 5-14 days to recover. Vasectomy reversal is a minimally-invasive procedure that will not have a heavy toll on your body so you may only expect some soreness in the scrotal area, but this can be relieved with pain medication. However, sexual intercourse and heavy lifting should be avoided during the first 4 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will assess the success of reverse vasectomy by examining your semen 6-8 weeks after the operation. Sperm quality will return to normal 3-6 months after reversal surgery.
At St Pete Urology, we have state-of-the-art facilities, experienced urologists and a patient-centered multidisciplinary approach to ensure your vasectomy reversal is an absolute success. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

How is a Vasectomy Done?

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and safest methods of birth control. It is also a quick, easy and office-based procedure that patients can walk in and out of without assistance. During a vasectomy, the small tubes in the scrotum called vas deferens are either cut or blocked off to prevent sperm from leaving the body to cause pregnancy. The surgical procedure takes 10-30 minutes and you can return home on the same day.

Specialized attention

At St Pete Urology, we ensure that patients get the best and safest operation possible. Our vasectomy procedures are typically performed in the office of a urologist, a doctor specialized in treating conditions of the urinary tract and reproductive system. Prior to the procedure, the urologist discusses all aspects of vasectomy with the patients and their partners as openly and candidly as possible. This ensures that the procedure is performed only on the right patients. We also give all our patients close and confidential attention and help them through the decision-making process.

Types of vasectomy

There are two types of vasectomies: the conventional (incision) method and the non-scalpel [no-cut) method. With the incision method, the urologist makes 1 or 2 small cuts in the scrotum in order to access the vas deferens. A tiny section of the vas deferens is cut and removed, then the ends are cauterized (sealed with heat) and tied with stitches. The urologist completes the operation by performing the same procedure on the other testicle, either via the same opening or a second scrotal incision. After the vas deferens is tied off, the doctor applies skin “glue” or a few stitches to close the opening(s) in the scrotum.

With the non-scalpel method, the urologist makes a tiny puncture hole on one side of the scrotum. Using the hole, the doctor finds and pulls out the vas deferens from under the skin. After cutting and removing a small section of the vas deferens, the doctor ties off or cauterizes its ends before putting it back in place. The procedure then is repeated on the other testicle. No stitches are necessary because the puncture holes are quite small. Since you will be awake throughout the procedure, the doctor gives you a localized anesthetic to numb the scrotum and minimize pain and discomfort. However, you will still feel some pulling and tugging during the procedure.

Recovery

Whether performed through the incision or the non-scalpel method, vasectomy is typically a minimally invasive procedure that you will recover from quickly. After the procedure, you will experience mild to moderate pain and soreness in the scrotal area, but this can be managed easily with pain medication. It will take you about 5-7 days to return to full activity and 1-2 weeks to resume sexual intercourse. Be sure to contact your doctor as soon as you experience any complications.

Ignore the myths

Vasectomy will not change your sexual desire or performance. It does not affect your levels of testosterone, erections and volume of ejaculate. In fact, based on available clinical data, vasectomy does not have any long-term effects on sex drive in men. On the contrary, many men have reported a remarkable improvement in their sexual vigor and enthusiasm after the procedure because they have been relieved of the fear of unwanted pregnancy. Vasectomy also will not increase your risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. So if you are thinking of having a vasectomy, ignore the myths and speak with your doctor for help.

At St Pete Urology, we have offered non-scalpel vasectomies for many years and incision vasectomies for much longer. We provide comprehensive vasectomy services that include pre-procedure consultations, a safe and effective office-based procedure, and all the requisite follow-up testing. If you are thinking about having a vasectomy, call or visit us for help. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

Top 3 Questions Frequently Asked by Women about Vasectomy

For couples who have made the decision not to have any more children, vasectomy is a trustworthy and effective birth control method. Though performed on a man, vasectomy is a permanent birth control method with 99.85 percent efficacy and a guarantee that the woman will not have unwanted pregnancies in the future. It does not interfere with a man’s sex drive, erections, orgasm and ejaculation and is only accompanied by temporary discomfort in men. But as with men, many women have worries about the procedure and are concerned whether it can hurt their relationships, sexually and emotionally. Here are the top 3 FAQs women ask about vasectomy.

1. Is vasectomy a perfect form of contraception?

As a permanent means of preventing pregnancy that works through the cutting of the vas deferens, tubes carrying sperm from the testes to the penis, vasectomy ensures sperm does not exit the penis during ejaculation. After the procedure, a man’s body continues to produce sperm, but the secreted sperm die and get reabsorbed by the body. A man cannot make a woman pregnant after vasectomy as long as the couple has used an alternative birth control method for the first 8-12 weeks after the procedure to allow the sperm count in the semen to drop to zero. Once the man has had a follow up test of the semen to confirm there is a zero sperm count, the couple can enjoy sexual activity without any more worries of pregnancy or need for other birth control methods.

2. Is vasectomy easier and more effective than tubal ligation?

Women can have their “tubes tied” surgically by a gynecologist. Tubal ligation is the closing of the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from reaching an egg (ovum). When not undertaken during a caesarian section (C-section), tubal ligation is a complex procedure requiring a hospital setting, abdominal incisions and general anesthesia, posing a greater risk of complications such as scar tissue, bleeding and longer recovery. On the other hand, vasectomy is a less complex 15-20-minute procedure often performed by a urologist in an ambulatory surgery center (or rarely in the doctor’s office or hospital setting) using local anesthesia and accompanied with minimal to mild discomfort. Vasectomy also can be performed using the no-scalpel technique that requires no incisions, ensuring recovery occurs within a few days. In a sense, vasectomy is easier to perform and more effective in preventing pregnancies than tubal ligation.

3. Can vasectomy be reversed?

For women exploring vasectomy as a permanent birth control method, there is usually the question of what happens when life’s circumstances change after having the procedure and there is a need to conceive naturally. What if we lose all our children or find ourselves in a situation where we need a child after years of having a vasectomy? Well, for such couples, the option of vasectomy reversal can be explored. St. Pete Urology Center has a team of skilled and experienced vasectomy reversal urologists offering reversal services with over 90 percent success rate to couples who wish to have the procedure reversed in order to conceive naturally.

Our team of urologists understands that a vasectomy is a major life decision for couples and provides answers to a broad range of questions on the issue. For more information on vasectomy, visit the site, St Pete Urology.

Are vasectomies permanent?

You may have made the permanent decision to go for a vasectomy so you do not father any more children. But now, the circumstances of your life have changed and you and your partner want a baby. Can you reverse your condition? Well, yes.

Vasectomy reversal surgery can allow you to father a child again. In the U.S. about 600,000 vasectomies are performed each year, but 5 percent of men also seek a vasectomy reversal surgery annually. While there is no guarantee that your fertility will be restored after reversing a vasectomy, the American Urology Association has confirmed that 75-99 percent of men will have sperm return to their semen after the reversal and 30-75 percent of female partners become pregnant following the reversal.

Vasectomy Reversal Procedure

Surgery to reverse a vasectomy is a risk and takes longer to complete than the initial vasectomy procedure, usually 2-4 hours when performed by an experienced urologist. The urologist will apply a local anesthesia or just use general anesthesia. With the help of a powerful surgical microscope, the urologist will reattach the previously severed sperm ducts or vas deferens, with various incisions made on the scrotum to expose the ends of the vas deferens that were severed. The task takes a patient and skilled surgeon to reattach the ends successfully. After reversal surgery, a jockstrap and dressing is applied to create pressure on the incisions. Intermittent ice packs and pain medication are prescribed to reduce swelling and discomfort. The stitches will dissolve in ten days.

What Results Should You Expect?

A critical factor that determines the success of a vasectomy reversal is how long ago the original vasectomy procedure was performed. For instance, if you opted for vasectomy reversal 3-10 years after the original vasectomy, you have up to 97 percent chance of success in rebuilding your vas deferens and at least 50 percent chance of impregnating your partner. Waiting for more than 15 years reduces pregnancy rates to 30 percent. Secondly, one of the effects of a vasectomy is that your body may actually stop recognizing its own sperm, developing antibodies against them. If this occurs, there is a very low chance that vasectomy reversal will restore your ability to impregnate your partner. The urologist will help you determine if this has occurred.

Even though vasectomy reversal is a tempting option, a vasectomy should always be considered permanent. Remember, pregnancy success rates after a vasectomy reversal are very low, influenced by length of time since the original vasectomy, your general health and age, your partner’s fertility, presence of sperm antibodies, and the technique used for reversal. Therefore, you must never take a vasectomy as a sort of experiment that you will reverse in the future. Similarly, results for a vasectomy reversal are not immediate, often taking up to 15 months for sperm to reappear.

Talk to your urologist to determine if you can reverse your vasectomy. For more information on reversing vasectomies, visit the site, St Pete Urology.

How much can a vasectomy cost?

If you and your partner have decided that you do not want any more children, you may be considering a vasectomy. If so, you are definitely not alone. About 600,000 men get vasectomies every year in the United States. And even though you may have questions about the techniques, safety, success rate, reversal, pain or side effects of the procedure, it is also important to consider the cost of a vasectomy.How much does a vasectomy cost? Across the United States, prices vary from one clinic or surgeon to another, ranging between $300 and $3,000 in many urology clinics, or as high as $4,000 to $5,000 in others. Follow-up analysis of semen for the presence of sperm may also cost an extra $75 per visit, though some practices include this fee in their overall package price.

Factors that determine the cost of a vasectomy include:
Where you live – Your residential area or city determines which hospitals and urologists are available. Some areas generally have higher prices than others.

Your personal health status – You will have additional expenses if there are pre-existing health problems.
The technique used for the vasectomy – Various surgical procedures have different degrees of complexity and therefore different costs.

Risks of the procedure – You may have unexpected or additional costs if any emergencies occur during the procedure.

Your health insurance plan – Depending on whether the urologist is in network or out-of-network, your co-insurance, deductible and co-pay amounts will vary, affecting your out-of-pocket payments.

Vasectomies in the United States are evenly divided between providers offering the traditional procedure versus the no-needle, non-scalpel procedure. Typically, the traditional incision vasectomies take 20-30 minutes to perform while non-incision techniques take less time. The recovery time is the same for the traditional and non-incision non-scalpel technique, which is 1 or 2 days of rest followed by a week of no strenuous exercise or work. Pregnancy is still possible after a vasectomy and you are expected to get follow-up sperm counts to confirm complete sterility. Using another form of contraception, such as condoms, is recommended for 2-4 months (12-24 ejaculations) while the presence of sperm in semen is still being monitored.

Cost of Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

While vasectomies are considered permanent, a change in circumstances may call for a reversal. Reverse vasectomy, also called Vasovasostomy, means reconnecting the tubes (vas deferens) that were cut during a vasectomy. Vasectomy reversal surgery has a success rate of 85%-98%, but the procedure is not inexpensive, costing at least $4,900 compared to the lowest vasectomy cost of $300.

At St Pete Urology, we understand that cost is not the only consideration when selecting a urologist for your vasectomy procedure. Therefore, we strive to provide competitive rates for all our procedures without compromising the quality of our health care. We offer many treatment options and we are committed to making the procedure as quick and comfortable as possible. For more information about our medical services and rates, visit St Pete Urology in St Peetersburg, Florida.

What is the success rate of vasectomy?

Do you have the number of children you’ve always wanted? Have you decided that parenthood is not for you? If you feel ready for a family planning method that will free you from ever worrying about unexpected pregnancies again, vasectomy may be the permanent birth control method for you. During a vasectomy procedure, the surgeon will cut the tube known as the vas deferens in order to stop sperm from getting into semen and causing pregnancy.

How reliable is vasectomy?

Success rate of vasectomyVasectomy is a more reliable method of preventing pregnancy than any other method of birth control. For instance, in comparison to the female equivalent called tubal ligation (a surgery performed to tie off the fallopian tubes and prevent an egg from meeting sperm cells) there are zero fatalities per 100,000 vasectomies but about 4 deaths for the same number of tubal ligations. The cost of a vasectomy is $700-900 while tubal ligation is about $2,500, and the overall failure rate of vasectomy is 1 in 1000 as opposed to tubal ligation’s rate of 1 in 200. Vasectomy is simpler, safer and has a shorter recovery time than tubal ligation.

What is the success rate of vasectomy?

Vasectomy has a success rate of more than 99%. It is generally agreed that a 1 in 2000 failure rate with vasectomy is vastly better than the 1 in 200 cases of tubal ligation. In fact, according to a 2005 review of total failures with vasectomy, it was reported that only 183 failures occurred in 43,642 vasectomies (just 0.4%), with 60 pregnancies occurring after 92,184 vasectomies (0.07%). Nevertheless, a vasectomy may fail if your surgeon misses the vas deferens during the operation or, in extremely rare cases, if the tube grows back. If tube re-growth occurs, the vas deferens will be much smaller than it was before the vasectomy.

In some cases, sperm can cross from one cut end of the vas deferens to the other, particularly during the first 3 months of the procedure. This is why your urologist will advise you that the procedure is not immediately effective and you must use another form of contraception until you have provided two semen samples that are sperm free, typically 2-3 months after a vasectomy. If your urologist finds sperm after repeated tests of your semen, you may have to repeat the procedure. About 1% of vasectomies are repeated before they become fully effective.

Will vasectomy affect your performance?

After many years of study, vasectomy has not been associated with any physical or health problem. It will not affect your virility as it does not change the production of the male hormone, testosterone. Therefore, your sex drive, erection, ejaculation, sexual pleasure and male characteristics will remain unchanged. In fact, 30% of men have reported improved sexuality after vasectomy, an improvement attributed to reduced worries about pregnancy. Following vasectomy, sperm production will continue but at a reduced rate and the sperm produced will die and get absorbed by the body as it normally happens in men who do not ejaculate their sperm.

Remember, a vasectomy means you will not be able to father a child, at least not without the huge cost and complications of reversal surgery. Therefore, you must never undertake vasectomy lightly. Before you and your partner choose this method of birth control, you should both consider it carefully. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of the procedure, the technique to be used, and whether it is appropriate for you. Want to know more about vasectomy? Visit St Pete Urology in St Petersburg, Florida.

What are the risks of getting a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a popular and effective method of family planning. It carries less risk than the equivalent of tubal ligation in women, and it provides greater efficacy. In fact, it stands out as one of the best and safest forms of contraception provided that the patient fully understands potential risks associated with the procedure. For example, a common concern with vasectomy is that a man might later change his mind about wanting to have children. Although vasectomy can be reversed, there is usually no guarantee that the reversal will be a success and the reversal surgery is also more complicated and expensive. Therefore, before you opt for a vasectomy, be certain that you do not want to father a child in the future.

So what risks are associated with a vasectomy? For most men, vasectomy does not cause noticeable side effects and rarely causes complications. Nevertheless, while vasectomy is safe and highly effective, some problems might occur after surgery and over time.

Surgical Risks

Following the procedure, most men experience mild pain, discomfort, bruising and mild swelling, all of which disappear within two weeks. However, certain problems may require the attention of a health care provider. Bleeding or hematoma (blood clot) inside the scrotum or bleeding under the skin may cause painful swelling and requires urgent medical attention. As with any surgery, the area operated on may become infected. Scrotal redness, tenderness and fever are signs of infection.

Delayed Risks

The risk of delayed problems is quite small, but they do occur. One such possibility is the presence of a granuloma (lump in the scrotum) formed from leakage of sperm out of the vas deferens and into the tissue. Another is post-vasectomy pain syndrome, a chronic pain in the testicles that occurs in a small percentage of men. A spermatocele is an abnormal cyst that develops in the epididymis and a hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac that may form around the testicle and cause swelling in the scrotum.

Vasectomy failure, although extremely rare, is known to happen. There is a 1-in-1000 risk that a vasectomy will fail. If this occurs, pregnancy may occur and a repeat procedure may be necessary.

Some men have certain unfounded concerns about vasectomies. It is important to know that a vasectomy will not affect sexual performance or cause permanent damage or severe pain to your sexual organs, nor will it increase your risk of testicular or prostate cancer or heart disease.

At St Pete Urology in St Petersburg, Florida we have offered vasectomy services for many years. We have a team of experienced, board-certified urologists and medical staff to guarantee a successful procedure. At St Pete Urology, you will get an initial consultation, treatment, recovery advice and aftercare assistance 24/7. For more information, visit St Pete Urology at our clinic or online.