What is vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and low-risk surgical procedure used as a form of male birth control. The surgery involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles.

A vasectomy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. While it doesn’t usually present major risks or complications, some discomfort can occur, such as:

• Pain
• Bruising
• Infection
• Swelling

This birth control method is recommended for those who:

• Don’t want to use other forms of birth control, such as condoms.
• Don’t wish to have children.
• Are in a high-risk pregnancy that could jeopardize the woman’s health.
• Have a genetic disorder they don’t want to pass on to a child.

If you have testicular pathology or chronic testicular pain, a vasectomy is not for you. Consult with your doctor about other alternatives.

Vasectomy Risks and Complications

Although a vasectomy does not typically cause complications or side effects, in some cases, the following risks may occur after the surgery:

• Elevated temperature
• Redness and tenderness of the scrotum
• Scrotal bruising
• Hydrocele (swelling of the scrotum)
• Infection at the surgical site
• Spermatocele
• Bleeding under the skin, which can cause painful swelling
• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome

In rare cases, the vas deferens can grow and reconnect, which may cause sperm to mix with semen, leading to a possible pregnancy. However, postoperative medical care significantly reduces these risks.

The Procedure

A vasectomy is performed under local anesthesia, which means you will be awake and a medication will be given to numb the surgical area. The surgery takes between 15 and 35 minutes.

A vasectomy is considered successful after your doctor examines your semen a week after the surgery to ensure it no longer contains sperm.

It’s important that after the surgery you:

• Protect the scrotum with a bandage and tight-fitting underwear for at least 48 hours after the vasectomy.
• Use a scrotal support for 3 to 4 days.
• Apply cold compresses to the scrotum for the first few days.
• Avoid exercising and lifting objects, especially during the first week.
• Avoid having sexual intercourse for at least the first two weeks.

At the Internal Medicine Department of Centro Médico ABC, we provide high-quality and safe medical services, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, as well as chronic-degenerative and acute conditions, through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary model.

Related Centers and Departments:

Internal Medicine
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

• urologyhealth.org
• clevelandclinic.org
• nih.gov
• reproduccionasistida.org
• elsevier.es
• medlineplus.gov
• mayoclinic.org
• medigraphic.com
• Baralis AP, Corella SA, Ye NLYM. Anticoncepción masculina. Revista Médica Sinergia. 2021;6(03):1-14.
• Córdoba BDI, Valdepeña ERE, Sapién LJS, et al. Perfil de varones que confirman azoospermia mediante espermatobioscopia después de la vasectomía sin bisturí. Rev Elec Psic Izt. 2016;19(1):153-170.
• Ramos-Salazar LV, Castañeda-Sánchez O, López-Ruiz EM. Factores biopsicosociales que influyen en la elección de la vasectomía. Aten Fam. 2015;22(3):82-86.