Vasectomy is one of the only forms of male birth control available today. It’s a safe, simple procedure that involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis — and it’s nearly 100% effective to prevent pregnancy.
At Advanced Urology, our surgeons perform no-scalpel vasectomies for men of all ages. We use local anesthesia, and most vasectomies only take about 20-30 minutes, with a few days of recovery afterward.
While getting a vasectomy is a relatively straightforward procedure, it's important to be prepared and know what to expect beforehand. It’s a permanent form of birth control, so here’s what you should consider if you’re thinking about getting one.
Start by learning what will happen during the procedure. In no-scalpel vasectomy, your surgeon administers local anesthesia and makes a small puncture in your scrotum to access your vas deferens, the tube through which sperm travel from the testicles to the urethra. They cut or block the vas deferens tubes, which stops sperm from mixing with semen.
The puncture is so small that it doesn’t require stitches. You’re free to go home right away, and the puncture heals on its own in a few days.
While vasectomies are generally safe, there are a few potential risks and complications to be aware of. These can include bleeding, infection, or pain at the site of the incision.
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control, so it's important to be sure you’re comfortable with your decision before proceeding. If you think you might want the option to father a child in the future, getting a vasectomy may not be the best choice for you.
Although vasectomies can be reversed, results aren’t guaranteed. Talk to our team about other long-acting birth control options that you and your partner can consider, like an intrauterine device (IUD), arm implant, or birth control pills.
You should find a skilled provider with experience performing vasectomies. Your doctor should explain the procedure and risks to you, answer any questions you have, and help you feel comfortable.
Our surgeons at Advanced Urology specialize in no-scalpel vasectomies. No-scalpel procedures offer faster, more comfortable recovery, and we’ve performed thousands in our offices.
You’ll be able to walk out of the office after your vasectomy, but full recovery takes a few days. Schedule your vasectomy for a time when you can take it easy for a few days afterward.
Plan to work from home, take a few days off, or otherwise rearrange your schedule to allow for plenty of rest. You should also discuss the timing of your vasectomy with your partner, because it will affect both of you.
After your vasectomy, you’ll need to rest for a few days. We may recommend wearing supportive underwear or a jock strap to help reduce swelling. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few days.
Plan to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, or until we give you the OK to resume. Once you start having sex again, you’ll need to keep using other forms of birth control. It can take several months for sperm to clear out of your system. We monitor your sperm count and tell you when it’s safe to stop using other birth control methods.
Vasectomy is a simple and effective way for men to take control of their fertility. If you think vasectomy might be right for you, schedule a consultation with our team. Call our offices in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, or San Pedro, California, or send us a message online to get started.
