Vasectomy Procedure Explained
Making the decision to have a vasectomy can feel daunting, but there’s no need to worry.
Most men tolerate the procedure very well and recover quickly.
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The following explains what to expect on the day of your vasectomy procedure:
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1. Pre-Vasectomy Consultation
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Before your vasectomy procedure, your doctor will conduct a consultation to:
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Confirm your decision to undergo permanent sterilization with a vasectomy.
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Review your medical history and ensure you are not taking medications, such as aspirin or warfarin, that may require postponement of the procedure.
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Go over the consent form to ensure you understand the risks and potential complications of having a vasectomy.
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Perform a brief examination to confirm the vas deferens can be felt.
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2. The Vasectomy Procedure
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After your consultation, you will be taken to the procedure room.
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You will be asked to remove your pants and underwear and make yourself comfortable on the bed. A sheet will be placed over you while the team prepares for your vasectomy.
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Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the chance of infection.
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Your doctor will numb the skin of the scrotum and the vas deferens tubes inside the scrotum, using either a no-needle device or, in some situations, very fine needles.
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Once the area is numbed:
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One of the vas deferens is gently brought out through the scrotum, and its outer tissue is removed.
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The vas is cut in half, and the end closest to the penis (prostatic end) is sealed.
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A layer of tissue is placed between the prostatic end and the end closest to the testicle (testicular end) to help prevent the ends from reconnecting. This technique is called fascial interposition.
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The testicular end is left open and returned back into the scrotum.
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This process is then repeated on the other side.
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The small wound on the front of the scrotum is so tiny that stitches are not required—just a small bandage will be placed over it.
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3. Post-Operative Care
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You will be given post-operative instructions, including after-hours contact details, should you experience any issues.