In detail about a vasectomy( vasorectomy)

Vasectomy is a method of surgical intervention that aims to separate the spermatic cord with a ligation of the vas deferens. This operation is one of the methods of male contraception. That is, when dressing or excising the department of the vas deferens, the man becomes sterile, as the spermatozoa do not reach the destination.

Fig.1 - Results of vasectomy.

Why is a vasectomy performed?

There are two reasons for the operation:

1. unwillingness to have children;
2. medical indications.

A man must firmly decide that he will no longer be a father. Usually this operation is offered to those who already have children.

Medical indications:

• in case of a threat to the health of the wife, if she becomes pregnant;
• is a genetic disease that is sexually transmitted, with a severe clinical picture.

Consequences of a vasectomy

Vasectomy is one of those operations where the risk of complications and side effects is negligible. But, as with any surgical intervention, everything can go not quite smoothly, and cause some deviations.

In the near future after the operation, a man can observe some side effects:

• bloody color of the ejaculate;
• unidentified bleeding and formation of a hematoma in the scrotum;
• is an inflammatory process at the site of the intervention;
• scrotal swelling;
• mild tenderness after the termination of anesthesia.

These side effects take place a few days after the operation, but in a remote period they can overtake the late complications:

• hydrocele - edema of the testicle and its layers;
• chronic pain syndrome at the site of the intervention;
• granuloma - when inconsistency seams, cut vas deferens continues to pour sperm at the intersection of the scrotum, which leads to an inflammatory process( own antibodies organism "does not know" with spermatozoa because of barrier in normal conditions therefore their appearance in the body cavity causes. The same reaction as the presence of infection);
• pregnancy - abnormal operation, partial fusion of cut ducts and restoration of genital function arises in rare cases, but still, it is likely.

Unfounded fears and myths

Many afraid to do a vasectomy because they believe that they will cease to be men because of the loss not only fertility, but sexual activity.

This is only possible with castration, since the tissues responsible for the production of male hormones are removed. In this case, there is simply a mechanical obstacle on the way to the exit of the sperm out. Hormones are produced with the same activity, blood flows with the same force. Therefore, the vasectomy does not affect in any way:

• libido;
• potency;
• male power.

Fears about:

• trauma of the genitals - the risk is very small, it all depends on the surgeon's experience;
• increasing the risk of prostate cancer incidence;
• of a tumor-like growth of testicles;
• development of the pathology of the cardiovascular system.

Vasectomy procedure

Preoperative preparation

All begins with a urologist's consultation. He should give a full description of the possibilities of the operation and accurately verify that in the future the man no longer wants to be a father.

The urologist should talk about all possible methods of contraception, and only after a thorough and productive conversation come to a vasectomy.

The following points will be discussed at the reception:

• whether there are children in the family and the final unwillingness to have an addition;
• patient's awareness of all aspects of the operation;
• awareness of the sexual partner in this choice;
• briefing on possible complications.

After complete agreement and filling in certain documentation, it is necessary to prepare for the operation.

To do this, stop taking anticoagulants to reduce the risk of bleeding. Epilation of the operable zone is performed. At itself it is necessary to have underwear, which will tightly support the scrotum and protect from unnecessary shaking.

Performing the operation

Fig.2 - Carrying out a vasectomy( vasorectomy).

Operative intervention is performed under local anesthesia and takes an average of 20 minutes.

1. The operating field is treated with special disinfectant solutions to prevent infection of the wound.
2. Local infiltration anesthesia is carried out - a layer-by-layer injection of local anesthetic layers of skin, subcutaneous fat, fascia, muscle tissue and directly spermatic cord.
3. After anesthesia, the urologist carries a small incision in the anatomical location of the spermatic cord with a scalpel.
4. Access to the spermatic cord, their allocation and removal to the holders is made.
5. The rope sections are crossed and stitched on both sides with a seam.
6. Cults of crossed wire ropes are immersed back.
7. In-line suturing of the wound with superimposition of the cosmetic suture on the skin.

Postoperative period

This kind of intervention does not require in-patient treatment. So in a few hours you can go home.

In the early days, there may be swelling and a small bruise at the site of the operation. A few hours after the operation, the incision site and the scrotum itself will begin to ache. This is normal in the early days.

The following recommendations should be followed to avoid complications and health:

• should be reported immediately to the doctor in case of increased pain, swelling and bleeding with a rise in temperature above the low-grade figures;
• wear dense underwear or a special bandage for the scrotum in the first 3 days after the operation;
• observe the first day of bed rest;
• to limit sexual activity for at least 7 days;
• use other methods of contraception before confirming the analysis of the sterility of the ejaculate from spermatozoa. This analysis is carried out 3 months after the operation. And up to this point, no less than 20 ejaculations should occur.

FAQ on vasectomy

Is vasectomy reversible?

No, it's not reversible. But if the surgery is not performed correctly and in 1% of cases the operative genital function is restored.

Who is allowed a vasectomy?

In connection with the demographic crisis, in Russia, vasectomy is allowed for men after 35 years with at least 2 children or for medical reasons. In Ukraine, this method of contraception is allowed after the patient reaches 18 years of age.

What is the cost of a vasectomy?

It all depends on the choice of the clinic and the operating surgeon. In Russia, the price will be at least 12,000 rubles, in Ukraine - from 4,000 hryvnia.

Differences in vasectomy and vasectomy?

This is the same procedure, it just has a few titles.

Is there an alternative to a vasectomy?

A complete alternative is the ligation of the fallopian tubes from the sexual partner. As for men themselves, the other methods of contraception will not save from conception by 100%, they are less effective. Now in the UK, developing "birth control pills for men", which immobilize spermatozoa for a while and guarantee complete sterility, but they have not yet entered the pharmaceutical market.

Recommended for viewing: