Advanced Urology Associates Vasectomy FAQs
Our Board Certified Urologists strive to educate patients by helping to answer their questions about vasectomy and the no-scalpel vasectomy procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vasectomy
Will the vasectomy affect my sex life?
No. The only after-effect is that you will no longer be able to impregnate your partner. It has absolutely no effect on your masculinity and does not cause impotence. Since your testicles are unaffected by the procedure, they will continue to produce the same levels of testosterone (the male sex hormone) as before. The vasectomy should have no effect on your sex drive, your ability to get an erection, the volume of ejaculate, your body composition, muscle mass, facial hair, voice, or other male characteristics. Many men proclaim that it actually improves their sex life because they don’t have to worry about pregnancy, or bother with other forms of birth control.
Do vasectomies prevent pregnancy?
Yes. Sperm that is produced in the man’s testicles travels through two tubes in the scrotum called the vas deferens, mixes with semen, and comes out of the penis. A vasectomy creates a block in the tubes so the sperm cannot reach the semen. Without sperm in the semen, it is impossible to impregnate a woman. Although technically vasectomies have a 98.8% success rate, it is considered to best form of birth control today.
When can I return to work, sports & exercise?
Soon. You should be able to return to work within a day or two. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return to work the very next day. If you perform physical labor or have a job that requires much walking or driving, you can resume working after two days or so. We recommend that our patients avoid heavy labor, exercise, contact sports and strenuous weight-lifting for 7 days.
Will I be comfortable during the procedure?
Yes. At the time of your consultation, you may be prescribed a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure. You may feel a brief sting for a few seconds when the anesthetic is being administered. But once the anesthetic takes effect, you should feel no pain, but you may notice a very light “pulling” sensation.
How long does it take?
A no-scalpel vasectomy usually takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
What happens to the sperm?
Sperm will continue to be produced by the testes, but there is nowhere for them to go since the tubes have been sealed. The sperm are eventually dissolved, and the proteins are then recycled back into the system. This does not affect other hormones in the body, nor change the release of testosterone from the testicles.
Will I be sterile right away?
No. After the vasectomy, sperm will still be present in your semen, so you will still be able to impregnate your partner. It typically takes at least 20-30 ejaculations to make sure all of the sperm are cleared from the semen. For most men, this is approximately 2 to 3 months, but can take up to 6 months. We highly recommend that you and your partner use other forms of birth control until you are tested sperm-free.
When can I start having sex again?
Soon. We typically suggest waiting 3 days before having intercourse. But again, the after-effects of the procedure vary. Be sure to utilize another form of birth control until you are tested to be sperm-free.
Will sex be better after my vasectomy?
Some men feel that their sex life is improved and much more enjoyable without the worry of a pregnancy. And couples generally feel more relaxed after the vasectomy only because they are not constantly worrying about an unwanted pregnancy. The procedure itself however has no physical affect (positively or negatively) on sexual performance.
Do vasectomies protect against Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)?
No. A vasectomy only protects you from impregnating your partner. It does NOT protect you against any kind of STDs such as HIV/AIDS, genital herpes or gonorrhea. If you or your partner have a sexual disease of any kind or have more than one sexual partner, the best form of protection is to use a condom.
Shouldn’t my partner just have her tubes tied (tubal ligation)?
Yes. But it is a much more complicated procedure for women. It’s also more expensive, higher risk, more painful and has a longer recovery time. In comparison, a vasectomy is performed in-office under local anesthesia. It’s quicker, cheaper and actually has a better success rate.
Can a no-scalpel vasectomy be reversed?
Yes. But it can be costly and the success rates vary. If you are even considering the chance that you might reverse it, the best option is to wait and not do it right away. We advise our patients to consider this a permanent procedure. We can “reverse” the vasectomy, but the procedure involves a more elaborate surgery and success in restoring fertility is not always possible. Learn More.
Is no-scalpel vasectomy safe?
Yes. Vasectomy is considered a safe, minimally-invasive procedure, but as with any operation, problems could result. Although it is rare, any problems are usually treated quickly and easily. These may include the possibility of infection or swelling around the wound or inside the scrotum, bleeding beneath the skin causing bruising or inflammation and the development of a small lump due to a sperm leak from the vas.
