Vasectomy Specialist

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a form of male birth control that’s nearly 100% effective for preventing pregnancy. When you get a vasectomy, your doctor at Urological Associates performs a minor surgical procedure that stops sperm from getting into the semen that’s ejaculated during sexual intercourse.

You won’t experience any changes in sexual desire or performance. You’ll have normal erections and continue to ejaculate, but without sperm, so you won’t be able to get your partner pregnant.

While a vasectomy may be reversed, you still may not be able to get your partner pregnant. If there’s a chance you’ll want to have children down the road, you should consider other forms of birth control before having a vasectomy.

How is a vasectomy performed?

A vasectomy is a relatively quick procedure done in the office. During a vasectomy, your doctor cuts the tubes, the vas deferens, that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra, where sperm combine with semen. A small piece of each tube is removed, then the two remaining ends are closed.

A traditional vasectomy is done by making a small incision in the scrotum, pulling the tubes through the incision, then cutting the tubes and tying or clipping the ends. Your doctor may also perform a no-scalpel vasectomy using a specialized instrument to make a small puncture hole to access the tube.

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Yes, a vasectomy can be reversed, but it’s not always successful. Two procedures are used to reverse a vasectomy:

Vasovasostomy

Your doctor performs this procedure when sperm produced in the testes can still travel through the tube. During a vasovasostomy, your doctor uses a high-powered microscope to stitch the ends of the vas deferens back together.

This procedure works in about 85% of men. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations: only about 55% of couples get pregnant following a vasovasostomy.

Vasoepididymostomy

If the tube is blocked, sperm won’t be able to get into your semen even if the two ends of the vas deferens are reconnected. When this happens, your doctor attaches the upper end of the vas deferens directly to your testes, creating an opening so that mature sperm can travel into the tube. This procedure is more complex and the results are less successful.

The success rate for both types of reversals goes down as more time passes after your vasectomy.

If you’re considering a vasectomy, schedule an appointment online or call Urological Associates.