Choosing the Vasectomy Procedure

Choosing to have a vasectomy procedure should not be a decision taken lightly. One thing to keep in mind is that while not completely permanent, it is possible to reverse the procedure, your chances of getting your partner pregnant decrease even after reversal. Also the costs of reversal are much higher than the vasectomy procedure itself so you would do well to consider all your options before choosing to have a vasectomy procedure.

What a Vasectomy Procedure Entails

Most vasectomies are performed in your doctor's office, or family planning clinic. You and your partner should go to the initial consult together and discuss the risks, the vasectomy procedure has and any potential problems. That way you are both informed about the vasectomy procedure and just what it requires of each of you.

What Might the Doctor Require of You Prior to the Vasectomy Procedure

This varies from doctor to doctor, but some doctors request that you clean and shave the scrotum. They may also request that you bring a clean jock strap to hold bandages and produce pressure after the procedure. These are only two things which might be requested of you so make sure you ask ahead of time if anything else is required.

What to Expect During Your Vasectomy Procedure

A vasectomy is a minor outpatient procedure, and so you will be awake throughout the entire surgery. The doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your scrotum which will cause the area to go numb; you may also feel a brief sting prior to this. After that you should feel no pain during the procedure, though you may feel an occasional tugging or pulling sensation. After the procedure is completed your doctor will put bandages on and instruct you to put your jockstrap on to hold them in place and apply pressure. Once that is done you will relax with an ice pack on the area to reduce any swelling. Once the anesthetic wears off you will probably feel some cramping and pain, you should take only acetaminophen for this as aspirin or ibuprofen may cause bleeding. It's possible you will experience soreness for several days so take it easy once you return home.

While the vasectomy procedure can be part of your family planning options, it is not to be taken lightly. Since it may be permanent, and reversal is expensive be sure this is what you and your partner want before you choose to have a vasectomy.