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Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for man to arrest fertility. Here, doctors cut, tie, cauterize or otherwise interrupt the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal vesicles. As a result, the semen cannot contain sperm and conception does not occur. Vasectomy does not stop sperm production completely. The sperm cannot exit the body through the penis.
Vasectomy provides the most reliable contraception to men. Research shows that it offers 99.6% effectiveness.
Vasectomy is quite an easy surgical process. Doctors can perform it using a local anesthesia. The patient needs to shave and clean his scrotum area with an antiseptic solution before the surgery. It reduces the chance of infection.
In the vasectomy, the doctor makes a small incision into the scrotum. Then he/she would tie each of the vas deferens in two places with non-absorbable (permanent) sutures. Then he/she would severe each tube between the ties and cauterize the ends. It decreases the chance of leakage.
Vasectomy may not immediately result in sterility. It is advisable to keep using some other method of contraception until two consecutive semen analyses confirm absence of sperm. It usually takes four to six weeks or 15-20 ejaculations to clear all of the sperm present in the tubes.
One does not need any special physical preparation to have vasectomy. Before performing this surgery, doctors carry out tests to identify any potential problems that could occur. They explain all the possible risks and side effects to the patient well in advance. The patient needs to sign a consent permitting the doctors to perform the surgery.
The patient may require one or two days of rest after having vasectomy. It is better to avoid sexual intercourse for three to four days. There may be some pain and swelling after the surgery. Medication such as aspirin or acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin prove to be quite effective in dealing with the pain.
Applying ice packs to scrotum helps decrease pain and swelling. Using a dressing or athletic supporter may also support the scrotum and reduce pain.
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