Overview
Approximately 500,000 vasectomies are performed annually in the United States. Vasectomy is usually chosen for contraception and renders you sterile. It is a minor surgical procedure to cut off the vas deferens tubes that deliver sperm from the testes. It is simple and safe and is more than 99% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy.

Having a vasectomy should be viewed as an irreversible procedure so your decision to have one should be shared with your partner. Apart from the inability of sperm traveling through the vas deferens there will be no change to your life. The testes will still produce sperm cells and your hormone level will stay the same.

There are two vasectomy procedures available to you: no scalpel and the traditional method which is practiced by Old Pueblo Urology. The traditional method is where two small incisions are made in the scrotum and then sutured with three or four stitches at the end of the procedure.

The procedure typically takes 30 minutes in our office and you will be under local anesthesia. At least two injections will be given to you, one each side of the scrotum.

Prior to your operation:
1. Wash and shave all hair from the upper scrotum. Do this on the day of the vasectomy

2. Bring a pair of tight-fitting underwear or athletic supporter (to support the scrotum and minimize swelling)

3. Wear comfortable trousers

4. Arrange for a ride home

5. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin before surgery (they thin the blood and can cause excessive bleeding)

6. Refrain from eating or drinking for three hours before your vasectomy. You will be able to go home directly after the procedure.

Post Procedure
Immediately after the operation if you experience pain or discomfort take two Tylenol tablets every four hours. After the anesthetic wears off, an ice pack will give additional comfort and can also prevent swelling if used for several hours at 1/4 hourly intervals. Wear tight-fitting underwear or athletic supporter as long as you need it for comfort.

Following the operation you will most likely have:

1. black and blue marks on your scrotum

2. swelling beneath the incisions

3. tenderness around the incision sites and testicles

4. or a discharge from the edges of the skin incisions

Keep the incisions dry for two days following the operation. If stitches are placed they do not have to be removed. They will be absorbed and will drop off by themselves. Until you have had two consecutive negative sperm checks you should continue to use other forms of contraception.

Old Pueblo Urology
520-623-8475

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