Vasectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A vasectomy (vah-sek-tuh-mee) is surgery to cut the vas (vaz) deferens. The vas deferens are also called the "vaz." They are the 2 tubes that carry sperm. When cut, the vaz cannot carry sperm into the semen. A vasectomy makes a man unable to get a woman pregnant. It is also called "being sterilized" (stair-uh-lized).
  
  
• After the vasectomy, you will not be sterile right away. This is because there are sperm still in the tube where the vaz was cut and blocked. You will need to use birth control for 4 to 6 weeks after your vasectomy.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

It is rare to have serious problems after a vasectomy. You may bleed more than usual or get an infection. Caregivers will closely watch you for these problems. Your sex life should not change after the vasectomy. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your surgery or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

• Consent Form: This is a legal piece of paper that gives your caregiver permission to do surgery. It tells you exactly what will be done to you. It also tells you how the surgery will help and what risks are possible. You or a close family member will be asked to sign this form. Be sure all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.
  
  
• Blood Tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. It will be tested to see how your body is handling your illness. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.
  
  
• Call Button: You can use a call button when you need your caregiver. Pain or wanting to get out of bed are good reasons to call.
  
  
• Chest X-ray: This is a picture of your lungs and heart. Caregivers use it to see how your lungs and heart are doing before surgery. Caregivers may also use the x-ray to look for signs of infection, like pneumonia (new-moan-yuh), or collapsed lungs. Chest x-rays can also show tumors or broken ribs.
  
  
• Gown: A hospital gown is needed so your caregivers can easily check and treat you. Put your gown on so that it opens in the back. You may not be allowed to wear pajama bottoms to the operating room. This is because you may need monitors on your skin during surgery. When you feel better you may be able to wear your own gown or pajamas.
  
  
• Heart Monitor: This may also be called an EKG or an electrocardiogram (e-lek-tro-kar-d-o-gram). It is a painless test to see how your heart is working. Sticky pads (3 or 5) are placed on different parts of your body. Each pad has a wire that is hooked to a TV-type screen. This screen shows a tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart is being watched all the time to make sure your body is handling surgery well.
  
  
• IV: An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. This tube will be capped or connected to tubing and liquid.
  
  
• Pulse Oximeter (oks-ih-mih-ter): This is a machine that tells how much oxygen is in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your ear, finger, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine. Caregivers will learn how much oxygen is in your body.
  
  
• Vital Signs: This includes taking your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeat), and respirations (counting your breaths). To take your blood pressure, a cuff is put on your arm and tightened. The cuff is attached to a machine which will give your blood pressure reading. Caregivers may listen to your heart and lungs by using a stethoscope (steth-uh-skop). Your vital signs may be taken so caregivers can see how you are doing.
  
  
• Pre-Op Care: You may be given medicine right before surgery. This medicine may make you feel sleepy and more relaxed. You will be taken on a cart to the room where your surgery will be done. Your caregiver will help you get comfortable on the bed. A belt may be put over your legs for safety. If you get cold, ask for more blankets.
  
  
• Local Anesthesia (an-iss-thee-zuh): This is medicine to make you comfortable during surgery. It is a shot of medicine put into the skin of your scrotum. The scrotum is the bag of skin that holds the testicles near the penis. It is used to dull your pain during the procedure. You may still feel pressure or pushing. Ask your caregiver for the "Anesthesia" CareNotes™ handout if you want more information.
  
  
• During the Vasectomy:
  
  
  • The hair on your scrotum may be clipped. Your penis and scrotum will be washed with soap and water. This soap may make your skin yellow, but it will be cleaned off later. Sheets will be put over you to keep the surgery area clean. You will need to lie still and move as little as possible.
    
    
  • Your caregiver will make one or two small incisions (cuts) in your scrotum. The vaz is found, tied in two places and cut between the ties. Your caregiver may sew the incisions closed using stitches (thread). If you have stitches, they will go away on their own in 3 to 10 days. A bandage may be put on each cut. Your caregiver will help you put on an athletic supporter. This is also called a jock strap. The vasectomy will take about 30 to 45 minutes. You will then be able to go home.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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