Vasectomy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A vasectomy is a procedure to make a man sterile (unable to get a woman pregnant). When sperm leaves your penis during sexual intercourse (sex), your partner may become pregnant. Sperm is made in your testes which are located inside your scrotum (sac of skin under the penis). When ejaculation occurs, sperm leaves the testes and is carried through the vas deferens (sperm tubes) to the penis. The sperm is then released from the body through your penis.
  
  
• During a vasectomy, both of your sperm tubes are cut so sperm cannot leave your body. Your caregiver will reach your sperm tubes through a small incision (cut), or a small hole in your scrotum. After your vasectomy, you will still have sperm inside the cut sperm tubes. You will need to have your ejaculate tested for sperm weeks after your procedure. During this time, you may still be able to get your partner pregnant. Once your caregiver sees there are no sperm left in your ejaculate, you will be sterile.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• After your vasectomy you may have pain in your scrotum. You may have bruising on your scrotum and you may bleed. You may get a wound, urine, or epididymal infection. The epididymis is a long curled tube on the back of your scrotum. You may feel pain when you have an erection (hard raised penis). Granulomas may form if sperm leaks out of your cut sperm tube. Granulomas are a lump that forms under your skin. You may not become sterile if one or both of your cut sperm tubes grow back together. Talk to your caregiver if you have questions or concerns about your procedure.
  
  

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your procedure. This medicine may help you feel relaxed and sleepy.
  
  
• Anesthesia medicine:
  
  
  • Local anesthesia: This is medicine to make you more comfortable during your procedure. It is a shot of medicine put into the skin of your scrotum. It is used to numb the area and dull your pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure after you get this medicine.
    
    
  • General anesthesia: This medicine is given to help you fall, and stay asleep during your procedure. You may get general anesthesia if you are allergic to local anesthesia or faint easily. The medicine may be given in your IV or as a gas that you breathe. An IV is a tube placed in your vein for given medicines and fluids. You may wear a face mask or have a tube placed in your mouth and throat. This tube is called an endotracheal tube or ET tube. Usually you are asleep before caregivers put the tube into your throat. The ET tube is usually removed before you wake up.

During your procedure:

• The hair on your scrotum may be clipped or shaved. Your scrotum and nearby areas will be cleaned, and your penis will be secured against your stomach. Your caregiver will feel for a sperm tube under the skin of your scrotum. A clamp may be put on your scrotum to hold the tube in place. Your caregiver may make a small cut on one side of your scrotum, or down the middle. Your caregiver also may make a small hole in your scrotum to reach your sperm tubes.
  
  
• One of your sperm tubes will be pulled through the cut or hole. Your caregiver will cut the sperm tube and remove a small portion of it. He may then close one or both ends with stitches or a heat treatment. He also may sew a piece of body tissue between the cut ends of your tubes. Your caregiver will then do the same procedure to your other sperm tube. Your cuts may be closed with stitches, tissue glue, or left open to heal. Germ fighting medicine may be put on your scrotum, and the area may be covered with a bandage.

After your procedure:

If you had general anesthesia you will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Caregivers will watch you closely for any problems after your procedure. Caregivers may help you put on a jock strap to support your scrotum. When caregivers see that you are okay, you may be able to go home.

Waiting area:

This is an area where your family and friends can wait until you are able to have visitors. Ask your visitors to provide a way to reach them if they leave the waiting area.