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.

GETTING READY:

• Before Surgery:
  
  
  • Ask your caregiver if you need to stop taking aspirin or any other blood thinning medicines before your procedure.
    
    
  • You may need blood tests before your procedure. Talk to your caregiver about these or other tests you may need. Write down the date, time and location for each test.
    
    
  • Ask caregivers about directions for eating and drinking.
  
  
• The Day of Surgery:
  
  
  • Write down the correct date, time, and location of your surgery.
    
    
  • Ask your caregiver before taking any medicine on the day of surgery. These medicines include insulin, diabetic pills, high blood pressure pills, or heart pills. Bring a list of your medicines or the pill bottles with you to the hospital.
    
    
  • Do not wear contact lenses the day of surgery. You may wear your glasses.
    
    
  • Bring an athletic supporter (jock strap) or jockey shorts to wear after your vasectomy.
    
    
  • An anesthesiologist (an-iss-thee-z-all-o-jist) may talk to you before your surgery. He/she is the caregiver who gives you medicine to make you sleepy during surgery.
    
    
  • You or a close family member may be asked to sign a legal piece of paper (consent form). It gives your caregiver permission to do a vasectomy. Be sure all your questions have been answered before you sign this form.

TREATMENT:

• What Will Happen: You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. You may be given medicine to help you relax or make you drowsy. You will be taken to the room where your vasectomy will be done.
  
  
  • The hair on your scrotum may be clipped. The scrotum is the bag of skin near your penis. Your penis and scrotum will be washed with soap and water. You will get medicine called local anesthesia (an-iss-thee-zuh) that will numb your scrotum. Your caregiver will make 1 or 2 small incisions (cuts) in your scrotum. The vaz is found, tied in two places and cut between the ties.
    
    
  • The incisions may be 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 incision. 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.
  
  
• After Your Vasectomy: You may go home when you begin to get feeling in the numbed area. A bandage may cover your stitches.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have questions or concerns about your vasectomy.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You can't be there at the time of your surgery.

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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