Vasectomy is a sterilization procedure for men. It’s safe, quick, and effective — making it a popular option for men who don’t want to have children in the future.
Hundreds of thousands of men choose vasectomies every year, but it’s normal to be nervous about it. How does the procedure work? What are the risks? Will it affect your ability to enjoy sex?
Eric K. Seaman, MD can answer all your vasectomy questions. As a leading urologist, Dr. Seaman has done thousands of vasectomies at his practice in Millburn, New Jersey. Read on to learn more about the possible risks of getting a vasectomy.
About 50 million men in the United States have had a vasectomy. The procedure has a long history of success, and vasectomy is one of the safest and most reliable methods of permanent birth control for both men and women.
Many men are concerned about pain or a decrease in sex drive if they get a vasectomy. But the truth is that vasectomies are almost painless, and they don’t change anything about your ability to enjoy sex.
Vasectomies are very safe procedures, but there is a small risk of complications.
During a vasectomy, Dr. Seaman creates a small puncture hole in your scrotum. He accesses the vas deferens, which transport sperm from your testicles to your ejaculate, and cuts them to keep sperm from mixing with semen.
The procedure generally takes 10-20 minutes in the office, and you’re free to go home after it’s over. It’s normal to feel sore for a few days after getting a vasectomy, but some men may experience other complications like:
These symptoms are typically short-lived following a vasectomy. Dr. Seaman may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or using ice packs throughout the day to reduce inflammation.
In very rare cases, complications may continue after you’ve recovered from your vasectomy.
A small percentage of men can experience chronic scrotal pain after vasectomy. Other rare complications include epididymitis, which impacts about 3% of men.
Vasectomies are very effective, but about 0.2% (one in 500) vasectomies may fail. If a vasectomy fails, it means that sperm crosses over from the separated vas deferens, mixes with semen, and increases your chances of getting a woman pregnant.
Even with the risk of failure, vasectomies are still more reliable than other types of birth control. For example, condoms have a failure rate of about 2% per year.
There’s no way to completely eliminate the risk of complications, but you can increase your chances of a successful vasectomy by choosing a trusted urologist to do the procedure.
Experienced doctors who regularly perform vasectomies have a lower risk of failed vasectomy and other complications. On the other hand, doctors who perform fewer than 50 vasectomies every year may have failure rates higher than 17%.
Dr. Seaman specializes in no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomies. He can help you decide if it’s a good option for you with a consultation. If you choose to get a vasectomy, our team supports you every step of the way.
During recovery, Dr. Seaman does regular semen analyses. Vasectomies aren’t immediately effective, so you need to continue using other forms of birth control for at least 12 weeks after your procedure.
A vasectomy is a safe and effective male sterilization procedure. To find out more about how it works, schedule a consultation with Dr. Seaman. Call our office at 973-259-6695 or request an appointment online.
