Thinking About a Vasectomy? What to Expect Before, During, and After

Men have no shortage of birth control options. While methods, like condoms or withdrawal, can reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy, a vasectomy is the only option that offers long-term, nearly permanent birth control with a much lower failure rate.

Deciding to get a vasectomy isn’t a decision to be made lightly, though. It’s a permanent form of birth control that requires a minor procedure. 

Yet, for many men, the decision to get one is liberating, especially once their family is complete.  It can also spare their partner from the need to take daily birth control pills or undergo female sterilization, which is a far more invasive procedure.

The good news is that men considering a vasectomy don’t have to undergo one with a scalpel. At Aletheia Integrative,  Jaime Dodge, MD, offers no-scalpel vasectomies in Lincoln, Nebraska.

If you’re thinking about a vasectomy, read on to learn what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

What to expect before the procedure

At Aletheia Integrative, every vasectomy begins with a presurgical consultation. During this visit, Dr. Dodge:

• Reviews your medical history and medications, including blood thinners
• Completes a physical exam
• Discusses your lifestyle, reproductive goals, and any questions or concerns

If a vasectomy is right for you, Dr. Dodge gives you instructions for fasting or taking certain medications before the procedure. You may also sign the necessary surgical consent forms at that time.

What to expect during a vasectomy

Dr. Dodge performs minimally invasive, scalpel-free vasectomies that are completed here in the office. They usually take 30–60 minutes.

To make sure you’re comfortable, Dr. Dodge administers local anesthesia to numb the area. You may also receive oral medication to help with pain management and to keep you calm. Because sedation drugs take a few hours to wear off, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home if you choose oral sedation.

The purpose of a vasectomy is to seal your two vasa deferentia — the tubes that carry sperm — so that sperm can’t leave your body. 

This procedure closes the tubes without using a scalpel. Instead, no-scalpel vasectomies require only a small puncture, typically made with forceps. After the puncture is made, Dr. Dodge accesses each vas deferens and interrupts or cuts them. Sperm can no longer leave your body, so pregnancy is prevented.

What to expect immediately after a vasectomy

Recovery is typically straightforward. You can expect mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort for several days. You can use ice and medication to manage pain and reduce swelling.

Most men return to work or normal activities within about three days, though heavier activity may take longer.

You’ll need to wait to have sex until you’re given the green light. Even once you’re cleared to resume sexual activity, it’s important to follow all post-procedure instructions, including using alternate contraception until Dr. Dodge confirms that your sperm count is zero.

What to expect in the weeks after a vasectomy

Vasectomies won’t impact your sexual performance, but you should wait to have unprotected sex until your semen analysis shows that you have zero sperm. This can take about three months, or 20 ejaculations. 

Keep in mind that if you have unprotected intercourse with multiple partners, you may still need to wear condoms. A vasectomy will protect you from unwanted pregnancy, but it won’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Why a vasectomy might be right for you

A vasectomy is ideal for men who are certain they don’t want future children and want a safe, effective, and permanent method of birth control. Compared with female sterilization, it’s less invasive, faster, and has a quicker recovery.

If you’re considering a vasectomy,  call us at 531-333-2037 to schedule a consultation today, or book online to take the next step in your reproductive health.