Vasectomy

New York State mandates a 30-day waiting period after the initial consultation and signing of consent forms. During this time, patients will receive counseling and instructions regarding the procedure, any risks, and potential side effects.

Before the procedure, you will be asked to:

• Shower and trim the hair around the area.
• Avoid taking Aspirin for 10 days prior to your appointment.

The vasectomy is performed using local anesthesia, meaning the patient remains awake but experiences minimal discomfort. The process takes about 30 minutes:

1. The clinician makes two small punctures or incisions in the scrotum.
2. The vas deferens, the tubes carrying sperm, are accessed, cut, and tied to prevent sperm flow.
3. The incisions are closed using stitches, surgical glue, or left to heal naturally.

Following the procedure, patients will receive detailed instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery. Some key points include:

• Normal Side Effects: Expect mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area.
• Swelling Reduction: Use ice packs intermittently and wear supportive undergarments.
• Physical Limitations:
  • Avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours.
  • Refrain from sexual activity for 7–10 days post-procedure.
• Resuming Sexual Activity:
  • After 10 days, it's safe to resume intercourse, but use alternative birth control methods until a clinician confirms the success of the operation at the 3-month follow-up.

Following these instructions can help minimize complications and ensure successful outcomes.

Vasectomies are generally very safe, but as with any medical procedure, there are some risks to consider. These include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Hematomas (localized bleeding under the skin)
• Granulomas (inflammation due to sperm leaks)
• Potential continued fertility
• Regret
• Rare cases of chronic pain

There is a 1 in 1,000 chance of continued fertility, often due to premature sexual activity post-procedure. This highlights the importance of adhering to the prescribed waiting period before resuming intimacy.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Swelling that does not subside
• Blood or pus leaking from incisions
• Fever over 100°F
• Sharp or worsening pain

Early intervention can address these concerns effectively.