What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe, and minimally invasive procedure that prevents sperm from mixing with seminal fluid. In terms of preventing pregnancy, it is the best possible form of birth control outside of not having sex at all.

If you’re wondering where to get a vasectomy, give us a call. Northwest Arkansas Urology Associates performs hundreds of these procedures at our office in Springdale—no surgery center is required as a vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that uses local anesthesia. Vasectomy is safe, rarely causes any side effects, does not impact the male reproductive system, and is over 99.99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

What is the actual procedure?

One to two very small incisions are made in the scrotum through which part of the vas deferens is pulled through. The ductus deferens, more commonly called the vas deferens, is a tiny muscular tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the ejaculatory ducts, where they are mixed with seminal fluid before entering the urethra.

After making the incision, the doctor pulls part of the vas deferens through. Each vas deferens is cut or blocked to prevent sperm from mixing with seminal fluid prior to ejaculation. No other part of the spermatic cord, which houses the vas deferens, is impacted—so blood supply to the testicles and hormones from the testicles to the rest of the body are not impacted whatsoever.

The prostate gland’s role in sexual function, hormone supply, and excretions that make up part of your semen, are not impacted by getting a vasectomy. Additionally, a vasectomy does not increase your risk of prostate cancer according to the Mayo Clinic.

What should I expect when I get a vasectomy?

When you get to our office, you will check in at reception and wait for your name to be called. You may want to wear loose-fitting pants and shoes that you can easily pull back on when it’s time to go back home. You will be asked to wear tighter-fitting briefs following the procedure to offer comfortable and greater scrotal support.

Once you’re called back, you’ll be asked to undress from waist down and place a drape over the lap before sitting on the procedure chair or exam table. If you have not shaved prior to your appointment, this may be done in the office as part of preparation for the procedure.

If the doctor is using a medical soldering tool to seal the vas deferens, we’ll also stick a pad to your thigh to make sure nobody gets shocked. At this point, you’ll be ready for the doctor to begin the procedure, which should only take about ten to fifteen minutes.

The assistant will begin by injecting a local anesthesia into your scrotum 15 minutes before the procedure to make sure you are numb prior to the procedure beginning. While most men explain that this is the most painful part of the procedure, they also note that it is over as quickly as it started because the area numbs up quickly.

After you are numbed up, the only sensation you will feel is some tugging and pulling. Whether you prefer to talk to keep yourself distracted or remain quiet, we will be there with you through the end. Some guys even opt to bring in some music to listen to on their headphones.

Once the doctor has completed the procedure, you’ll get your clothes back on. And because a vasectomy does not use general anesthesia, once we walk you through your discharge instructions, you’ll be good to go back home.

What does recovery look like?

Most men return to work 2-3 days following a vasectomy, although some time their procedure to coincide with March Madness and may need “extra time” to rest and recuperate. Whenever you choose to get the procedure, get some shows queued up on Netflix or opt for that ESPN+ subscription, because you’re going to want to stay put for a few days.

You can expect to see some bruising and swelling in your scrotum for a couple of weeks. You’ll also feel pretty tender, so plan to wear tight-fitting underwear to minimize movement. Most men say that the dull ache after a vasectomy feels like they “got kicked in the balls,” so keep a few bags of peas on rotation.

Seriously, a frozen bag of peas will shape to your parts perfectly! And having a few on hand ensures that when one starts to thaw, you’ll be ready to swap it out with a completely frozen bag. An ice pack or bag of peas and some pain medication will go a long way with pain relief during your vasectomy recovery.

As far as when to have sex again, consult with your doctor. While you’re not going to break anything, ejaculating too soon after a vasectomy could be painful. But do keep in mind, that you will still be fertile!

It can take up to three months for your body to fully absorb the sperm released prior to the procedure. Once you do have sex again, there will be no change in function. And even though the sperm is no longer a part of the seminal fluid, very few men, if any, even notice a difference in the total amount of semen.

How much does a vasectomy cost?

Vasectomy cost can vary based on the type of insurance coverage you have. If you’re looking for the best doctor for getting a vasectomy, give NWA Urology Associates a call at 479-521-8980 to schedule a consultation with one of our urologists.

Vasectomy Side Effects and Effectiveness

Barrier methods, like male condoms, female condoms, and cervical caps are not 100 percent effective methods of birth control. Birth control options that have a higher rate of success often rely solely on the female partner doing the work—daily hormone medication (i.e., “the pill”), tubal ligation (i.e., getting the tubes tied), insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs), like a hormonal or copper IUD, or taking emergency contraception, like the morning after pill. But none of them are as effective, or as safe, as getting a vasectomy.

After going through pregnancy and childbirth—often multiple times—women appreciate it when their male partners take the lead in birth control. Vasectomy has a 99.99% success rate and no long-term vasectomy side effects, and it is the safest, most effective birth control option for you and your partner.

This information is provided only for general information purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from a licensed medical care practitioner. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make decisions about your personal health. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately or dial 911.