A vasectomy is a surgical procedure to block sperm from reaching semen that is ejaculated during sexual intercourse. It is a common and permanent form of birth control for men. During a vasectomy, a tube known as the vas deferens is cut to keep sperm from traveling out of the testes. After a vasectomy, a man will still ejaculate, however, no sperm are present to fertilize an egg. Vasectomy is a safe, simple and effective procedure for sterilization.

Vasectomy is an option for men who do not want to father more children. Some vasectomies may be unsuccessful, but generally you should assume that the procedure will make you permanently sterile.

It is possible for a vasectomy to be reversed, however it is an involved procedure to perform and is often unsuccessful.

Traditionally, surgeons make one or two small incisions in the scrotum to cut and remove a small section of the vas deferens and tie the cut ends together. A newer non-surgical procedure is being conducted more frequently, in which the surgeon uses a small clamp to hold the scrotum and an instrument makes a tiny puncture in the scrotum. The small cut is stretched open to allow the surgeon to cut the vas deferens and tie it in place with little bleeding. No stitches are needed in this procedure and there is less pain involved.

Prior to any surgery, your doctor will give you a complete medical examination and evaluate your overall health and your health history. You may be required to get additional tests such as X-rays and lab tests. Your doctor will also review with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation and will ask you to sign a consent form. It is important that you ask questions and be sure you understand the reason for the surgery as well as the risks.

It is important that you inform your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, what medications you are taking, and if you have bleeding problems. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

Depending on the circumstances of your surgery, you may be instructed to do the following:

• Completely empty your colon and cleanse your intestines prior to surgery. You may be requested to drink clear liquids only for one or several days prior to surgery.
• Stop eating or drinking after midnight the night before the operation except medications that your doctor has told you are permissible to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
• Plan for your care and recovery after the operation. Find someone to drive you home after the surgery. Allow for time to rest and try to find people to help you with your day-to-day duties.
• Stop smoking at least six to eight weeks prior to surgery as smoking delays wound healing. Smokers are also more likely to have breathing problems during surgery.

Recovery from vasectomy is short. Most men return to work right away. You may have some bruising, swelling and inflammation, but an ice pack can help relieve some symptoms. Pain medicine may also help relieve any discomfort you have. You will have tests done after the surgery to determine if sperm is still present in the semen. It may take two or three sperm tests to rule out the presence of sperm. In the meantime, you should use contraception to avoid pregnancy. You may have sexual intercourse about a week after surgery or whenever you feel ready.

A variety of factors may influence the cost of the surgery. They include:

• Insurance coverage
• Pre-existing health
• Insurance co-pay
• Location of the facility

These factors vary depending on you and your situation.

The cost of each procedure can vary dramatically based upon age, location, gender, and insurance coverage. HealthGrades provides detailed cost estimates which include the costs of the procedure, drugs, hospital stay, and more. Each cost estimate is easy to understand and provides medical terms you need to know.

The detailed cost estimate for Vasectomy, includes costs for:

• Vasectomy by excision of vas deferens (unilateral or bilateral) with post-operative semen examination
• and Vasectomy by suturing the vas deferens.