A vasectomy is the most effective form of birth control possible.  For men who know they do not want to have children, or whose families are already complete, a vasectomy can provide a peace of mind that is impossible with other forms of contraception.  For men in the Smithfield, NC area, Mohamed & Associates Urology Center can provide the information and support you need to decide if a vasectomy is right for you and your family.

Many people have heard of a vasectomy procedure, but may not be aware of what it actually entails.  A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from combining with semen.  This allows men who have undergone a vasectomy to ejaculate normally without the risk of pregnancy.  A conventional vasectomy will require 1-2 small incisions in the scrotum that allows your surgeon to remove a small piece of the vas deferens, which is the tube that sperm travels through in order to enter the semen.  A no-scalpel vasectomy uses a small puncture hole to access the vas deferens instead of an incision.

For men who have undergone a vasectomy without any post-operative complications, orgasm and ejaculation will feel the same.  While your body will still make sperm, it will be naturally absorbed by the testes as it goes unused.  Most men will heal completely in a week or less following their vasectomy, allowing them to return to their normal activities, including sex, in only a few days.  Many patients return to work as early as the day following their procedure.

Yes, it is possible to reverse a vasectomy procedure by reconnecting the vas deferens.  For men who do not want to reverse their vasectomy, sperm may be taken from the testes for use in invitro fertilization.  However, vasectomy reversal procedures and in vitro fertilization can be expensive, and are often not covered by health insurance plans.  If you think you may want children in the future, it is likely best to wait before having a vasectomy.  A vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of birth control and is best suited for men and their partners who are sure of their decision now and in the future.

Aside from abstaining from sex completely, a vasectomy is the most effective form of birth control.  While there is always a small chance that any surgery can be unsuccessful, the chances of pregnancy are no more than 1-2 cases per thousand.  This makes a vasectomy far more effective than oral contraception or condoms.  However, it is important to remember that a vasectomy is not immediately effective.  It is recommended that patients continue using other forms of birth control in the first few months following their procedure, until a semen analysis proves that sperm is no longer present.  For most men, the time between their vasectomy and sperm clearance from semen will be approximately 3 months or 20 ejaculates.

If you are considering a vasectomy as a permanent form of birth control, contact Mohamed & Associates Urology Center to schedule a consultation.  Our experienced surgeons and dedicated medical staff can provide you with the support and insight you need to make an informed decision about family planning and contraception.