What does it cost?

There is no standard fee for a vasectomy. It varies with different physicians and in different parts of the country. Some insurance cover the cost of vasectomy, and others do not. An inquiry through the physician's office and verification from the insurance company before the procedure will clarify the exact cost of the procedure.

How painful is the procedure?

The only pain involved is that of the needle prick for the anesthetic. After injection of the local anesthetic, the procedure should not be painful.

What kind of anesthetic is used?

Most people have vasectomy performed under local anesthetic. Lidocaine is injected around the vas, through the skin of the scrotum. On rare occasions general anesthesia is given to make the patient completely unconscious during surgery. This is done when some other surgery is done at the same time as vasectomy, or when when the patient particularly requests such anesthesia.

Is it all right to drive a car soon after surgery?

The patient can drive his car home if he has not had any sedative for surgery. If a sedative has been used or the surgery is done under general anesthetic, the patient is not allowed to drive.

How long does the surgery take?

Surgery can take from 15 minutes to an hour, depending upon what technique is used.

When can one have a shower after vasectomy?

A shower can be taken on the next day after a vasectomy.

What pain medication is needed?

Usually pain medications like Tylenol with codeine can control the pain satisfactorily. Most men do not take pain medication for more than a couple of days.

How much limitation on activity is advised after vasectomy?

On the day of surgery, one should rest in bed or a recliner. Activities should be limited to walking at home or climbing stairs if necessary at home. Excessive walking soon after surgery may cause swelling or even bleeding. Normal activities are gradually resumed in the next day or two.

When can one return to work?

Men who have desk jobs can resume work the next day after vasectomy. Most people who have a vasectomy on a Friday recover enough over the weekend to resume normal work on Monday. Strenuous work is not recommended for a week.

When can sex be resumed?

Sexual activity can be resumed a week after vasectomy. A contraceptive method of personal choice is used until the semen is completely clear of sperm in two consecutive specimens.

When should the semen be checked for sperm after vasectomy?

The first check on a semen specimen is made usually at 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The second specimen is checked 2 to 4 weeks after the first one. Sperm are usually flushed out completely with 12 to 15 ejaculations. Occasionally, semen may not completely clear for several months.

Is there any change in climax?

Vasectomy does not change climax in any way.

Is there any change in ejaculation?

There is no change in the act of ejaculation. The quantity of semen is decreased a little, but it is not noticeable. Normally less than 10% of the volume of the semen is from the testes; the rest comes from the prostatic secretion. Only the part of the semen that comes from the testes is blocked after vasectomy. The bulk of the semen that comes from the prostate is not changed.

More on vasectomy:

• Vasectomy by Dr. Durrani - more on urologychannel
• No-Scalpel Vasectomy by Dr. Durrani - more on urologychannel
• Vasectomy Questions by Dr. Durrani
• Vasectomy Reversal on urologychannel