Scrotum & Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization and/or permanent birth control. During the procedure, the male vasa deferentia are severed and then tied/sealed in a manner so as to prevent sperm from entering into the seminal stream (ejaculate) and thereby prevent fertilization from occurring.

Vasectomies are usually performed in hospital under general anaesthesia. There are several methods by which a surgeon might complete a vasectomy procedure, all of which occlude (i.e. “seal”) at least one side of each vas deferens. The procedure is not complicated, the incisions are small, and the necessary equipment is routine.

Due to the simplicity of the surgery, a vasectomy usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. After a short recovery (usually less than an hour), the patient is sent home to rest. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, many vasectomy patients find that they can resume their typical sexual behaviour within a week, and do so with little or no discomfort.

Because the procedure is considered a permanent method of birth control and is not easily reversed, men are usually counselled/advised to consider how the long-term outcome of a vasectomy might affect them both emotionally and physically.