Vasectomy Information

vasectomy

Dr. Stuart S. Howards
Professor of Urology and Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics

Dr. Raymond A. Costabile
Jay Y. Gillenwater Professor of Urology

Over one million couples a year decide that permanent sterilization by vasectomy is their choice for family planning. Vasectomy is the safest method of permanent sterilization and the most effective. At the University of Virginia, vasectomy is performed under local anesthesia with the choice of mild pre-treatment sedation by either the conventional method or by the “No-scalpel” technique. Drs. Howards and Costabile are acknowledged experts at performing vasectomy and vasectomy reversal. Through a very small scrotal incision the vas deferens on both sides of the scrotum is isolated and cut. Each end of the vas deferens is cauterized to prevent the return of sperm through the tube. A single absorbable suture is often placed in the skin to aid healing. Often the incision is so tiny no suture is needed. Vasectomy failure (recanalization) occurs in less than one in a thousand cases. A sperm count must be obtained after 4-6 weeks to confirm that no sperm is present in the ejaculated fluid.  Alternate methods of birth control must be used prior to obtaining the sperm count to prevent pregnancy. The procedure typically takes about 20 minutes with patients returning home immediately afterward. Work and full athletic activity can be resumed in a few days. Post-operative care consists of scrotal support (jock strap) and an ice pack for 24-48 hours and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) as needed for pain. No long-term systemic complications (impotence, atherosclerosis, prostate cancer etc.) have been confirmed to occur after vasectomy. Contact us today and let our experts assist you with your choice of vasectomy for family planning.