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VASECTOMY
To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-563-9623 (toll free).
Vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective methods of permanent birth control. It is much safer and less expensive than the other most common contraceptive surgery, tubal ligation. Conventional vasectomy blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from being added to the ejaculation fluid, semen. A local anesthetic is given, and one or two incisions are made in the scrotum with a scalpel. The two vas deferens are revealed, cut, and blocked. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
A safer and less invasive option is the NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY. The NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY reduces the already low complication rate nation wide. NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY uses an advanced technique to anesthetize the scrotum more effectively. No scalpel is required. The Physician carefully isolates the vas deferens using the fingers of one hand. The vasa are then fixed just below the scrotal skin with an instrument designed to hold firmly without any discomfort to the patient. A small opening is then made in the skin with a pointed forceps. The vasa are then brought through the skin, cut, and sealed in a conventional way. No sutures are needed to close the tiny opening.
HOW WILL VASECTOMY AFFECT MY SEX LIFE?
Vasectomy only interrupts the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to where they are added to your semen. Your penis and testes are not in any way altered. All sexual and hormonal functions remain the same. Your body still produces semen, erections and ejaculations occur normally. The only difference is that your semen will no longer contain sperm. Your body naturally absorbs unused sperm.
WILL I STILL NEED TO CONTINUE USING BIRTH CONTROL METHODS RIGHT AWAY?
YES! Sperm can still be present in the vas deferens above the operative site for several weeks or sometimes months after the vasectomy. You will need to have two post surgical semen tests show that no sperm remain. Until this has been completed, you must continue to use other birth control to prevent pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
Vasectomy is a very low risk procedure, but there is possibility of complications. All contraceptive methods carry a level of risk as well as benefits.
Bleeding (Hematoma) and/or Infections This is the most common complication for vasectomy. NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY reduces the likelihood of occurrences because the blood vessels responsible for bleeding are less likely to be affected due to a smaller opening in the scrotum.
Failure No contraception method is 100% effective. Even when the procedure is performed perfectly, it is still possible in rare cases for sperm to find its way across the void between the two blocked ends of the vas deferens. Recanalization is a rare situation, but can occur. This can be detected through the processing of the post-surgical semen tests. These tests are taken about 6 to 8 weeks post-vasectomy to confirm that your semen does not contain sperm. Recanalization usually will occur in the first 2-3 months after the vasectomy procedure, but has been known in extremely rare cases to occur several years later.
Sperm Granuloma This is a sometimes painful hard lump about the size of a pea that may form as a result of sperm leaking from the cut vas deferens. The lump is not dangerous and is almost always resolved by the body in time. Scrotal support and mild pain relievers are usually all that are needed for these symptoms. Sometimes other treatment may be needed.
Congestion Feeling a sense of pressure that is caused by sperm in the testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens, may cause discomfort some 2 to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Similar to granuloma, congestion usually resolves itself in time.
WILL I EXPERIENCE PAIN DURING THE PROCEDURE?
NO. You may feel mild discomfort when the local anesthetic is given. After it takes effect, you should feel no pain, though some men feel a 'tugging' sensation as the vasa are manipulated. You may feel a little sore for a few days. Generally, two to three day's rest in recovery enough before most patients return to work and most normal, non-strenuous physical activity. Sex can in most cases be resumed in 7 days after the procedure.
ARE THERE LONG-TERM HEALTH RISKS?
After several long-term studies, the evidence is reassuring, suggesting that no significant risks exist. Men who have a vasectomy are no more likely than other men to develop cancer, heart disease, or other health problems.
CAN VASECTOMY BE REVERSED?
In many cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. However, this operation, vasovasostomy, is expensive and, for a variety of reasons, does not guarantee a return to fertility. Vasectomy should be considered a permanent procedure.
We will discuss the procedure in person to determine the suitability of this method for you. Your health history, consent, and pre/post procedure instructions will be reviewed. On the day of your procedure, you will receive a brief physical examination prior to the start of the vasectomy.
COST
For cost of service, please contact Planned Parenthood toll-free at 1-866-563-9623. Your fee includes the following:
- Consultation visit (at least one week prior to procedure visit)
- Hematocrit
- Blood Pressure
- Urinalysis
- An antibiotic to safeguard against infection
- Local Anesthetic
- Mild sedation (upon request)
- Post-procedure semen tests
- All professional fees
Payment is due on the day of service. We will also accept insurance, but it must be verified prior to the surgery date.
Thank you for considering Planned Parenthood as your service provider. We appreciate your faith in our ability to care for you. If you are not a patient in one of our reproductive health care clinics, we hope you will choose to visit us for your contraceptive needs. Vasectomy services are offered at our Surgi Center located in Dallas just north of downtown. Our physical location is 7424 Greenville Ave. Suite 211, Dallas, TX 75231.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-563-9623 (toll free).
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