Vasectomy

A vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control available. It’s also quick, easy, and low hassle when performed by a board-certified urologist.

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that completely reduces your ability to get your partner pregnant. It accomplishes this by severing the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen in the prostate. After a vasectomy, your semen will no longer contain sperm cells that can fertilize your partner’s egg. Dr. Houman has a high volume vasectomy clinic in Los Angeles, he performs both a minimally-invasive scalpel vasectomy as well as the needle, no-scalpel vasectomy. He is a top rated vasectomy doctor in Los Angeles.

How Does a Vasectomy Work?

A vasectomy is a simple, outpatient procedure that is performed under local anesthesia in a doctor’s office or clinic. During the procedure, a scalpel is used to make a tiny hole in the scrotum and the doctor will then be able to reach the vas deferens. The vas deferens are then cut, blocked, or sealed off. After the procedure, the doctor will apply ice packs to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort. It is important to note that a vasectomy does not affect a man’s sex drive or ability to have sexual activity. The entire procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Is a Vasectomy Right for Me?

Vasectomies are very nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them one of the most effective options available for male sterilization. If you and your partner decide you don’t want kids in the future, a Los Angeles vasectomy is a lower-cost, lower-risk, and less invasive method of permanent birth control than female sterilization. After a vasectomy, you won’t need to use other birth control methods like condoms during sex with your regular partner (although a vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases). The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in the office, however, can be performed in the operating room under general anesthesia if you prefer. In very rare cases, a vasectomy can fail and pregnancy can still occur. This is why it is important to use other forms of birth control until a semen analysis confirms that there are no sperm present.

What are the Benefits of a Vasectomy?

1. Permanent Birth Control: A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. This makes it a great option for men who are sure they do not want to have any more children.

2. Low Risk: Vasectomies are a safe and low-risk procedure. The risk of complications is very low, and the procedure is generally well-tolerated.

3. Quick Recovery: The procedure itself is relatively quick, and the recovery time is usually short. Most men can return to their normal activities within a few days.

4. Cost-Effective: Vasectomies are a cost-effective form of birth control. The procedure is usually covered by insurance, and the cost of the procedure is much lower than other forms of birth control.

5. No Hormones: Unlike other forms of birth control, a vasectomy does not involve taking hormones. This makes it a great option for men who do not want to take hormones or who cannot take hormones due to medical reasons.

6. No Side Effects: Unlike other forms of birth control, a vasectomy does not have any side effects. This makes it a great option for men who want to avoid the side effects associated with other forms of birth control.

7. High Success Rate: Vasectomies are highly effective, with a success rate of over 99%. This makes it a great option for men who want to be sure they are protected against unwanted pregnancies.

What is the Recovery after a Vasectomy?

You should plan to bring spandex shorts or tight-fitting underwear with you to your procedure so you can put them on immediately after. This can help support the area throughout your recovery time. It’s best to give yourself two to three days to rest and recover, and anticipate limiting your activity level (physical and sexual) during this time. Depending on a scalpel or no scalpel vasectomy, you will have a small cut or incision in the scrotal area that will heal well. It’s normal to have swelling and discomfort which can be managed using ice packs or bags of frozen peas. You can also manage it with ibuprofen, and you’ll be given instructions on how much to take and when.

It’s extremely important to avoid having unprotected intercourse for the first few weeks and to maximize your recovery time. This is because sperm will still be present in the tubes and will need to be flushed out completely before you’re considered sterile. Make sure to ejaculate at least 20 times before having unprotected intercourse. A semen analysis after this will confirm that there are no sperm present in you ejaculate. Not following these directions can result in unwanted pregnancy. Your urologist can check for sperm in your semen after your procedure to confirm that your procedure was successful.

Vasectomy Myths

Myth 1: Sex Won’t Feel as Good after a Vasectomy

Sex will be just as good after a vasectomy — or better! The freedom from worry about unplanned pregnancies will allow you to be more spontaneous and will probably allow you to enjoy it more. Some patients feel that they have improved libido and sex drive after a vasectomy since the stress of unplanned pregnancy is no longer present. A vasectomy changes what makes up your semen, not your erections or sensations. Most patients are able to return to normal sexual activity within a week!

Myth 2: Testosterone Levels Will Decrease

True, the testicle makes both sperm and testosterone. The difference is, the testicle makes testosterone and transports it through the bloodstream, not the vas deferens. Testosterone levels don’t go down as a result of vasectomy.

Myth 3: You Won’t Be Able to have an Erection or Ejaculate 

If you could ejaculate before your vasectomy, you’ll ejaculate after your vasectomy. Ejaculatory fluid, semen, is made in the prostate and the seminal vesicles, which are not cut during a vasectomy. The amount of fluid that comes out of the testicle with sperm is less than 1 percent of the overall ejaculate volume. The muscle contractions that force fluid out during ejaculation come from the pelvis and, again, are not affected by vasectomy. 

Myth 4: Vasectomy Shuts Down Sperm Production

Vasectomy just blocks sperm production. Men continue to make sperm, it just has nowhere to go. Sperm typically live about 3-5 days and then peter out. Therefore, if a guy doesn’t ejaculate every 5 days or so, his sperm die anyway—only to be replaced by millions more. After a vasectomy, the same thing happens; sperm are always in a constant state of production and decay, regardless of whether they have anywhere to go. A sperm granuloma helps make success of a reversal more likely. This explains why vasectomy reversal works!

Myth 5: Vasectomy causes prostate cancer.

This is a myth that emerged in the 1990s and reemerged in 2014 based on studies that seemed to show an association between vasectomy and prostate cancer. Both times, the studies faced criticism for problems with their design and methodology. The flawed studies sparked larger, better designed studies, and these studies showed no connection between vasectomy and prostate cancer. The American Urological Association reviewed all the data and weighed in to say that vasectomy does NOT cause prostate cancer.

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A Los Angeles vasectomy is one of the easiest and most effective ways in preventing pregnancies for the long term. Dr. Houman is the best vasectomy doctor in Los Angeles based on volume of vasectomy procedures and experience. To learn more about your options and what you can expect, meet with Dr. Houman during a consultation by calling (310) 854-7822 or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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