Vasectomy

Vasectomy has been performed for over 100 years for a variety of reasons, however it has only routinely been used for birth control since the 1950s, when it was deemed to be a safe form of birth control. Vasectomy is a safe and effective form of birth control. Approximately 7% of married couples utilize vasectomy as a permanent form of birth control. Every year roughly 500,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States.

The vasectomy is a simple office procedure in which a segment of the tubes carrying the sperm from the testicles is removed, and the ends are sealed off. The procedure is performed under a local anesthetic and only takes about thirty minutes. A scalpeless vasectomy uses a technique in which an incision is not made. Most men eagerly admit that the procedure is less painful than a visit to the dentist’s office. Furthermore, the only medication necessary afterward for the discomfort is a mild anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In order to minimize the discomfort and complications, it is important to stay off your feet for one to two days after the procedure. Most instances of complications from vasectomies occur because of too much activity following the procedure.