Vasectomy in Cleveland, OH
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a form of birth control during which the vas deferens (the tubes that carry a man’s sperm) are cut. Once the vas deferens has been separated, there is no way for sperm to be released in the ejaculate. This procedure is considered a permanent form of birth control, but it is possible to have a reversal surgery should the patient change their mind in the future.
Board-certified urologist Aram Loeb, MD is expertly trained in performing vasectomies. If you have any questions about the procedure or would like to discuss the outcome of your procedure, please call (440) 887-9139 to schedule an appointment at our men’s health clinic in Cleveland, OH.
What Are the Benefits of a Vasectomy?
It is recommended that men only get a vasectomy when they are certain that they no longer wish to have children. It is the preferred choice for many couples because:
- The use of male birth control (condoms) or female birth control (pills, IUDs, etc.) is no longer needed.
- The procedure is the most effective form of sterilization, as it is almost 100 percent certain to prevent pregnancy.
- It is much less expensive than female sterilization.
- In most cases, a vasectomy will be performed in-office and is considered an outpatient procedure. Full-anesthesia is not required, only a local anesthetic is necessary.
What Should You Expect While Recovering From a Vasectomy?
Immediately following a vasectomy, there will be bruising and swelling, but these symptoms should subside after a few days. Apply ice packs every few hours to help control your discomfort. It is also recommended that patients wear tight-fitting underwear so that the scrotum is provided extra support.
Get plenty of bed rest during the first week. At the very least, try to stay off of your feet for two or three days. Avoid bathing for about 48 hours, because this will allow the incisions to heal faster and prevent infection. Most patients are able to return to their normal lives after one week.
When Can You Have Sex After a Vasectomy?
Wait at least one week before having sexual intercourse. It is best to refrain from such activities until your physician has cleared you.
Keep in mind, you are not sterile right away. Viable sperm are living on the other side of the tube that was cut. It takes about 15-20 ejaculates or 2-3 months to clear the system. It’s very important you get a post-vasectomy SA at that time to confirm success. After a few months, Dr. Loeb will check sperm levels to confirm that they are declining until finally reaching zero.
The vasectomy will not affect your sex drive or orgasms. You will still ejaculate, as only a small percentage of your ejaculate comes from the testicles. Occasionally, men feel a slight pressure in their testicles when aroused, but eventually, that feeling will go away.
For further instruction on post-vasectomy care, please refer to Dr. Loeb’s vasectomy guidelines.
Schedule a Vasectomy Consultation in Cleveland, OH!
If you are considering the vasectomy procedure as a form of male birth control, contact men’s health specialist Aram Loeb, MD to discuss the benefits of the procedure and your candidacy. To schedule a consultation at one of our men’s health clinic in Beachwood, please call (440) 887-9139 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Vasectomy FAQs
It is important for patients to share all relevant information with Dr. Loeb, as this may influence the result of the vasectomy. For example, be sure to communicate any known allergies or effects caused by common medications or topical anesthetics. It is also critical to address any questions or concerns during this preliminary stage so that patients can be well informed and educated about their procedure.
Exact instructions will be given prior to arriving at Dr. Loeb’s office for your vasectomy. While these guidelines may vary, they generally include:
- Avoiding blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin in the few days leading up to the procedure
- Eat a small, nutritious meal before the vasectomy to prevent lightheadedness or nausea that can occur after fasting for several hours
- Wearing an athletic supporter or tightfitting undergarments to support the treatment area after the vasectomy
- Shower before surgery to ensure the site is appropriately cleaned before the procedure
- You may also be asked to shave the genitals yourself, or this may be done in the office before the vasectomy begins
- Arrange to have a friend or family member help to care for you after the procedure is complete
Depending upon Dr. Loeb’s chosen approach, a vasectomy may be performed using various specialized techniques. While traditional surgery to complete a vasectomy is still a highly effective option, many urologists now offer minimally invasive options for men who wish to complete this procedure.
No matter what method is selected, the process remains relatively the same. To begin, the patient will be numbed so that they are comfortable throughout the entire treatment, at which point a small incision will be made so that Dr. Loeb has access to the patient’s vas deferens. The vas deferens are two tubes responsible for carrying a man’s semen from the testicles to create semen. Without the vas deferens, sperm have no way to exit the body and fertilize a woman’s egg, meaning that pregnancy is not possible.
After the vas deferens are cut and quickly sealed using highly focused heat at the ends of each tube, the procedure is essentially complete. A stitch or two may be made to close the treatment site, though the incision is usually so small that it can be left to heal on its own.
Recovery from a vasectomy, especially one that is performed using minimally invasive techniques, is quite minimal. Patients should expect some soreness and swelling in the first 24-48 hours after their vasectomy, though this should dissipate quickly so long as they rest and limit their activities as much as possible during this period.
Most men are able to return to work and other everyday responsibilities within 2-3 days following their vasectomy, though it is advised to avoid any heavy lifting or other strenuous activity until you receive proper clearance from Dr. Loeb.
The most common side effects after a vasectomy are mild pain, bruising, bleeding, and swelling. Of course, it is still possible for more severe issues to occur, though they are incredibly rare. These include:
- Infection
- Chronic pain
- Failure to prevent pregnancy
- Granuloma (inflammation caused by leaking sperm)
- Spermatocele formation (a small cyst of the upper testicle region)
- Hydrocele (a fluid-filled sac of tissue that grows within the scrotum)
Individuals at risk for more serious complications include those who have suffered testicular cancer or testicular disease, though even in these outlying groups rarely encounter serious side effects caused by a vasectomy. Be sure to discuss your own individual risk factors with Dr. Loeb to determine if a vasectomy is a safe option for you.
No. A vasectomy has absolutely no proven effect on a man’s sex drive, sexual functions, or pleasure during sex. There are many common myths surrounding this particular question, though all evidence clearly shows that the only difference a man should notice after a vasectomy compared to his life before is that he is no longer able to father children.
Please be very aware that the results of a vasectomy are not immediate. Dr. Loeb will need to test the patient’s sperm in the weeks following a vasectomy to determine if the procedure was in fact successful at preventing the production and transfer of sperm through the vas deferens. During this time, men are instructed not to engage in unprotected sex, as this could lead to a potential pregnancy.
A vasectomy is more than 99% effective. Of the few cases in which pregnancy does occur after a vasectomy, a majority are within the first year after the procedure is performed.
There is a procedure for that as well! A vasectomy reversal may be offered to men who have previously undergone a vasectomy and later wish to conceive a child.
It is of course advised for patients to carefully consider this possibility before they complete a vasectomy, as vasectomy reversal procedures are not guaranteed to be effective. Men may also consider storing their sperm in a sperm bank prior to vasectomy as a sort of safeguard to this potential situation.