Preparation for Vasectomy:

• Shave the hair on the scrotum with a razor the night before the vasectomy.
• Bring a scrotal support (large) or brief underwear with you (no boxer shorts)
• Bring the signed consent with you at the time of your appointment.

Summary of Procedure:

The scrotum is cleaned with antiseptic solution, followed by injection of a small amount of local anesthetic in the middle of the scrotum and to each vas. A small "puncture" is then made in the scrotum and each vas is individually dissected and brought out of the scrotum where it is clipped, cut and then replaced back in the scrotum. In most cases, no stitches are necessary. The procedure takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

After Your Vasectomy:

• Keep your scrotal support and dressing on for the next 24 hours.
• You should apply an ice bag to the scrotal area during the first evening.
• You may use Advil, Motrin or Tylenol for pain. If these are inadequate, then call my office and a prescription for pain medication will be phoned in.
• After 24 hours, you may remove the dressing and scrotal support and take a shower. If there is any bleeding, oozing, or discharge, then reapply a gauze dressing.
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours. You may return to work in 48 - 72 hours. Exercise, yard work, etc. should be avoided for 5 -7 days.
• You may resume sexual activity in one week if you are feeling well.
• Continue to use some form of contraception until your follow-up semen analysis has been cleared. We recommend waiting at least 2 months and approximately 20-25 ejaculations prior to bringing your first sample to the lab. We require 2 negative samples for sperm, at least 2 weeks apart prior to clearing you for unprotected intercourse.
• Most importantly, if any problems should arise, do not hesitate to call me. Office #:(832)358-8600 Beeper #: (713) 617-0431 (After hours).

Short Term Risks:

Although a vasectomy is considered minor surgery and is routinely done in the office, there are potential complications. There is a small risk (<1-2%) of bleeding and scrotal swelling. It is very important that no strenuous activity be performed the day of your vasectomy: Strict bed rest is not necessary. However, I encourage you to rest at home with an ice bag applied to the scrotum intermittently on the evening of the procedure. Most men have the procedure on a Friday and are able to return to work on Monday. Please avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity, yard work, etc. for 5 to 7 days following the procedure.

Long Term Risks:

Several years ago there was some concern raised over a possible increased risk of prostate cancer in men who have had a vasectomy. Several studies have examined this issue with mixed results. These findings are of questionable significance and the American Board of Urology has refuted these claims. There certainly does not seem to be a marked increase in the incidence of prostate cancer following a vasectomy and we encourage all men to follow the American Cancer Society recommendations regarding screening for prostate cancer. These include a yearly rectal examination and a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) starting at age 50. If there is a family history of prostate cancer or the man is black, then they recommend screening starting at 40 years.

Failure Rates:

The failure rate after a vasectomy is approximately 1-3 in 1000, or less.

Reversals:

A vasectomy is a permanent form of sterilization. However, a vasectomy reversal can be performed if desired. There is an approximate 60% success rate of reversal, with success being greater if the reversal is performed within 5 years of the vasectomy.