Common Questions

  • Do vasectomies fail?

    You must be aware that one of the complications of a vasectomy is failure, and this is a possibility that can happen with any vasectomy. It is possible that the tubes can reconnect and the sperm can again get through possibly resulting in becoming fertile again. This doesn't happen very often.  About 1 out of every 5000 to 6000 vasectomies fail.

  • How will I know if I am sterile after the vasectomy is performed?

    Remember, you are not sterile until two consecutive semen analyses are negative for sperm, so other contraceptive options must be used until you have been declared sterile. You will have sperm in your ejaculate for a period of time, even after a successful vasectomy.

  • What is the recovery time?

    Afterwards, there are several things that will help you recover more quickly from your procedure. It is very important that you go home and stay off your feet as much as possible for the first two days.  An ice bag or bag of frozen peas may help to keep swelling down. You should wear an athletic supporter for support, and refrain from bathing for 2-3 days. Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for 4 or 5 days. If you follow these instructions, your post procedure recovery will most likely be smooth. If you don't follow these instructions, your recovery may last several weeks. You will be given an instruction sheet after your procedure that will further answer questions about your postoperative care.

  • Will my sex life change after a vasectomy?

    It is important for you to realize that after the vasectomy, your sex life should be essentially the same as it was before the vasectomy, that is, you still should be able to have erections like before. You still will have an ejaculate coming out when you have an orgasm, and essentially in the same amount as you have had before. It is just that there won't be any sperm present in the ejaculate.

  • Will a vasectomy have an influence on my testosterone production?

    Vasectomies have no influence on testosterone production. Things attributed to testosterone, such as voice pitch, hair distribution, etc., will not be affected by your vasectomy. There is a possibility some men may experience some psychological difficulties after vasectomy, based on the fact that they are not able to have children, but this is strictly a psychological problem.

  • If I have further questions, who can I contact for additional information?

    If you have any further questions regarding vasectomies, please ask one of our Physician Assistants or the Physician who will be doing your vasectomy.

  • What is a vasovasostomy?

    A vasovasostomy or vasectomy reversal is an elective surgical procedure designed to restore fertility and the ability to have children after a vasectomy.

  • Who is a good candidate for a vasovasotomy?

    Any male, who has had a vasectomy in the prior 15 years or less, and wishes to restore his ability to have children, may consider a vasovasotomy as an option for having more children.

  • What can I expect with this surgery?

    Vasectomy reversal or vasovasotomy is performed under a general anesthetic.  The surgical time is usually two to three hours in length, but is performed as an outpatient day surgery procedure.  You can expect some swelling at the surgical site as well as discomfort in the scrotum.  However, this usually is not severely limiting and most people can return to day-to-day activities such as desk type work within three to five days after a vasectomy reversal.  People who perform heavy lifting or straining at work, may require up to a week and a half of recovery, before they would be allowed to return to full activity. 

  • How successful is a vasovasotomy?

    The ability to reconnect the vas deferens which are tiny tubes roughly the diameter of a pencil lead is slightly better than 90%.  However, fertility is directly dependent on the time that the vasectomy was performed until the reversal is performed. Most individuals, who have had a vasectomy reversal within ten years of their vasectomy, may have a good pregnancy rate, roughly in the 70% range.

  • Will insurance cover my vasectomy reversal?

    Most insurance carriers do not cover a vasectomy reversal, as it is considered an elective procedure.

  • Are there long-term health risks associated with vasectomy reversal?

    At this point, there are no reported long-term health risks such as increased risk of heart disease or cancer reported with vasectomy reversals. 

  • Will I be sterile after having a vasectomy?

    Vasectomies are considered a permanent procedure, with the end result being sterility. We do have procedures to reverse the vasectomy that can be done, but they are not nearly 100% successful procedures. Sterility is not immediate. Instructions will be given to you regarding bringing in semen samples to check for the presence of sperm.

  • How is a vasectomy performed?

    First of all, you are shaved then scrubbed in the scrotal area. Next a local anesthetic is instilled in the area of the incision. A small incision is made on both sides of the scrotum, or one in the middle, depending on the doctor's preference. A small piece of both vas deferens, the tubes that carry the sperm, are removed and then the ends are either clipped or cauterized shut. This essentially puts up a road block, so to speak, so that the sperm can no longer make the trip from the testicles to the penis and you become sterile.

  • Are sutures required?

    A suture may or may not be placed on the incision.

  • What complications, if any should I be concerned about?

    After this procedure, there is a possibility of complications as with any other surgical procedure.  There is a possibility of bleeding at the site of the incision, you can get an infection in the incision, or occasionally an infection can go down into the testicle that may be a little bit more serious for you and may require some rest and antibiotic treatment at home. For the most part, however, the complications are not usually serious. As far as longterm complications are concerned, we find that this procedure is generally a safe procedure in the long run. There is a small risk of chronic testicular discomfort/pain.