What is Vasectomy? Is Vasectomy Surgery Reversible?

Vasectomy is a birth control method performed by ligating the tubes that carry sperm in men. Today, the number of men using this method is increasing, as vasectomy is a low-risk surgery, has the possibility of reversal, and is a relatively easy procedure to perform.

What is Vasectomy?

Throughout history, many different methods have been developed to prevent unwanted pregnancies. With the increase in people’s knowledge in the field of medicine and the development of technology, these methods have been constantly improved and complications related to the control method have been tried to be reduced. Today, there are many different methods for this purpose, such as using a female or male condom, inserting a device (spiral) into the uterus, using birth control pills, and tying the tubes, which is where fertilization occurs in the female reproductive system. While each of these methods has advantages in various areas, it can also have disadvantages in some areas. For example, although the use of a male condom is protective against many sexually transmitted diseases, most men do not want to use this method because they think that condoms reduce the pleasure of sexual intercourse.

Vasectomy is becoming a procedure preferred by more and more people among birth control methods. With vasectomy surgery, the tubes that carry sperm in men are cut and their ends are closed. Thus, sperm is prevented from passing into the semen expelled with ejaculation. Since there is no sperm in the semen fluid, the risk of pregnancy is eliminated.

Why is a vasectomy performed?

Vasectomy is a birth control method that can be used by men who do not want to have children. Some of the reasons why vasectomy is popular among birth control methods can be listed as follows:

• The rate of vasectomy preventing unwanted pregnancies is close to 100%.
• Those who have a vasectomy are usually discharged without hospitalization, and the complication rate associated with vasectomy surgery is low.
• Vasectomy is a more cost-effective method than surgery in which women’s tubes are tied (tubal ligation) or long-term use of birth control pills.
• After vasectomy surgery, men do not need to use birth control methods such as wearing a condom before sexual intercourse.

To whom is vasectomy performed?

Vasectomy can be performed on all men who do not have a health-related obstacle for this procedure. The person who will have a vasectomy needs to be sure that he does not want children. Therefore, fathers who already have children and do not want any more and men who do not want to have children at all can choose this procedure. Although vasectomy can be a reversible procedure, sterilization before the procedure is performed is considered permanent. Because it may not always be possible to completely reverse the operation. In some cases, even if the reversal operation is performed successfully, the person may have problems having children.

Vasectomy surgery is usually a day procedure that does not require hospitalization. Before this operation, regularly used medications, if any, should be rearranged under the supervision of a doctor. Ibuprofen group anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners may need to be stopped a few days before the procedure. In order to prevent swelling that may occur in the scrotum after the surgery, underwear that supports the scrotum should be preferred. People who want to have a vasectomy should talk to their doctor in detail before finalizing their decision and carefully evaluate whether they want to have children in the future and whether other birth control methods are a reasonable option for them. . Vasectomy is mostly performed by urologists. Vasectomy is a procedure that takes approximately 10-30 minutes. The surgery is performed under local (regional) anesthesia. Therefore, during vasectomy, the person does not feel pain or pain at the operation site, but is aware of the procedures performed. The procedures performed during vasectomy are as follows:

• Local anesthetic is injected into the scrotum with the help of a needle.
• In the classical method, a small incision is made in the anesthetized upper part of the scrotum. In the no-scalpel technique, a small hole is made in the upper region of the sctorum.
• The location of the vas deferens channels that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra (where semen and urine come out) is determined.
• The vas deferens tubes are pulled out through the incision or hole made.
• The part of the tube/duct that is pulled out is cut off.
• Both ends of the cut channel are closed by methods such as ligation or cauterization.
• The channels, whose two ends are closed, are put back in place.
• The incision or hole is closed with a special adhesive or stitches.

It is normal for men to have pain, swelling and bruising after vasectomy surgery. However, if there are symptoms that may be signs of infection, such as increasing swelling and bruising, fever and worsening pain, the doctor must be informed. Points to consider after surgery can be listed as follows:

• Close-fitting, tight underwear should be worn for at least 48 hours after the operation. Choosing this type of underwear reduces swelling in the scrotum.
• Cold application should be applied to the scrotum for two days after the surgery.
• After the procedure, movement should be restricted for a few days. You can return to daily activities after a few days, but activities such as heavy carrying and sports should be avoided.
• Sexual intercourse should be avoided for 7-10 days after vasectomy. Because pain may be felt during ejaculation and blood may be seen in the semen. After a vasectomy, men should use other birth control methods until it is determined that there is no sperm left in the semen.

After the vasectomy procedure, there is a high probability that there will be previously produced  sperm  in the ducts . These sperm can be found in the semen for up to 20 ejaculations after the procedure. Therefore, it would be correct to use control methods for the first 20 ejaculations after the procedure. After vasectomy, the testicles continue to produce sperm. Since these sperm cannot be expelled, they are reabsorbed by the body and reabsorption does not cause any problems.

Is Vasectomy Reversible?

Vasectomy surgery is a reversible procedure. However, no guarantee can be given for return. Therefore, men who decide to have a vasectomy should make sure that they do not want to have children. This procedure should not be viewed as absolutely reversible. Vasectomy, as with every interventional operation, carries various risks. Vasectomy side effects include:

• Bleeding or hematoma (blood clot) in the scrotum
• Blood in semen
• Bruising on the scrotum
• Infection in the surgery area
• Pain and discomfort
• swelling in the scrotum

Complications that may develop due to surgery are as follows:

• Chronic pain, seen in approximately 1-2% of those who have surgery
• Fluid accumulation in the testicle, resulting in aching pain that worsens with ejaculation
• Inflammation that causes sperm leakage (granuloma)
• Pregnancy, although rare
• Abnormal cyst formation in the epididymis, which collects and transfers sperm produced in the testicle
• A fluid-filled structure (hydrocele) surrounding the testicles causes swelling in the scrotum.

After vasectomy, the doctor checks whether there is sperm in the semen. The presence of sperm in the semen fluid is investigated by semen analysis during the 6-12 weeks after the surgery. Once the doctor confirms that there is no sperm in the semen, use of other birth control methods may be discontinued.

Pregnancy after vasectomy is a rare condition. The main reason for this situation is the presence of previously produced sperm in the semen in the early postoperative period. Although vasectomy is an effective method for birth control, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, it would be beneficial for men who have had a vasectomy to take other protective measures such as condoms before risky sexual intercourse. You can visit a well-equipped health center to find out whether vasectomy is the right birth control method for you. We wish you healthy days.