Q. What is a vasectomy?

A. Vasectomy is a surgery performed to cut and seal the tubes carrying the male sperm (vas deferens). This cuts the sperm supply to the semen and acts as a male birth control method.

Q. How long does a vasectomy take?

A. A vasectomy usually takes 10 to 30 minutes to complete.

Q. Who performs a vasectomy?

A. A vasectomy is performed by a urologist.

Q. How effective is vasectomy as a birth control method?

A. A vasectomy is almost a 100% effective birth control method. In extremely rare cases, the vas deferens tubes can rejoin allowing sperm to leave the body and leading to a pregnancy.

Q. How much does a vasectomy cost in India?

A. The cost of vasectomy varies depending on the technique used for performing the procedure, the condition of the patient, and the expertise of the urologist. On average, the cost of vasectomy in India is between INR 80,000 to INR 1,25,000.

Q. Is a vasectomy painful?

A. No, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and your treatment area is numb while performing the procedure. However, you may have some soreness in the scrotal area for the first few days after the surgery. Athletic support or snug-fitting underwear can help in supporting the scrotum during this time. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for about a week after the procedure.

Q. When can I resume work after a vasectomy?

A. Most people can resume work a week after a vasectomy. However, complete healing may take up to two to three weeks and one needs to take it easy till that time and avoid strenuous physical activities during this period.

Q. Will I be able to ejaculate after a vasectomy?

A. Yes, semen ejaculation is not affected by a vasectomy. However, the semen will be without any sperm. Sperm makes up only 2 to 5 percent of the semen ejaculate, so you will not really notice any difference in the volume of the ejaculate.

Q. Will I still be making sperm after my vasectomy?

A. Yes, your testes will continue to make the sperms after a vasectomy.

Q. Can a vasectomy prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

A. No, a vasectomy does not protect against STDs and you may want to use a male condom to protect you against STDs like HIV.

Q. Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Q. Can a vasectomy be reversed? A. Yes, but reversing a vasectomy is difficult and does not always work. It is best to undergo vasectomy only after you are sure that you do not want to father any children in the future.

Q. Will vasectomy affect my sex life?

A. No, a vasectomy does not cause any changes in your sex drive, erection, ejaculation, or orgasms. Since no sex organs are altered or removed during a vasectomy, the body will continue to produce male hormones after a vasectomy.

Q. Will I have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer after undergoing a vasectomy?

A. No, there is no current evidence that suggests any link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.

Vasectomy Procedure at Apollo Hospital Guwahati, Christian Basti, Guwahati

Vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure performed to prevent pregnancy, but it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Types:
A vasectomy procedure can be of two types, based on the method used to perform it:

Conventional method: This method involves making two small cuts or incisions in the scrotum to get access to the vas deferens. A small portion of the vas deferens is then removed by cutting it down. The ends are then sealed by cauterization (use of heat) or the end is tied using stitches. Skin glue or a few stitches are then given in the scrotal area to close the incisions.
No-scalpel method: This method involves making a small puncture hole on one side of the scrotum to find the vas deferens and pull it out of the hole. After pulling it out, a small part of the vas deferens is cut and removed. The end is then pulled back into its original place by cauterization or tying it off.

Contra-indications:
A man cannot undergo vasectomy in the following situations:

Skin infection in the scrotum
Hernia in the groin region (vasectomy can be performed only after treating the hernia)
Undescended testes on each side
Inflammation or swelling of the tip of the penis at the time of the surgery

Advantages:

A vasectomy procedure has the following advantages:

More than 99% efficacy in the prevention of pregnancy
Is permanent
Is an outpatient procedure (the patient is discharged on the same day of the procedure)
No long-term effects on health
Does not affect the sex drive, or levels of hormones, or cause interference with sex
Safer and simpler alternative to sterilization of the female
Less expensive than the cost of female sterilization, known as tubal ligation, or the long-term cost of using birth control medicines for women
No need to take birth control steps before having sex, such as putting on a condom

Minimum Price : 80000 Maximum Price : 130000

Symptoms

A man can undergo vasectomy in the following situations:

If a man does not wish to have children in future
If a man is in a physical relationship with a woman having health problems, making pregnancy unsafe for the woman
If the man and woman both have genetic disorders which they do not want to pass on to their children
If the couple is not interested in using other measures of birth control

Diagnosis

Physical examination: The doctor will examine the physical health status of the patient. The patient’s medical and sexual history are noted. The patient will be explained about the procedure in detail and only after the patient is sure about not having children in the future, the procedure is planned.
Semen analysis: The doctor will check the sperm count of the patient before and after the procedure.
Blood tests: These are routine tests performed before any surgery to check for the various blood parameters and diagnose any underlying medical condition that may be present.
Chest x-ray: This is also a routine test performed before surgery to check the condition of the heart and lungs.

Treatment

The procedure is done under local anesthesia, that is, the surgical area is numbed by injecting anesthesia into the skin of the scrotum using a thin needle.
The doctor either makes a small incision in the upper part of the scrotum (conventional method) or makes a small puncture in the scrotum (no-scalpel method).
The vas deferens are then located.
A part of the vas deferens is withdrawn.
A part of the vas deferens where it has been pulled out of the scrotum is cut by the surgeon.
The vas deferens is sealed by tying it, using heat (cauterization), surgical clips, or a combination of these methods.
The ends of the vas deferens are then returned to the scrotum.
The incision is closed using stitches or surgical glue. Sometimes, the wound may be left to close on its own over some time.

Risks

A vasectomy procedure may be associated with the following side effects:

Blood clot formation or bleeding inside the scrotum
Blood in semen
Bruising of the scrotum
Infection
Swelling
Mild pain or discomfort

The delayed complications of vasectomy include:

Chronic (long-term) pain
Buildup of fluid in the testicle, leading to a dull ache that becomes worse with ejaculation
Inflammation due to leaking sperm (granuloma)
Spermatocele (abnormal cyst) formation in the epididymis (small, coiled tube present on the upper testicle that helps in the collection and transportation of the sperms)
Hydrocele (fluid-filled sac) formation surrounding a testicle, leading to swelling in the scrotum
Failure of the procedure causing a pregnancy (rare)

After Procedure

You will usually be discharged on the same day of the surgery.
It takes one to two days to return to your daily routine.
It is normal to have some pain and swelling for a few days after the surgery.
You will ejaculate semen after vasectomy, but the semen will no longer contain any sperm.
You need to wait for many months or longer to clear any sperm that may still be remaining in your semen.
A follow-up semen analysis is recommended six to twelve weeks after the surgery to confirm that there are no sperms present in the semen.

Home remedies:

Ice packs can be applied to the scrotum area to relieve discomfort.
Change your dressing if it is soiled or stained.
Avoid sexual activity for one week after the surgery.
Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week after the surgery.
You may take a bath from the day of the surgery itself.
Lie on your back for the whole day after the surgery.
A jockstrap or tight-fitting underwear worn for a minimum of 48 hours helps in providing protection and support to the scrotal area and also helps you in feeling comfortable.

Cost of Vasectomy in India-

The cost of a vasectomy in Mumbai is between INR 90,000 to INR 1,25,000.
The cost of a vasectomy in Delhi is between INR 85,000 to INR 1,15,000.
The cost of a vasectomy in Bangalore is between INR 85,000 to INR 1,15,000.
The cost of a vasectomy in Chennai is between INR 80,000 to INR 1,05,000.