Vasectomy is not castration. Vasectomy only interrupts the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to where they are added to your semen. Your penis and testes are not altered. All hormonal and sexual functions are completely unaffected, so your voice, body hair, and interest in sex remain the same. Your body still produces semen, and erections and ejaculations occur normally. The only difference is that your semen no longer contains sperm. As before, the body naturally absorbs unused sperm.

Can I discontinue other birth control methods right away?

No. Sperm can remain in the vas derens above the operative site for weeks or even months after vasectomy. You will not be considered sterile until two post surgical semen test have shown that no sperm remain. Until then, you must continue to use other birth control to prevent pregnancy.

Are there potential complications?

• Though rare, bleeding (hematoma) and infections are the most common complications of vasectomy. No-scalpel vasectomy, this procedure, reduces their likelihood because the blood vessels responsible for bleeding are less likely to be affected and because the opening in the scrotum is so small.
• Another potential risk is failure. Vasectomy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Even when the operation is performed perfectly, it is possible in rare cases for sperm to find its way across the void between the two blocked ends of the vas deferens. This situation, called recanalisation, is highly unusual but does occur.
  There is another reason why samples must be taken some 6 to 8 weeks post-vasectomy to verify that your semen contains no sperm. Recanalisation usually occurs in the first 2-3 months after vasectomy, but has been known in extremely rare cases to occur even years later.
• Sperm granuloma, a hard, sometimes painful lump about the size of a pea may form as a result of sperm leaking from the cut vas deferens. The lump is not dangerous and is almost always resolved by the body in time. Scrotal support and mild pain relievers are usually all that are needed for symptoms, though I may suggest other treatment.
• Congestion, a sense of pressure caused by sperm in the testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens, may cause discomfort some 2 to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Like granuloma, congestion usually resolves itself in time.

Is vasectomy painful?

No. You may feel mild discomfort when the local anesthetic is given. After it takes effect, you should feel no pain, though some men feel a slight 'tugging' sensation as the vasa are manipulated. After surgery you may be a little sore for a few days. Generally, two to three days rest is recovery enough before men return to work and most normal, non-strenuous physical activity. Sex can usually be resumed 7 days after the procedure.

Does vasectomy pose long-term health risks?

Many studies have looked at the long-term health effects of vasectomy. The evidence is reassuring, suggesting that no significant risks exist. Men who have had a vesectomy are no more likely than other men to develop cancer, heart disease, or other health problems.

In 1993, a panel assembled by the National Institute of Health, the Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception, and the National Cancer Institute reaffirmed the conclusion of most medical experts that vasectomy is a safe and effective means of permanent birth control. The panel advised that physicians continue to offer vasectomy and that all men, vasectomised or not, receive the same regular screening for prostate cancer and other illnesses.

Can vasectomy be reversed?

In many cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. However, this operation, a vasovasostomy, is not available on the NHS and, for a variety of reasons, does not guarantee a return to fertility. Vasectomy should therefore be considered a permanent procedure. Before you choose to have a vasectomy, make quite sure that you and your partner do not want any more children. If you are thinking about a reversal now, perhaps you should take more time to decide whether vasectomy is right for you.

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