North Bay Ontario

​Vasectomy

Urology North

Call Us:  +1-705-995-2490

A Vasectomy is a procedure where the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra) is cut, clipped and cauterized to achieve permanent sterility as a form of permanent male birth control.  This is done by instilling with a needle local anesthetic into the scrotum and then making a small hole in the scrotal skin.  We utilize a scalpel free technique to minimize the risk of long term scrotal discomfort.  Through this hole the vas deferens is then identified and delivered.  Once the vas deferens has been isolated, a segment is removed, the ends are cauterized, and titanium clips are placed to achieve permanent sterility in 3 different ways. This is then repeated on the other side.    

The Procedure

Please arrive at the outpatient unit on time. You can expect to be at the hospital for a few hours; however the surgery itself will last between 15-20 minutes.  

Risks

All surgical procedures have inherent risks associated with them.  Despite these risks being very low, we believe it is important that all patients who choose a surgical option are aware of the potential for unwanted outcomes.

Vasectomy is a very safe procedure, however, the risks do include anesthetic complications such as adverse drug reactions or even death.  Specific to the surgery, blood loss and the need for a transfusion are an extremely small risk.  Hematoma and blood pooling in the scrotum is a common occurrence and can be mitigated by not performing any heavy physical activity in the days following the procedure.  Surgical wound infection can occur and may require treatment with antibiotics if this were to occur.  Prolonged scrotal tenderness can occur in up to 1% of patients.  Surgical failure rates are approximately 1 in 2000.  It is important to remember you are not sterile until a confirmatory test has been completed to check your sperm counts.  This is done ~ 3 months after the procedure.    


When you arrive

A local anesthetic will be instilled into the scrotum. Once frozen, the scrotal skin will be tested before any incision is made.  You should not experience significant discomfort.  Pressure / pulling is normal, however if you experience significant sharp pains we ask you let us know, as this can be relieved with more local freezing.  To be successful, the procedure must be repeated on both sides to stop the flow of sperm from the testicles.  

After Vasectomy

After your vasectomy you will be able to resume light activities including driving within a few days.  Heavy lifting, physical exercise, and sports, should be refrained for 3-4 weeks.  Protection to pregnancy (condoms) must be used until all viable sperm have been removed.  This typically takes 3 months, but can take up to 6 months.  We will test your sperm count ~ 3 months after the procedure to confirm that it is safe to resume unprotected intercourse.  We encourage men to have multiple safe ejaculations in this interim period.  If the 3 month test confirms the presence of sperm, a repeat test will be performed at 6 months.

When Should I Call my Doctor?

You should contact our office if significant pain persists for more then a few days, if you are having a hard time passing your urine, or if you develop a fever.  If there are any signs of infection, such as significant redness, tenderness, the presence of pus at the wound site, or fever, seek medical attention.  

Q&A

1. What are the success rates?

     Vasectomy is considered a permanent form of birth control.  Failure rates are ~ 1 / 2000 cases.  While surgical reversal can be performed, there is no guarantee of success and it is NOT covered under OHIP, as such, we advise patients to be as certain as possible before proceeding.  

2. Will it hurt?

     The procedure is often described as somewhat uncomfortable and is performed under a local anesthetic.  You may feel pressure during the procedure, however if you are experiencing sharp pains, let your urologist know so that additional local freezing can be given.

3. How long will it take?

     The procedure length is usually about 15 minutes to complete.

4.  Will vasectomy affect my sex drive?

      No.  Vasectomy removes the passageway for the sperm to travel from the testicles but it has zero effect on the male hormones released by the testicles.  As such, other than the short term discomfort associated with the procedure, no long term effects should be had on your sex drive.