Vasectomy
Vasectomy
is the process of dividing the vas (the tube that delivers the sperm
from the testis to the prostate) in order to prevent conception. It
is the most common method of male contraception in this country where
about 500,000 vasectomies are done each year. Since vasectomy simply
interrupts the delivery of the sperm, it does not change the hormonal
function of the testis and sexual drive and ability remain intact. Since
most of the semen is composed of fluid from the prostate, the semen
will look the same. Vasectomy is thought to be free of known long term
side effects, and is considered to be the safest and most reliable method
of permanent male sterilization.
The
technique of the No-scalpel Vasectomy was developed in 1974 by a Chinese
physician, Dr. Li Shunqiang, and has been performed on over eight million
men in China.
After
injecting the scrotal skin and each vas with a local anesthetic, a special
vas-fixation clamp is used to encircle and firmly secure the vas without
penetrating the skin. One blade of a sharp forceps or clamp is then
used to penetrate the scrotal skin. The tips of the forceps are spread,
opening the skin much like spreading apart the weaves of fabric. The
vas is thus exposed and then lifted out and occluded by any of the standard
techniques, such as cautery or sutures. The second vas is then brought
through the same opening and occluded in a similar fashion. The skin
wound contracts to a few millimeters and usually does not require suturing.
Compared
to the traditional incisional technique, the No-Scalpel Vasectomy usually
takes less time, causes less discomfort and may have lower rates of
bleeding and infection. Recovery following the procedure is usually
complete in two to three days. Hard work or straining (athletic pursuits
or heavy lifting ) is not recommended for seven days. Most patients
should wait to have intercourse for a week after the procedure (You
should feel no discomfort).
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