Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure wherein the vasa deferentia of a man are severed, and then tied or sealed in a manner such to prevent sperm from entering the seminal stream (ejaculate). Typically done in an outpatient setting, a traditional vasectomy involves numbing (local anesthetic) of the scrotum after which 1 (or 2) small incisions are made, allowing a surgeon to gain access to the vas deferens. The "tubes" are cut and sealed by tyin... more

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure wherein the vasa deferentia of a man are severed, and then tied or sealed in a manner such to prevent sperm from entering the seminal stream (ejaculate). Typically done in an outpatient setting, a traditional vasectomy involves numbing (local anesthetic) of the scrotum after which 1 (or 2) small incisions are made, allowing a surgeon to gain access to the vas deferens. The "tubes" are cut and sealed by tying, stitching, cauterization (burning), or otherwise clamped to prevent sperm from entering the seminal stream. Variations of the procedure have been explored/used in hopes of reducing recovery time and pain (in recovery and post-surgery). The No-Scalpel method (coined Key-Hole), in which a sharp hemostat, rather than a scalpel, is used to puncture the scrotum may reduce healing times as well as mitigate the chance of infection. An "open-ended" vasectomy obstructs (seals) only one end of the vas deferens, which allows continued streaming of... less