Vasectomy in Atlanta: no-scalpel vasectomy
What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is permanent birth control for men. Ours is a no-scalpel vasectomy, done in the office under local anesthetic in about 15 to 30 minutes. Most men return to work in about 2 days, and other birth control is needed until a semen analysis shows no sperm.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chirag Dave
Vasectomy at a glance
- What it is: permanent birth control; the vas deferens on each side is cut and sealed.
- Technique: no-scalpel, through one or two very small openings in the scrotum.
- Setting: in the office, under local anesthetic with light oral sedation; about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Recovery: back to work in about 2 days; no strenuous activity for 3 days and no sex for 1 week.
- Sterility: only after a semen analysis shows no sperm.
- Not affected: hormones, erections and sensation.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor procedure that makes a man permanently unable to father children. The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from each testicle, is cut and sealed on both sides. It is one of the permanent birth control options for couples who are sure they do not want children, or more children.
How does a vasectomy work?
Sperm are made in the testicles and travel through the vas deferens to mix with semen. After a vasectomy, sperm can no longer reach the semen, so an egg cannot be fertilized. The testicles keep making sperm, which break down and are absorbed by the body. Because sperm make up only a tiny part of semen, ejaculation looks and feels about the same, and hormones are not affected.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
A no-scalpel vasectomy is a way of doing a vasectomy through one or two very small openings in the scrotum rather than larger incisions. The openings are so small that stitches may not be needed; if they are used, they dissolve on their own.
How is a vasectomy done?
After the skin is numbed and you have had light oral sedation, the urologist reaches the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from each testicle, cuts and seals each tube, and returns the ends to the scrotum. Because of the sedation, someone needs to drive you home.
Vasectomy recovery: what to expect
Most men return to work in about 2 days, and many plan the procedure before a weekend. Here is the recovery timeline from our post-op instructions:
- Remove the dressings inside the compression shorts after 24 hours, and wear scrotal support for 1 week.
- Use ice packs the first evening and as much as possible the next day.
- Shower as usual. After 36 hours, take a warm bath at least once a day for a week.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days and sex for about 1 week, and do not lift anything heavier than a few pounds during that time.
- Mild oozing, discomfort, swelling or bruising usually settle within a few days. Blood in the semen for 1 to 2 weeks can happen.
- Call the office if swelling becomes large or painful.
When am I sterile after a vasectomy?
Not right away. Sperm can survive beyond the point where the tubes were cut for months. Use other contraception until a semen analysis shows no sperm; this can take 6 months or longer. Rarely, the cut ends can rejoin, which is another reason the semen analysis matters.
Is a vasectomy right for you?
A vasectomy is meant to be permanent. If you want to space pregnancies, or think you might want children in the future, a vasectomy is not the right choice. If your plans change later, vasectomy reversal or sperm retrieval with IVF may be options.
Vasectomy near me: offices across metro Atlanta
Vasectomy consultations are available at all 14 Advanced Urology offices, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm: Alpharetta / Roswell, Braselton, Canton, Conyers, Cumming, Dallas, Decatur, Jasper, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Oakwood, Sandy Springs, Snellville.
Coverage for vasectomy depends on your plan; call 404-586-4570 to check your benefits. See insurance.
Vasectomy questions
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is permanent birth control for men. The vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from each testicle, is cut and sealed so sperm can no longer reach the semen.
How does a vasectomy work?
It blocks the path sperm take from the testicles to the semen. The testicles keep making sperm, which are absorbed by the body. Ejaculation looks and feels about the same, and hormones are not affected.
How long is vasectomy recovery?
Most men return to work in about 2 days. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 3 days and sex for about 1 week, and wear scrotal support for 1 week. Mild swelling or bruising usually settles within a few days.
Where can I get a vasectomy near me in Atlanta?
At any of the 14 Advanced Urology offices across metro Atlanta, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Call 404-586-4570 or book online.
How long does a vasectomy take?
About 15 to 30 minutes in the office, under local anesthetic.
Does a vasectomy hurt?
The skin is numbed with local anesthetic and light oral sedation is given, so most men feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness, swelling or bruising afterward usually settles within a few days.
When can I go back to work after a vasectomy?
Most men return to work in about 2 days, for example over a weekend. Avoid strenuous activity for 3 days.
When can I take a bath after a vasectomy?
You can shower as usual. After 36 hours, a warm bath at least once a day for a week is recommended in our post-op instructions.
When can I have sex after a vasectomy?
In about 1 week. Blood in the semen for 1 to 2 weeks afterward can happen. Keep using other birth control until a semen analysis shows no sperm.
When am I sterile after a vasectomy?
Only after a semen analysis shows no sperm. Sperm can survive beyond the point where the tubes were cut for months, and it can take 6 months or longer to clear them.
Does a vasectomy affect erections or testosterone?
No. Sexual activity, penile sensation and male hormone production are not affected.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
Often, yes, with microsurgery, but a vasectomy should be treated as permanent. See vasectomy reversal.
Related: Vasectomy reversal · Male infertility · Other men's health services
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Appointments at 14 Advanced Urology offices across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Find an office.