| Frequently Asked Questions
Key Questions Answered by the Houston Vasectomy Clinic
Will vasectomy affect my masculinity or sex drive?
No. Vasectomy is a medical procedure that blocks the tubes the carry sperm from your testicles to your penis. Vasectomy will not alter or affect the production of male hormones that occur in the testicles. These hormones are released into the blood stream directly. Blocking the vas deferens will not affect your sex drive, voice, hair, muscles, ejaculation, ability to achieve and maintain an erection, or the ability to climax. Vasectomy is not castration (removal of the testicles).
Does vasectomy prevent pregnancy?
Yes. By blocking the route sperm uses to enter a man's ejaculate (semen) vasectomy is highly effective at preventing pregnancy.
A man's testes create sperm. During ejaculation, the sperm travels through two tubes in the scrotum (called the vas). At a point along the way, the sperm mixes with semen, and then continues out the penis. With these two tubes blocked and prevented from carrying sperm into the semen, no sperm travels out of the penis. Are there side effects?
Yes, minor ones. Vasectomy is a simple in-office procedure that is performed on over 500,000 men in the United States every year. Risks are minimal and serious problems are very rare. Possible side effects include: hematoma (bleeding in the scrotum) - one-half of one percent (0.005); infection (more likely if there is a hematoma) - one-half of one percent (0.005); sperm granuloma (small lumps into the surrounding tissue when sperm leaks from the vas) - one percent (0.01); failure of the vasectomy (no medical procedure is 100% effective) - one-fifth of one percent (0.002); post-vasectomy pain syndrome (chronic pain associated with dropping of the testicles after the procedure) - one-hundredth of one percent (0.0001).
Will I be comfortable during the procedure - does it hurt?
Only minor discomfort Houston Vasectomy Clinic's no-needle, no-scalpel procedure has been designed to minimize discomfort - both physical and mental. Many guys don't like the idea of a needle or blade near their sensitive area. We understand this!
Our procedure uses a special device that sprays anesthesia such that it can actually penetrate into the skin, removing the need for a needle. Also, we access the vas by using a tool that creates a tiny hole in the scrotum versus cutting a slit into your scrotum. Most patients report little or no pain from our accessing the vas, but they may feel some mild tugging while we sever and block the tubes.
What happens to the sperm?
Your body will continue to create sperm, but it has nowhere to go. The sperm are recycled by the body, and some research suggests that production may slow down over time. Remember, though, this is only sperm production. Your male hormones (i.e. testosterone) will not be affected.
When can I go back to work, sports, & exercise?
Some patients choose to take two days off work after their vasectomy. This is especially true for me whose work involves lifting, physical exertion, or a great deal of driving. Men should wait about a week before returning to contact sports, heavy weight-lifting, or strenuous labor.
How long after the procedure before I cannot cause a pregnancy?
Every sexually active man has some sperm lingering in his reproductive system. We advise men to give two sperm samples in the weeks and months after their vasectomies to make sure they are sperm-free. For most men 20-30 ejaculations will be enough to have cleared your system of sperm, but we like to give men the piece of mind that the tests provide. In the meantime, you and your partner should continue whatever birth control method you choose.
When can I return to sexual activity?
A few days Most men wait two or three days after their vasectomy to have sex. It is important to remember that there still may be some sperm in your system until you've ejaculated 20-30 times. We'll have you give two sperm samples to confirm that you are truly are sperm-free.
Will sex be better after my vasectomy?
Not really. Having a vasectomy will not physically change anything related to your sexual performance. The volume of semen will not change (sperm makes up a tiny portion of semen) and your penis will work as normal. The only change is that the man will know that he is
Can I store my sperm?
Yes. The Houston area has dozens of sperm storage facilities. Our office can put you in touch with these service providers.
Will having a vasectomy protect me from STDs?
No. Vasectomy only prevents pregnancy, it does not prevent you or your partner from spreading HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, or any other sexually transmitted disease. If you have multiple sexual partners or do not wish to transmit or receive STDs from a partner the best method is to use a condom.
Can a no-scalpel vasectomy be reversed?
In most cases, but... If you are considering reversal, vasectomy may not be right for you. Vasectomy reversals are 70-80% effective if done within 5 years of a vasectomy and are relatively expensive. If you feel that you may want to reverse a vasectomy, our advice is to not have a vasectomy until you are sure you want these permanent results. Vasectomy is for men who know they do not want to have additional children.
Will it take long?
20-30 minutes. Vasectomy is a very quick and easy medical procedure.
Isn't there an alternative my wife can do instead?
Yes, but the procedure is much more complex. Tubal ligation ('getting the tubes tied') is a procedure that women can undergo to severe and seal the fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization. Vasectomy is a much simpler procedure. Tubal ligation sometime involves general anesthesia and can affect hormone production, libido (sexual urges), and menstrual cycle. Guys - take one for the team and choose vasectomy. Your women will appreciate it.
How can I get more information about vasectomy?
Contact the Houston Vasectomy Clinic or look around our website. We specialize in this one procedure - please let us know if you have additional questions by calling 713.XXX.XXXX or sending us an email.
Does vasectomy cause any medical problems?
Panels devoted to this question established by the National Institute of Health and World Health Organization have concluded that vasectomy is a safe procedure. Men, according to these and many other peer-reviewed studies have found no evidence that men who have had vasectomies to be more at risk for heart disease, prostate cancer, or any other illness.
Does no-scalpel vasectomy work?
Houston Vasectomy Clinic's no-scalpel, no-needle procedure is just as effective as a conventional vasectomy and some studies have suggested that it is more effective than tubal ligation. Vasectomy is much than spermicides, periodic abstinence, withdrawal, cap, sponge, diaphragm, condom, UDI, the Pill, or injectable progestogen.
How much does vasectomy cost?
$1,300.
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