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500 Terry Francine Street, SF, CA 94158
Tel: 417-922-0901
FAQ.
As a clinic providing vasectomy procedures, we understand that choosing a doctor for any procedure is an important decision. That's why we have the best board certified urologic surgeons in the field. With decades of experience, our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and expertise to ensure a safe and successful procedure. We're here to answer any questions you may have, so don't hesitate to contact us today.
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Does vasectomy cause cancer?Nope. There are no studies that show a causal relationship between vasectomy and cancer.
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Is there a risk of long term pain after vasectomy?While it is very rare, the answer is Yes. There is always a risk of pain after procedures on the human body. About 1 in 100 men have long term testicular discomfort or pain after vasectomy that may need further care or intervention.
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Where does the sperm go after vasectomy?Once the vas tubes are cut, sperm can't get into the semen or out of the body. The testes still make sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body. A man who has had a vasectomy still makes semen and is able to ejaculate. But the semen doesn't contain sperm.
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What is a vasectomy?A vasectomy is a safe and effective form of permanent male birth control. It is an outpatient procedure that renders a man sterile. The vas deferens – tubes carrying sperm from the testicles – are cut and sealed. The sperm is blocked from being ejaculated in the semen, preventing conception.
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Will my vasectomy affect my testosterone levels?Absolutely not. The blockage of sperm has no effect on the testosterone hormone produced in your testicles.
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Where can I get more information about vasectomy or other birth control?An excellent online resource on these topics can be found at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vasectomy-beyond-the-basics/
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Can a vasectomy be reversed?Well... let's start by saying if you may want to have children in the future, you should not have a vasectomy. While reversing a vasectomy is possible, vasectomy reversal is expensive, prone to failure, and more difficult to recover from compared to the original snip.
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Can I still get erections?ABSOLUTELY! Vasectomy has no effect on erectile function.
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Is vasectomy effective?You probably know it works or you wouldn't be here! Here are the numbers... Vasectomy is more than 99 percent effective. Only one to two women out of every 1,000 has reported a pregnancy in the first year after their partner had a vasectomy.
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Can we stop birth control immediately?NO!!!! Vasectomies are not immediately effective. Sperm may remain in the tubes and be carried out in the ejaculate. It may take a few months and 15-20 ejaculations before that sperm is completely ejected or reabsorbed into the body. A sperm count is critical a few months after vasectomy to ensure the procedure was effective.
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Is a vasectomy painful?Typically, the only discomfort experienced during the procedure is the injection of local anesthetic. You may feel a sensation of pulling on your scrotum. Post-procedure, there may be some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort for up to a week.
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Do I still ejaculate and have an orgasm after vasectomy?Yes! You will be able to orgasm and ejaculate just like you did before the procedure... the only way to tell a difference is to look at it under a microscope.
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Why get a vasectomy instead of having my wife have a tubal ligation?Tubal ligation is the tying of the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is generally a complex procedure requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia. The risk of complication to the woman is significantly higher than vasectomy and tubal ligation has a longer recovery period (1 - 3 weeks or longer) compared to vasectomy. Tubal ligation is far more expensive than vasectomy.
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What are the risks or possible complications?A vasectomy is a very low-risk procedure. Common, minor side effects include swelling, bruising or bleeding in the scrotum, and bloody semen. Infection at the site of the procedure is rare. About 1 in 100 men have long term testicular discomfort or pain after vasectomy. Other uncommon complications include: Fluid buildup in the testicle, which can cause a dull ache that gets worse with ejaculation Inflammation caused by leaking sperm (granuloma) Pregnancy, in the event that your vasectomy fails, which is rare. An abnormal cyst (spermatocele) that develops in the small, coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm (epididymis) A fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum
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Who shouldn't have a vasectomy?A vasectomy may not be a good idea for men who have: Chronic pain issues including chronic testicular pain Testicular diseases A history of bleeding or blood disorders Allergies or sensitivities to anesthetics (such as lidocaine or novocaine) or antibiotics Skin conditions of the scrotum Had past injury or surgery on the genitals Recent or repeat urinary tract or genital infections
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What do I do the day before vasectomy?Day before procedure: -Shave your scrotum. It is important to shave the area on the top of the scrotum under the penis. Trim any long pubic hair in the area. You may lather the scrotum with soap and water and shave with a DISPOSABLE BLADE RAZOR. Avoid electric razors, they tend to make small cuts in the skin increasing the risk of infection. DO NOT USE PRODUCTS SUCH AS NAIR OR ANY OTHER HAIR CREAMS. -Shower and clean the area well. Dirt increases the risk of infection.
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Do I stop any medications before vasectomy?One week before vasectomy: stop any blood thinning medications or NSAIDS including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxyn, motrin, advil.
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What do I do the day of my vasectomy?-Eat and drink normally. We recommend having at least a light meal before the procedure. Having an empty stomach increase the risk of passing out. -Showering is highly encouraged the morning of the procedure. -Take the valium (if prescribed) 2 hours prior to the procedure. -DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF TO THE PROCEDURE. -Wear tight fitting underwear or an athletic supporter.
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What do I do about pain after vasectomy?First... if you REST REST REST you are unlikely to have much pain. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the primary medication used for pain after vasectomy. 1000 mg of Tylenol every 8 hours is recommended. After 48 hours, ibuprofen can also be used if pain persists despite Tylenol. We do not give narcotic pain medication after vasectomy as it is almost never required and shown to be highly addictive even in small quantities for short periods of time.
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Can we stop birth control immediately?NO!!!! Vasectomies are not immediately effective. Sperm may remain in the tubes and be carried out in the ejaculate. It may take a few months and 15-20 ejaculations before that sperm is completely ejected or reabsorbed into the body. A sperm count is critical a few months after vasectomy to ensure the procedure was effective.
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What is recovery like?We recommend lying as flat as possible and avoiding ANY strenuous activity for 36 hours after vasectomy. Recovery after the initial 36 hours varies, but usually any pain or soreness fades after a few days. Physical activities and sex could be resumed after a week. Minor swelling, sensitivity, or discomfort in the scrotum may continue for up to several weeks (or rarely months.)
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What do I do after my procedure?For 36 hours after procedure: REST REST REST! It is best to lie down with your scrotum at the same level as your heart. Athletic supporter over tight fitting underwear with padding around testicle highly encouraged. Ice packs can help reduce swelling, but the most important part of the recovery period is rest. You can take a brief shower the day after the procedure.
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