Contact Associates in Urology - Pioneers in Urology Patient Information and Forms Directions to Our Office - Associates in Urology - West Orange, New Jersey Referring Physician Information Associates in Urology - Pioneers in Urology Home Associates in Urology Pysicians and Staff Urological Clinical Conditions Robotic Urological Surgery Associates in Urology CLinical Trials
Vasectomy – Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. How will the vasectomy affect me? Vasectomy generally does not affect sex drive, penile sensation or testosterone production. Sperm continue to be made in the testicles, but they are trapped and then reabsorbed by the body.
  2. What is the advantage of a vasectomy? Vasectomy is an office procedure which accomplishes permanent birth control. After vasectomy, one is able to enjoy the spontaneity which arises from not having to worry about using other means of birth control such as condoms or diaphragm.
  3. What are alternatives to vasectomy? Non-surgical alternatives include but are not limited to: birth control pills, condoms, diaphragm, IUD (intrauterine device) and abstinence.
  4. Is there anything I need to do before vasectomy? Avoid any medications which may decrease coagulation or "thin" the blood for 1 week before. This includes but is not limited to advil, aspirin, motrin, and ginko biloba. Shower and wash the scrotum with anti-bacterial soap on the day of the procedure. You can eat a light meal before the procedure; you do not need to fast.
  5. What actually happens during the procedure? You will remove your trousers and underwear and lie on the examining table. Your doctor may shave a small area on your scrotum. He will prepare the area with an antiseptic solution and drape off the area with sterile towels. A local anesthetic will be administered, and then the vasectomy will be performed. This can be accomplished through either one or two small openings. A small piece of the vas is removed. The ends of the vas are sealed to prevent reconnection. The opening is closed with an absorbable suture.
  6. What is a scalpel free vasectomy? This is actually very similar to a standard vasectomy. The main difference is that instead of using a scalpel to create a small opening, a sharp clamp is poked into the skin and spread to make the opening.
  7. What is the success rate? Over 99%. Persistent sperm has been noted in the ejaculate in 2-6/1000 cases. This can be due to a recanalization or spontaneous re-connection of the 2 ends.