Vasectomy
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Mike Hsieh, MD
Urologists & Men's Health Specialists located in La Jolla, CA
Every year, 500,000 men in the United States undergo a vasectomy, which is considered one of the most effective forms of birth control. Board-certified urologist, Mike Hsieh, MD, who is the director of the Men's Health Center at the University of California, San Diego, and Jose Luis Ruiz, PA, are men’s health specialists and have performed numerous vasectomies. To schedule a consultation, contact the office in La Jolla, California, by phone or online today.
Vasectomy Q & A
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for men who no longer want to have children.
During the procedure, the tube that allows your sperm to travel from your testicles to your penis (vas deferens) is severed and tied, preventing the sperm from mixing with your semen. It’s considered one of the most effective methods of birth control.
What happens during a vasectomy?
The team at the Men’s Health Center provides specific details about your surgery during your consultation. For most men, the procedure is performed at the office and takes 20-30 minutes.
There are two methods used to perform a vasectomy, including:
Conventional
During a conventional vasectomy, your urologist makes small incisions in your scrotum to gain access to your vas deferens, which is severed and a small piece removed to create a gap. Your urologist then sutures the open ends of your vas deferens and the scrotal incisions. The procedure is then repeated on the other side.
No-scalpel method
During the no-scalpel vasectomy, your urologist first finds and grabs your vas deferens with a small clamp. Your urologist then punctures a hole through your scrotal tissue and pulls the vas deferens through to cut the tube.
If the team suspects your surgery may be challenging, they may recommend conscious sedation and perform your procedure at the outpatient center of a hospital or an ambulatory surgical center.
The experienced practice has performed many vasectomies and focuses on making sure you’re as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure.
What can I expect when recovering from my vasectomy?
After your vasectomy, the team keeps you at the office for a short recovery period — about an hour — then sends you home.
The team provides specific instructions on activity modification and pain management following your vasectomy, but you should be able to resume sexual activity within a week after the procedure.
However, you should continue to use alternative forms of birth control until the team says otherwise. It may take three months or 20 ejaculations to clear the sperm that remains in the portion of the vas deferens still linked to your semen.
Is a vasectomy covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies cover the cost of a vasectomy. The insurance verification team will verify your coverage so there won’t be any surprises. However, it’s important to note that vasectomy reversal isn’t covered by insurance.
To schedule a vasectomy consultation with the experienced team, contact the office of Mike Hsieh, MD, by phone or online today.
