Vasectomy is one of the most popular methods of contraception in the United States. Over 500,000 vasectomy procedures are performed each year. Vasectomy along with tubal ligation (in females), are the most effective means of preventing pregnancy.
However, vasectomy is about ¼ the cost of tubal ligation, has fewer risks, less side effects, and does not require general anesthetic. It is an outpatient procedure performed and takes approximately 30 minutes.
How much does a vasectomy cost?
The cost of a vasectomy depends on each individual. Every person’s insurance plan has different coverage. Depending on the deductible, and the cost throughout the year, your vasectomy may not cost you any money out of pocket. Before you have your procedure scheduled, our billing department will be able to tell you the true cost.
What are the risks and complications of vasectomy?
There are minimal risks with the procedure which your doctor will explain in an appointment before the procedure. There is a 1-2 % risk of hematoma or swelling around the testicles. Also a 1-2 % risk of superficial infection. And a 1-2 % risk of a syndrome called chronic scrotal pain which is treatable. There is a 0.0005 % chance of recanalization of the vas deferens after the procedure.
How effective is the vasectomy procedure?
Once a vasectomy is performed, there are still live sperm in the male reproductive system. A semen analysis will be performed 8-16 weeks after the procedure and after a minimum of 20-30 ejaculations to analyze if live sperm are still visible.
On average it takes 3 months to confirm vasectomy success. Approximately 1 in 2000 men who have a vasectomy, and are found to have no sperm on analysis, will have the chance of another pregnancy. This process is call recanalization. The likelihood is small, but still present, and is lower than any other method of sterilization.
How much pain do people experience?
There is minimal discomfort involved with the procedure. It is usually associated with the administration of local anesthetic. Most patients describe some minor soreness and swelling after the procedure which last a few days.
We recommend no strenuous activity, exercise, or ejaculation for 1 week to minimize pain. Ice and scrotal support are the best treatments for any discomfort. There is a condition called chronic scrotal pain syndrome which 1-2 % of patients may experience. It is usually described as a dull ache in the testicle. If this occurs it is recommended these patients seek out their physician for treatment.
What is minimally invasive vasectomy?
Ask your doctor how they perform the procedure. The most common and current method involves a local anesthetic and a small puncture in the skin. This is in place of using a knife or making a large incision.
How will this affect the patient after their procedure?
There are some common rumors and misconceptions about vasectomy. There are no risks of futures diseases or cancers in men who undergo a vasectomy.
No effect on the ability to have:
- erections
- sex drive
- ability to have orgasms
Less than 10 % of ejaculate volume is from sperm, the rest is from prostatic secretions, and there is no appreciable difference in ejaculation volume after the procedure.
Why Adult Pediatric Urology?
Adult Pediatric Urology, PC have 7 board-certified physicians and an attentive, dedicated staff. We have served Nebraska and Iowa since 1982 with two locations in Omaha and Council Bluffs. Our Omaha location includes an accredited outpatient surgical center with state-of-the-art equipment and a comfortable waiting area just minutes from Interstate 680. Our physicians successfully perform hundreds of traditional and no-scalpel vasectomies every year.
What to Expect
When you call to set up an appointment we will schedule a brief consultation with one of our expert urologists. After the consult, our billing department will help you determine what (if any) out-of-pocket costs you can expect. Then we will schedule your procedure in our outpatient surgery center depending on your preference.
