A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which the vas deferens, the tube that brings sperm from the testes to the penis during ejaculation, is cut and the ends sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate. Although a vasectomy is intended to be a permanent method of birth control, if you later change your mind and want to have a child, Dr. Fenig is a fellowship-trained microsurgeon who has performed hundreds of successful vasectomy reversals – some after 20 or more years after the initial vasectomy!

A Time-Tested, Safe Procedure

While many methods of contraception are available, vasectomy is a time tested and very safe procedure. More than 500,000 vasectomies are performed every year. Understandably, some men are apprehensive about the vasectomy procedure because it involves such a delicate area of the body. Utilizing his extensive experience in male reproductive microsurgery and minimally invasive surgical techniques Dr. Fenig performs the vasectomy procedure with great precision, resulting in minimal discomfort or pain.  It should also be noted that a vasectomy does not affect your libido, orgasm, ejaculation, sexual pleasure or erections.

Preparing for Your Vasectomy
You may be asked to stop taking vitamin supplements, aspirin or ibuprofen one week before your vasectomy. Anti-inflammatory medications thin the blood and can cause excessive bleeding. Tell Dr. Fenig if you are taking any blood thinners. You may eat a light meal before your procedure.  You may shave your scrotum at home prior to the procedure.  Bring a jock strap (athletic supporter), preferably with a pouch in which you can place frozen peas or ice after the procedure to decrease swelling and inflammation.

How is the procedure performed?

• Vasectomy is an outpatient procedure typically performed under local anesthesia
• First, a local anesthetic is administered, which results in a pain-free procedure.
• Dr. Fenig makes a small opening in the scrotum and the sperm duct, called the vas deferens, is exposed through the opening.  A 1-centimeter segment of the vas deferens is removed.
• The ends of the vas deferens are then cauterized and sealed with titanium clips and placed back inside the scrotum.
• A small dissolvable stitch is placed to close the hole in the scrotum. The procedure usually takes less than 20 minutes.             
• Patients typically return to work in two days, and an icepack is recommended to reduce any pain or swelling following the procedure.

“No Scalpel” Vasectomy

Dr. Fenig may choose to perform what is known as a “no scalpel” vasectomy. Rather than using a scalpel to make an incision in the scrotum, he uses a special instrument to puncture the skin, which is then stretched to make an opening for the vasectomy to be performed. 

Following the Vasectomy

Following your vasectomy, it is important to use other forms of birth control until you have a negative post-vasectomy semen analysis.  After 25 ejaculations, approximately 2-3 months following the vasectomy, a semen sample is given and brought to an outpatient laboratory for analysis.  Once your sperm count is zero, it is safe to resume sexual intercourse with no other birth control method necessary.

Advantages of a Vasectomy

• A safe, effective and permanent method of birth control
• 99.85% effective as a birth control method
• A vasectomy will not interfere with your sex drive, ability to have erections, sensation of orgasm, or ability to ejaculate.
• Vasectomy can be reversed in many cases by a highly skilled microsurgeon such as Dr. Fenig, who is specially trained in vasectomy reversal.