Vasectomy: Advantages, side effects, myths and realities according to experts

The doctor Edward Gheileran expert in urology and vasectomy, clarifies that this procedure, which is performed for male sterilization, consists of the section and ligation or cauterization of the vas deferenswhich are the ducts through which sperm pass from the testicles to the urethra during ejaculation.

And he highlighted its benefits, since by cutting these ducts, the flow of sperm is interrupted, which prevents fertilization of the egg during ejaculation and therefore prevents pregnancy. The vasectomy, according to Edward, It does not affect the production of male hormones or alter sexual function, such as erection or orgasm. However, it is important to note that Vasectomy is considered a permanent sterilization procedure and is recommended for men who are sure they do not want to have children. in the future or who already have children and do not wish to have more.

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The vas deferens are two tubes or channels through which immature sperm circulate from each of the testicles.and their corresponding epididymides, to the seminal vesicles.

In these vesicles, the sperm will reach sufficient maturity and motility thanks to new organic substances that enrich the semen; reproductive goal that the prostate also helps.

This way, The sperm will be ready to join the egg at the peak moment of fertilization.

The section and blocking of these ducts represents an impediment to the free circulation of sperm: a contraceptive method that will be real and definitive after 20 or 30 ejaculations after surgery.

From that moment on, men will only produce sperm without sperm; but first sterility will have to be confirmed through an analysis of a sample of his semen.

Outpatient vasectomy surgery, always led by a urology specialist, hardly causes negative side effects or unforeseen adverse consequences.

For this reason, along with other reasons of various kinds, couples frequently choose this permanent contraceptive procedure, and without turning back, over fallopian tube ligation, a contraceptive surgical intervention that concerns women.

Vasectomy, absolute birth control

As vasectomy is considered 100% effective in preventing pregnancy, before making a definitive sterilization decision it is necessary to be “completely sure”; That is, the man must be aware that he will not have sons or daughters again, if he already has them, and that he will never be able to have biological offspring.

“The severed ends of both tubes of each vas deferens are also blocked with surgical maneuvers in order to obstruct them and to ensure that there is no possibility of recanalization in the event that they meet naturally,” points out the Dr. González Enguitahead of the Urology Service at the Jiménez Díaz Foundation University Hospital.

From the technical point of view of surgery, it is possible to repair the severed vas deferens, but it is practically impossible to recover its functionality, even less so, the opposite being extraordinary, the more time that has passed since the surgical operation.”

Dr. González Enguita

In fact, the man's last hope may be realized in a clinic or assisted reproduction center, where the sperm will be extracted directly from the testicular area in order to fertilize the corresponding maternal egg.

Vasectomy reversal is called vaso-vasostomy: the technique is complex, the results will not be satisfactory and it is usually economically burdensome for the patient, since it is not part of the portfolio of services financed by the public health system.

Risks and complications of a vasectomy

Like any surgical intervention, it is not without risks, since the vasectomy is performed through the scrotum. The operation lasts about half an hour in the operating room and the technique is performed under local anesthesia.

After the effects of the anesthesia have passed, you may feel pain or mild discomfort in the operated area of ​​the scrotum, the bag that surrounds the testicles. Also, scrotal swelling and bruising, as well as bleeding and hematoma within the scrotum. In addition, we may observe blood in the semen and suffer an infection in the scar area.

Late effects of surgery may include other adverse consequences:

Chronic painAlthough the data indicate its infrequency, it only affects one or two out of every hundred operated patients.

Edema: accumulation of fluid in the testicle that would cause mild, annoying and continuous pain that could worsen during ejaculation.

Granuloma: Formation of a fibrous-inflammatory process in the surgical area of ​​the vas deferens. The inflammation is caused by sperm leaking from the inside.

Hydrocele: postsurgical reaction. Fluid that surrounds the testicle and causes an increase in the size of the scrotum.

Spermatocele: abnormal cyst in the head of the epididymis due to sperm accumulation.

Unwanted pregnancy of woman: in the case of vasectomy failure; an always singular and strange situation.

The patient, once discharged from this outpatient surgery, will not be able to perform physical activity for at least the next 24 hours, especially playing sports, lifting weights or doing physically demanding work for a week.

“Great straining could cause pain or bleeding inside the scrotal sac,” he says.

At the same time, sexual activity should be avoided for no less than seven days, since ejaculation generates pain and the man could see blood in his semen.

Myths and unfounded concerns about vasectomy

Many men believe or fear that a vasectomy could cause serious problems. These are unfounded fears:

It does not affect sexual performance or your masculinity, in any way. Many men have even reported greater sexual satisfaction after a vasectomy. They feel free and avoid the fear of unwanted pregnancy.

It does not cause permanent damage to the genital organs. There is very little risk of the testicles, penis, or other parts of the genitals or reproductive system being injured during surgery. In exceptional cases, a vascular lesion is caused, which is responsible for the blood supply to the testicle. There is a possibility of testicular damage, even loss, but this is not likely to occur if the urology specialist is well trained.

It is not related to cancer. Some time ago there was some concern about a possible link between vasectomy and testicular or prostate cancer, but no link has been proven.

It does not increase the risk of heart disease. There appears to be no connection between vasectomy and heart problems.

Not cause Intense pain. Mild pain or a stretching sensation may be felt during surgery, but severe pain is rare. After surgery you may experience Some painbut in the vast majority of cases it will be mild and will disappear a few days later.

(With information from EFE)

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