Vasectomy Procedure in Hartford, CT
A vasectomy is nearly 100% effective, making it the most reliable form of birth control a man can choose. At Pregenzer Urology in Enfield and Hartford, Connecticut, Gerard Pregenzer, MD performs this safe and simple procedure in the office, giving men an exceptional contraceptive option. If you have questions about vasectomies or you’d like to schedule a consultation at our urology clinics in Enfield and West Hartford, please call (860) 962-6600 or request an appointment through our secure online form.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy, also called male sterilization, is a simple and safe procedure that prevents men from getting their partners pregnant.
Having a vasectomy doesn’t interfere with your ability to have or enjoy sexual intercourse. You will still have normal erections and ejaculate semen. The semen just won’t contain sperm, so you don’t need to worry about pregnancy.
How do urologists perform vasectomies?
Dr. Pregenzer performs vasectomies in the office using a local anesthetic and possibly light sedation, if needed. Laughing gas is included in the vasectomy procedure cost for all patients.
The vas deferens is found under the skin of your scrotum and uses a special instrument to make a tiny hole in the skin. Dr. Pregenzer gently brings the vas deferens out through the opening, cuts it, and ties off or cauterizes the two ends. Then he places it back in your scrotum.
The vas deferens is a long tube that transports semen from the testicle to the urethra. At the urethra, sperm mix with semen right before you ejaculate the fluid. Cutting the vas deferens stops sperm from getting into the seminal fluid.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Rather than making a sizable incision on the scrotum, the no-scalpel vasectomy is performed entirely through a puncture made in the scrotal sac. This hole is so small that stitches are rarely ever required after the procedure is complete. Topical anesthetic is applied to ensure that no pain is felt during the vasectomy.
What should I expect after my vasectomy?
It’s normal to have some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after your vasectomy. You can use a cool compress or ice pack to reduce the swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers should relieve the pain.
Most men can return to their job the next day, and they’re fully healed and can resume sex within a week. However, you will still need to use birth control for a short time.
How long will I need to use birth control after my vasectomy?
It takes a few months before the sperm that was in the vas deferens above the cut can clear out of your reproductive tract. You should plan on using another method of birth control for about three months to be safe.
At your follow-up visits, Dr. Pregenzer checks semen samples and lets you know when your sperm count is down and you can safely have unprotected sex. Pregenzer Urology offers mail-in semen analysis to determine if your sperm count is low enough without coming back into the office.
Post Vasectomy Testing by Mail
Can my vasectomy be reversed?
Some vasectomies can be reversed. However, the microsurgery required to reconnect the tiny vas deferens is complex and never a sure thing. The pregnancy rates after a vasectomy reversal are 30-90%, depending on the type of reversal procedure and other factors, such as the length of time since your vasectomy.
It’s important to be sure you don’t want more children before having a vasectomy because you should consider it to be a permanent procedure.
Schedule Your Vasectomy in Hartford, CT Today!
Dr. Pregenzer specializes in vasectomies and can talk you through the process and determine if this is the right procedure for you. If you’re considering a vasectomy, please call (860) 962-6600 or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation at our urology clinic in Enfield and West Hartford, CT.