A vasectomy conversation at your own pace

It starts with a conversation

At your first visit, one of our urologists explains how a vasectomy works, what recovery looks like, and how to tell when it’s working. A vasectomy is meant to be permanent, so we want you to feel sure. A reversal may be possible later, but it’s a bigger procedure, and planning on one isn’t a good reason to go ahead.

The no-scalpel procedure

A vasectomy blocks the tubes that carry sperm (the vas deferens) by cutting and sealing them, so sperm no longer mix with semen. With the no-scalpel technique, our urologists reach the tubes through a tiny opening rather than a cut, and no stitches are needed. It’s an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, often finished in well under half an hour, at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd. Most men feel pressure or tugging rather than sharp pain.

Before the day: stop aspirin and similar anti-inflammatory medicines two weeks ahead, clean and shave the scrotum two days before, arrange a ride home, and bring snug cotton underwear.

Recovery, and when it’s working

Plan to rest for the first two days with ice in short sessions and supportive underwear. Mild swelling, bruising and a dull ache are expected. Many men are back at a desk job within a few days, while heavy lifting and hard exercise wait until you’re cleared. A vasectomy doesn’t change desire or sexual performance.

It isn’t effective right away. It takes about three months, or 15 to 20 ejaculations, to clear sperm that are already past the blocked point, so keep using another form of birth control until a semen test confirms a zero sperm count. A vasectomy doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Insurance and coverage

Many commercial insurance plans cover vasectomy, while Medicare and Medicaid usually don’t. We’re glad to go over your coverage with you before you decide. If you’re paying without insurance, call us at 678-344-8900 and we’ll walk you through what to expect.