Would you get a vasectomy? Learn about the recommendations from Serena del Mar Hospital.

Despite the misconceptions and myths surrounding vasectomy, including reduced sexual pleasure and weight gain, Colombia has seen a notable increase in the procedure's use over the past year. According to Profamilia, an organization that promotes respect for and the exercise of sexual and reproductive rights in the country, more than 20,000 procedures have been registered as of October 2023, approximately 50% of which were performed on men under 34 years of age.

According to Dr. Antonio Velilla, a urologist at Serena del Mar Hospital in Cartagena, a vasectomy “is a minor surgical procedure that involves permanently tying or cutting the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm to the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. It is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia and offers up to 99% effectiveness. It does not affect sexual desire, performance, or the ability to enjoy sex. There are simply no sperm in the semen. Although it is a permanent method, it can be reversed through a surgical procedure called a vasovasostomy,” he stated.

Dr. Velilla added that if a man has completed his family or does not want children, it is a good method of family planning.

“A vasectomy can be performed at any age and is a great alternative for birth control. Young people who do not want children are seeking to have a vasectomy,” he said.

Recommendations

Dr. Antonio Velilla, a urologist at Serena del Mar Hospital, offered some general recommendations for a successful vasectomy and a good recovery. He emphasized that "the surgery is outpatient, performed under local anesthesia, and if the patient works in an office, they can likely return to work the next day. If it's fieldwork, three to four days of sick leave are required," he clarified.

Similarly, the urologist at Serena del Mar Hospital indicated that, among the main recommendations after the vasectomy, is to rest, avoiding any physical activity that could cause an infection in the wound. He added that applying ice to the scrotum is essential to minimize pain and swelling. For this, the patient is advised to place ice cubes in a plastic bag and seal it, then wrap the bag in a clean towel or cloth. It is not advisable to apply ice directly to the skin.

Velilla clarified that “sperm will continue to be present in semen for the next three months. Therefore, it is advisable to continue using condoms or other contraceptive methods to be completely safe. After three or four months, a semen analysis should be performed to verify that there is no sperm present in the semen,” he explained.

Regarding the potential risks of undergoing a vasectomy, Dr. Antonio Velilla, a urologist at the Serena del Mar Hospital in Cartagena, assures that the risks are minimal because it is a simple, outpatient procedure; however, there are minimal risks of infection, hematoma, or bleeding, which can be minimized by following the aforementioned medical recommendations.

Other recommendations to keep in mind when a patient decides to have a vasectomy include notifying the doctor if they need to discontinue any medication before the procedure, informing them if they have previously undergone any scrotal surgery, and avoiding physical activity for one week.

Effectiveness.

Dr. Velilla stated that the vasectomy takes effect three to four months after approximately 20 ejaculations. He also indicated that the “success rate of vasectomy in terms of pregnancy prevention is 99%, although there is always a risk of spontaneous sperm recanalization, but this probability is only 1%.”

The doctor from Serena del Mar Hospital maintains that vasectomy does not affect sexual life, nor does it decrease the amount of semen or affect erections.

It is reversible

Vasectomy is completely reversible. Urologist Antonio Velilla assured that “the less time that passes after the vasectomy before the reversal, the greater the success rate. Statistically, it is said that a vasectomy patient reverses the procedure within three years, and 97% of these cases are successful.”

The doctor from Serena del Mar Hospital explained that a vasectomy can be reversed for patients who had one up to 20 years prior, and the fertility rate would be between 25% and 30%. The key to the surgery is the testicle's response to sperm production after such a long period.

Care at Serena del Mar Hospital

To address all aspects of vasectomy care, Serena del Mar Hospital in Cartagena has a team of urology specialists available 24 hours a day.

Seven days a week, we are ready to provide exceptional care with the highest quality standards, offering a differentiated value proposition in person-centered care with the utmost commitment to patient safety and comprehensive services that ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Hospital Serena del Mar continues to write a new chapter in healthcare in Cartagena, Colombia, and the world.