• shorter procedure time
• faster recovery time
• no incisions (2 small punctures are made)
• fewer complications
• less discomfort
• equal effectiveness

The testes produce sperm which moves into a small organ adjacent to the testi called the epididymis.  It remains here for several weeks to mature.  At time of ejaculation the sperm is squeezed into the prostate gland.  The prostate gland and seminal vesicles (two other reproductive organs) produce seminal fluid that when mixed with sperm make semen.

Four body parts are involved in a vasectomy.  These are:

• Vas deferens:  tubes that move sperm from the testes
• Testes:            glands in the scrotum that produces sperm and male hormone
• Prostate and Seminal Vesiciles:  reproductive organs that add fluid to the sperm
• Epididymis:   small adjacent organ to the testis where the sperm matures.

The vasectomy is performed by anesthetizing the vas deferens and then a small puncture hole is made over it.  A one centimeter segment is excised.  The remaining ends are sealed by cautery and a suture.  The puncture hole is closed with an absorbable suture.  The procedure is then repeated on the other side.  The total procedure takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

Dr. Downey prefers to have an evaluation appointment with the patient to discuss the procedure on a separate day from the actual procedure date.  At this appointment a history and physical will be done along with an explanation of the procedure. 

On the day of the procedure the patient should wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing, such as sweat pants; bring a jock strap or tight jockey shorts to wear after the procedure.  You may want to have someone available to drive you home.

Following the procedure you may experience some mild discomfort.  This can be treated with Ibuprofen, however, a prescription will be given to you for pain medication and you should fill it as needed.  A quick recovery can be obtained by following these instructions:

• APPLY an icepack to the scrotum periodically for the 1st 24 hours following surgery.
• WEAR an athletic support for 4-5 days following surgery or longer if necessary.
• KEEP the procedure area dry for 2 days following surgery.  After that you may bath and shower as normal.
• REFRAIN from any work that requires heavy lifting, pushing, straining for 2 days following surgery.
• REFRAIN from any sexual activity for at least 7 days following surgery.
• CONTINUE to use some form of birth control until you have a negative sperm result.  A semen specimen should be brought to our office after 6 weeks and can not be more than 3 hours old.  Older specimens are hard to interpret.

PAYMENT POLICY:

Urology Northwest, PS verifies insurance coverage and benefits prior to the procedure. Many insurance companies do not cover sterilizations.  Dr. Downey reserves 1 hour for this procedure.  If the patient has insurance a deposit of $150.00 is required when the procedure is scheduled.  The patient pay balance is to be paid within 30 days from the date of insurance payment.   If the patient does not have insurance or if insurance does not cover sterilizations then a deposit of $250.00 is required on day of scheduling and the balance of $750.00 is due on the day of the procedure.   If a patient cancels with less than 48 business hours notice or fails to keep the vasectomy appointment the $150.00/$250.00 deposit is forfeited.   The deposit is collected whether or not the procedure is covered by insurance.  The cost of a vasectomy is $1000.00.  If special payment arrangements are required the Business Office can be reached by dialing 425-275-5527 or 5528.  Special payment plans must be arranged prior to the date of the procedure.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Downey, call 425-275-5555.