Vasectomy Services
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1-888-898-3806
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Need more information?
Drop by a health center or call 1-888-898-3806 to talk to a health care professional about vasectomy services.
Currently, vasectomy services are available only in Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a safe and effective form of birth control that is meant to be permanent. During a vasectomy, a health care provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave the body and cause pregnancy.
Who should get a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a great choice for someone who does not want to have a child biologically in the future due to personal preference, a partner's health risks, or other private reasons. It is a great choice for people who have completed their families.
How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is extremely effective. Less than 1% of people who have a vasectomy will cause a pregnancy each year. Because some sperm remain beyond the blocked part of the tubes, the procedure is not effective right away. You must use another form of birth control (like a condom) until the sperm are gone. This can take up to three months.
How does it work?
Simple. The vasectomy procedure is easy and safe. With the no-incision ("no-scalpel") method, the skin of the scrotum is not cut. One tiny puncture is made to reach both tubes. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave the body and cause pregnancy. The tiny puncture heals quickly. No stitches are needed, and no scarring takes place. The no-scalpel method reduces bleeding and decreases the possibility of infection, bruising, and other complications. There is no change in sex drive, no change in climax sensation, and no change in erections.
Will I be infertile right away?
No. Sperm will still be in your tubes right after the surgery. It may take 8 to 16 weeks and 12 to 20 ejaculations before all the sperm are out of your semen. A semen test will show if there are sperm in your semen. You will bring in a sample of your ejaculate about 3 months after the procedure. A vasectomy does not prevent transmission of sexually transmitted infections. A condom should be used if you are at risk for sexually transmitted infection.
Does the procedure hurt?
Your health care provider will give you medicine to make it as comfortable as possible. Numbing medication and/or sedatives will be used. The choice depends on your health and the method of sterilization being used. Conscious sedation allows you to be awake but deeply relaxed. Local anesthesia blocks the feeling of pain in a certain area of your body. It is much safer than general anesthesia. When you get local anesthesia, you may feel brief discomfort. You may also feel some pain when the tubes are brought out through the incision.
What can I expect after the procedure?
There is little recovery time and most patients return to work the next day. On the day of the procedure, you should plan to go home and rest for the evening. A slight amount of aching or discomfort is common, and you will be prescribed a mild pain killer. Swelling may occur and this is normal; an ice pack may be helpful for the first 24 hours. Bruising of the scrotal skin is common and may take several days to resolve. Sometimes a small lump may form on one side of the scrotum; this is not a cause for concern, but may take several weeks to completely go away. If you have no or minimal swelling you can resume normal activity the following day. Wear an athletic supporter (jock strap) as needed. You may bathe or shower normally the day following the procedure. Refrain from heavy exercise or lifting greater than 30 pounds for 1 week. Remember, sexual activity may resume as soon as you feel ready, but you must use protection until the semen test shows no sperms.
Whats the cost?
The procedure, including consultation appointment, anesthesia and follow-up appointment costs less than $600 - much less than the cost of a private doctor or the lifetime cost of contraception for the female partner. Most insurance plans cover these visits and we are happy to help you figure this out. Some may qualify for further discounts, making the procedure even more affordable. If you qualify, Medicaid or other state programs may lower your health care costs. To get specific information on costs, call us at 1-888-898-3806.
Make an appointment for a consultation today!
1-888-898-3806
Request an Appointment Online
Santa Barbara Health Center
518 Garden Street, Santa Barbara
San Luis Obispo Health Center
743 Pismo Street, San Luis Obispo