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Vasectomy

Done having kids? 

Make it a done deal.

Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control.  It's also incredibly common. About one in five men over the age of 35 in the US have had a vasectomy. 

 

Vasectomy at a Glance

  • Sterilization for men that prevents pregnancy

  • Safe and effective

  • Costs $0 to $1,000

  • Meant to be permanent

  • Covered by most insurances

  • Funding and other programs available to help with cost

  • Pre-vasectomy counsel required

  • All clients seen at Ashland, Medford, or Grants Pass Health Centers will be referred to a provider in that area.

**Note - All Lane County pre-vasectomy counsel appointments must be made at the Eugene-Springfield Health Center located at 3579 Franklin Blvd. We perform vasectomy procedures on-site at our Eugene-Springfield Health Center only. You will be informed at the time of your pre-vasectomy counsel if your procedure will be done by us or if you will be referred to another provider in the area.

 

Is Vasectomy Right for Me?

Here are some of the most common questions we hear people ask about vasectomy.

What Is Vasectomy?

  • Vasectomy is a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent.

  • During vasectomy, a health care provider cuts (remove a piece of) the tubes that carry sperm.

  • When the tubes are cut, sperm cannot leave a man's body and cause pregnancy.

How Does Vasectomy Work?

  • A Vasectomy cuts each vas deferens and keeps sperm out of the seminal fluid.

  • The sperm are absorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated. Without sperm, your "cum" (ejaculate) cannot cause pregnancy.

How Effective Is Vasectomy?

  • Vasectomy is the most effective birth control for men. It is nearly 100 percent effective.

**Please note: A Vasectomy is not immediately effective. Sperm remains beyond the cut tubes. You must use other birth control until the sperm are used up. It usually takes about three months. A simple test — semen analysis — shows when there are no more sperm in your ejaculate.

What Are the Types of Vasectomy?

  • If referred to another provider for the Vasectomy, you will need to check with that provider to gather information on type and process.
  • At the Eugene-Springfield Regional Health Center we do the following type of Vasectomy.

NO-INCISION METHOD

With the no-incision ("no-scalpel") method one small puncture is made to reach both tubes. The tubes are then tied off, cauterized, and cut. The small puncture heals quickly. No stitches are needed, and no scarring takes place.

The no-scalpel method reduces the chance for bleeding, infection, bruising, and other complications.

How Safe Is Vasectomy?

  • Most men can have a vasectomy safely.
  • As with any medical procedure, there are risks.

  • A pre-vasectomy counsel will allow the provider to determine how safe it would be for you.

Vasectomy may be right for you if:

  • You want to enjoy having sex without causing pregnancy.

  • You don't want to have a child biologically in the future.

  • Other methods are unacceptable.

  • You don't want to pass on a hereditary illness or disability.

  • Your partner's health would be threatened by a future pregnancy.

  • You and your partner have concerns about the side effects of other methods.

  • You and your partner agree that your family is complete, and no more children are wanted.

  • You want to spare your partner the surgery and expense of tubal sterilization — sterilization for women is more complicated and costly.

What Are the Disadvantages of Vasectomy?

Vasectomy may not be a good choice for you if you:

  • may want to have a child biologically in the future

  • are being pressured by a partner, friends, or family

  • want to use it to solve problems that may be temporary — such as marriage or sexual problems, short-term mental or physical illnesses, financial worries, or being out of work

Saving Sperm in Sperm Banks

If you're thinking of getting a vasectomy and banking sperm just in case you change your mind, vasectomy may not be the best choice for you. Sperm banks collect, freeze, and thaw sperm for alternative insemination. However, some men's sperm do not survive freezing. And it is generally easier for a woman to get pregnant with fresh sperm than frozen sperm.

Can Vasectomy Be Reversed?

If you are thinking about reversal, vasectomy may not be right for you. Sometimes it is possible to reverse the operation, but there are no guarantees. Reversal involves complicated surgery and costs thousands of dollars. Success in restoring fertility is uncertain.

The success of reversal surgery depends on

  • the length of time since the vasectomy was performed

  • whether or not antibodies to sperm have developed

  • the method used for vasectomy and the length and location of the segments of vas deferens that were removed or blocked

Does Vasectomy Hurt?

  • It’s a simple outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, similar to the numbing at the dentist.

  • The local anesthesia can burn/sting for a few moments

  • In addition a mild sedative can be taken by mouth that helps keep you relaxed

  • After procedure the pain is minimal which can be managed with ice packs, acetaminophen and relaxation

How Do I Get a Vasectomy? How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

  • We accept Oregon Health Plan and most commercial insurance plans. The best way to know if Vasectomy services are covered under your benefit plan is to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.
  • Also check to see if you qualify for Oregon's Reproductive Health program. You may qualify for the program even if you have private insurance. If you don't qualify for the RH Program, please call us at 800-230-PLAN and we can discuss other options with you.
  • Oregon Health Plan as well as Oregon’s RH program do require a 30 day wait period from your pre-vasectomy counsel to the vasectomy procedure before covering the cost.
  • If paying by cash or credit card the price for the pre-vasectomy counsel is $65 and the procedure is $700.00 (cash/credit option available at our Eugene-Springfield and Ashland Health Center).

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