Vasectomy

Vasectomy Specialist

Vasectomies are an effective form of birth control for men and are nearly 100% effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies. For men who are certain they don’t want to father children, a simple outpatient procedure by Dr. Kyle K. Himsl can serve as the only birth control you’ll need. If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area and have been curious to know if a vasectomy is right for you, call Dr. Himsl at his practice in Thousand Oaks, California or request your appointment online.

Vasectomy Q & A

How does a vasectomy work?

During a vasectomy, Dr. Himsl uses small instruments to cut and seal the tubes that deliver sperm to your semen, called the vans deferens. This is a simple outpatient procedure performed while you’re under local anesthesia.

Are there any side effects to a vasectomy?

You don’t have to worry about a vasectomy affecting your sexual performance, such as your ability to achieve and maintain an erection, nor do you have to worry about damage to the penis. You may experience a few minor side effects following the procedure, including:

Bruising around the surgical area
Blood in your semen
Mild pain
Swelling

Is a vasectomy reversible?

Vasectomies are generally considered permanent procedures. Though they are technically reversible, the procedure to reverse a vasectomy is more complex than the initial procedure. Dr. Himsl needs to reconnect the tubes that have been severed, and you’ll be under general anesthesia for the procedure, rather than local anesthesia.

What can I expect during a vasectomy?

During your vasectomy, Dr. Himsl numbs the area with a local anesthetic. Once the anesthesia is working, he’ll make a small incision on the upper part of the scrotum and locate the vans deferens. Once located, he’ll pull the vas deferens through the incision, cut the tube, and reseal it by tying it closed. Once sealed, Dr. Himsl stitches the initial incision closed.

Your vasectomy takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, and you can leave shortly after the procedure is finished.

When can I have sex following the procedure?

You’ll likely experience pain and swelling immediately following the procedure, and you should rest and apply ice packs to the area for a few days. You should also avoid sexual activity for about a week to allow the surgery site to heal.

It takes a few months and about 20 periods of ejaculation before all of the sperm clears from your semen. Dr. Himsl will provide a check after three months to measure the amount of sperm in your semen and determine whether you’re risk-free.