10 Essential Concepts to Understand Prior to Vasectomy

Oct 25, 2012 | Sexual Health, Urology

Guest blog post by Doron S. Stember, MD, Urologist at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Two major medical organizations, the American Urological Association and the European Urology Association, have each recently published guidelines related to the vasectomy procedure, otherwise known as male sterilization. At Beth Israel Medical Center, we have actually been performing vasectomies according to these new recommendations for many years.

The following is a list of 10 key concepts, outlined in the new guidelines, which we always discuss at the initial visit:

1. Men who undergo vasectomy should have the intent that they will be sterile permanently.

2. Sperm banking is offered prior to vasectomy; if banked sperm is ever used it will require in vitro fertilization

3. Vasectomy reversal is also possible if a man’s circumstances change in the future, but this procedure is not always successful and is potentially expensive.

4. After a vasectomy, men must continue to use contraception until the technique’s success is proved by post-vasectomy semen analysis.

5. Most patients tolerate vasectomy extremely well and have minimal need for pain medications, but there is a very small (1 to 2%) chance of chronic scrotal pain.

6. Despite persistent misinformation available on the Internet, vasectomy is not associated with erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, stroke, testicular cancer or heart problems.

7. In contrast to female sterilization (tubal ligation surgery), vasectomy is much less expensive and does not require general anesthesia. Both male and female sterilization are equally effective at pregnancy prevention.

8. Men should avoid ejaculating for about a week after vasectomy in order to allow the tissue to heal.

9. Post-vasectomy semen analyses are critically important for confirming the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Remember, the ejaculate will not look any different in appearance (or volume) except when analyzed under a microscope.

10. Informed, written consent is essential at the counseling visit. New York State requires a 30-day waiting period for the time that consent is signed until the day that vasectomy can be performed.

Men who are interested in learning more about the vasectomy procedure are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 212-844-8900.

Doron S. Stember, MD, is an Urologist at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Kidney Stones: Causes and Symptoms

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Urology

Guest post by Angelina Marshall-Figueroa, RPA-C, physician assistant in the Urology department at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Calculi or “stones” can form in the kidneys and travel to other parts of the urinary system, like the ureters and bladder. Stones are classified based on their location in the urinary system and by their material. About 85 percent of stones are made up of calcium. (more…)

Low-Testosterone and ED: A Complicated Connection

Updated on Jun 30, 2022 | Men's Health, Sexual Health, Uncategorized, Urology

Guest blog post by Doron S. Stember, MD, Urologist at Beth Israel Medical Center.

At some point in their lives, nearly half of American men experience erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.  While the major male hormone, testosterone, is important for overall male health, including maintaining muscle strength, bone density and sense of well-being, the relationship between testosterone and ED is less straightforward.

ED Isn’t Always Caused by Low Testosterone

While testosterone is closely linked to libido, or sexual drive, many men who complain of ED may have normal erectile function, but decreased libido. On the other hand, a major study showed that men with low testosterone who failed to have a response to Viagra had a significantly improved response to Viagra when their testosterone levels were treated.

The Bottom Line

There is a common misconception, even among physicians, that treating low testosterone will significantly improve erections in men with ED. It’s a good idea to screen for testosterone levels if you have ED, especially if you have failed to respond to Viagra or a similar medication. Treating a low testosterone level, however, should rarely be considered as the first-line or only therapy for ED. Low testosterone may not be causing your ED and treatment for low testosterone has potential side effects and implications that should be carefully discussed.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have problems with erectile function, libido or both, consult with your doctor.  He or she can help define the cause of the problem, as well as help you understand your treatment options. The good news is that there are many ways to address erectile function and low libido and the best choices can be customized to your specific issues and goals.

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