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Vasectomy Specialist

Advance Southern Westchester Medical

Sherif El-Masry, MD

Urologist located in Yonkers, NY

Many men are choosing to undergo a vasectomy because it’s a relatively minor procedure that provides a permanent form of birth control. Sherif El-Masry, MD, gives his vasectomy patients the option of having this minor surgery done at his office, Advanced Urology in Yonkers, New York, or as an outpatient at one of the many Westchester County hospitals he’s affiliated with. For more information about vasectomy and the healing process, schedule an appointment with Dr. El-Masry today. Call the office or book your visit online.

Vasectomy Q & A

What is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is minor surgery that effectively blocks sperm from reaching the semen ejaculated by the penis during sexual activity. The semen noted during ejaculation still exists but contains no sperm. Your testes continue to make sperm after a vasectomy, but these unused cells eventually die and are reabsorbed by the body.

A vasectomy does not affect your hormone levels, your sexual function, or the volume of your ejaculate since sperm make up a very tiny portion of the semen. About 500,000 men in the United States choose vasectomy for birth control every year.


What are the benefits of vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure that:

  • Typically requires only local anesthesia
  • Generally takes about 30 minutes
  • Is an outpatient surgery with very low risks
  • Is nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy
  • Costs much less than female tubal ligation (sterilization)

While a vasectomy is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, it won’t protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Also, you must use another method of birth control for 6-12 weeks (or 15-20 ejaculations) following a vasectomy to be sure all sperm have cleared from your semen.


What happens during a vasectomy?

Dr. El-Masry will discuss the procedure in detail before you schedule the surgery. In general, however, he numbs the surgical site with a local anesthetic delivered via injection. Dr. El-Masry then creates a small incision to give him access to the two tubes (vas deferens) that carry semen from each testicle to your urethra. After cutting the vas deferens and sealing each end, he then closes the incision with a tiny stitch or surgical glue.


What happens after the procedure?

You can expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort for a few days after the vasectomy. Dr. El-Masry provides complete aftercare instructions, but you should rest for 24 hours after the surgery, apply ice packs to the area as directed, and support your scrotum with tight-fitting underwear for at least 48 hours after the surgery. You can probably return to light activity after 2-3 days but should avoid strenuous exercise for about a week.

Call the office or schedule a visit online with Dr. El-Masry for more information about vasectomy.