Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that helps prevent pregnancy by blocking or cutting off ducts that carry sperm, tubes called the vas deferens. This form of male sterilization is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The procedure is simple and quick enough that vasectomies can be performed in a doctor’s office, hospital, or a health care clinic. Patients can usually return home right after their procedure, which often lasts about 20 minutes.¹

Scalpel Vasectomy

A scalpel vasectomy is performed via one or two small incisions in the scrotum. The vas deferens is cut and a segment may be removed before the ends are sealed. These steps are then repeated on the other vas.²

No-Scalpel Vasectomy

A no-scalpel vasectomy procedure is performed through a tiny hole made in the skin, only large enough for the vas to be lifted through. The rest of the procedure typically continues as in a scalpel vasectomy.³

• Most patients can return home the same day, often immediately after the procedure is complete.
• Before your procedure, your doctor will discuss the vasectomy with you and make sure you understand it is meant to be permanent.
• A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area via a small needle.
• After the procedure, the incision may be closed with stitches or surgical glue.^4,5

• You can expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort that should subside within a few days.
• Be prepared to limit activity while you recover, and follow all of your doctor’s instructions about when you can return to your normal routine.
• Be aware that vasectomy is not immediately effective at preventing pregnancy. Use a secondary form of birth control until your doctor can confirm the absence of sperm in your semen.⁶
  

Vasectomy is one of the most reliable methods of birth control, and is nearly 100% successful at preventing pregnancy. It is a low-risk outpatient procedure, and much much less expensive than surgical female sterilization, called tubal ligation. Vasectomy is also less expensive than long-term birth control medications for women, like birth control pills.⁷

Most health insurance plans cover some form of birth control, but it varies by insurance company if they cover vasectomy.⁸

Serious side effects are rare, but as with any surgical procedure, there are some minor but uncommon risks associated with vasectomy:

• Bleeding or bruising near the surgical site
• Infection at the incision
• Mild pain, swelling, or discomfort in the area
• Testicular fluid build-up
• Inflammation
• Rarely, pregnancy if the procedure fails⁹

• Vasectomy does not affect sexual performance or sex drive.
• Risk to other reproductive organs is very low.
• There is no proven link between vasectomy and testicular cancer or heart disease.
• During the procedure, you may feel some discomfort or “tugging” sensations, but this should not be painful. During recovery, pain should be gone after a few days.

Vasectomy should be considered permanent. Vasectomy reversals are more complicated and expensive, and there is a chance that the reversal procedure will not be able to restore fertility. ¹¹

^{1, 4, 8}Planned Parenthood. Vasectomy. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/vasectomy
^2,3 American Urological Association. What Happens during a Vasectomy? https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/vasectomy/treatment
^{3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10} Mayo Clinic. Vasectomy. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580