What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor outpatient procedure where the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicle) is permanently divided on each side.

It is intended to be permanent.

Each year approximately 500,000 men choose to pursue a vasectomy.

What does a vasectomy entail?

It is typically a minor procedure that takes 10-15 minutes to perform. One or two small incisions are made in the scrotum. The vas deferens is then isolated, permanently divided, and lowered back into to the scrotum through the small incision.

Medications are typically given to you prior to the procedure or during it to help you relax. You will be awake, but should be very comfortable. A numbing medication is injected into scrotal area around the vas deferens prior to any incision. You make feel slight pressure, but you should not feel an uncomfortable amount of pain.

A small absorbable stitch is typically then placed to close the skin incision.

After the vasectomy, it is very important to alternate ice packs to the scrotal area for 24-48hrs and take it easy. We request that you do not perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 48 hrs.

How long will I need to take off work?

You can normally return to work within 48hrs as long as you are not required to do strenuous activity or heavy lifting.

When is it ok to have unprotected sex after a vasectomy?

We ask that men not have unprotected sex until they have 2 negative semen specimens. We will go over the collection instructions with you after your vasectomy in detail. Most men have completely cleared by 10 weeks after a vasectomy.

You need to clear all the sperm downstream from the vasectomy site.

If you have unprotected sex prior to verifying that your ejaculate does not contain sperm, it is possible to get you wife or partner pregnant. This is very important to understand.

Will everything work the same after a vasectomy?

Yes. Once you have healed you should not be able to tell that you have had a vasectomy. You will still orgasm and ejaculate, but the ejaculate will not contain sperm.

Vasectomy will also not affect your testosterone production, sex drive, or prostate health.

Is a vasectomy typically covered by my insurance?

Most insurance companies do cover vasectomy. We can help you verify insurance coverage and cost prior to proceeding with vasectomy. It is generally very affordable, but cost can vary for patients depending on plan specifics and deductible.

What are the risk of a vasectomy?

Generally speaking a vasectomy is a very low risk procedure. There is a very small risk of a blood collection in the scrotum (hematoma), infection, chronic pain, and failure.

The risk of the two ends growing back together is approximately 1 in 2000.

Long lastly pain is the testicles is extremely rare.

Can I just schedule a vasectomy procedure or do I need an appointment first?

We ask all men to schedule an appointment with a urologist prior to pursuing a vasectomy.

They will have a detailed discussion with you and then examine your scrotal anatomy. We want to be sure you understand everything prior to proceeding since it is intended to be permanent.

Already had a vasectomy and considering a reversal? All of the information you need to know is right here.