Vasectomy

If your family is complete, or you choose not to have children, a vasectomy (male sterilization) can successfully prevent pregnancy. The procedure is nearly 100 percent effective.

We understand that deciding to have a vasectomy can be difficult. Our compassionate team of doctors works closely with you to reach an informed choice that meets your needs and goals.

Our highly skilled surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery times and better outcomes for patients like you.

How does a vasectomy work?

Your body produces sperm in the testicles. Mature sperm move through tubes called the vas deferens and into the semen (male reproductive fluid). A mixture of sperm and semen come out of the penis when you ejaculate.

During a vasectomy, the surgeon cuts and closes off the vas deferens. After surgery, new sperm cannot enter the semen. It can take several months, however, for all the sperm already in your system to clear your body. It’s important to continue using birth control during that time.

Types of vasectomy surgery

Our experienced surgeons perform two types of vasectomies:

• Conventional vasectomy: The surgeon makes one or two tiny incisions in the scrotum (the sack of skin containing the testicles). This allows access to the vas deferens. The surgeon cuts the tube and seals it off or removes a small section.
• Minimally invasive vasectomy: This is a slightly less-invasive procedure. The surgeon makes a small hole in the scrotum, instead of a cut. The surgeon pulls the vas deferens out through the hole then cuts, seals and puts it back in place.

Vasectomy surgery: What to expect

Both types of vasectomy surgery are in-office procedures that generally last less than an hour. We use a local anesthetic to numb the scrotum, so you won’t feel any pain. Prior to surgery, we’ll ask you to shave your scrotum at home. We suggest that you bring supportive underwear or a jock strap with you to wear after surgery.

Vasectomy recovery

Pain or swelling after surgery should be mild and last just a few days. You can use an ice pack on your scrotum or take anti-inflammatory medication to reduce discomfort.

Because the scrotum heals quickly, most men can have intercourse as soon as a week after their vasectomy. A vasectomy will not affect your sexual performance. Sperm makes up only a small percentage of your semen, so you also won’t notice a change in the amount of ejaculate.

Your doctor will follow up with sperm counts to determine when you are completely sterile. Most men have no sperm in their semen after 30 ejaculations.

In rare cases, the ends of the vas deferens can grow back together. If this happens, you will not be sterile and can decide whether to have the surgery again.

You will need to use another form of birth control until your doctor confirms you have a zero sperm count.