Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a procedure to cut and then tie or burn the ends of the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra. This procedure blocks sperm from being released during sex. This ensures that sperm does not go into the vagina.

A vasectomy does not affect your ability to have sex or your desire for sex. Also, it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

Vasectomy is a permanent and effective form of birth control. You should have a vasectomy only when you and your partner are sure you do not want children in the future. Do not get this procedure when you are stressed, such as after divorce or pregnancy loss.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking. These include vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthesia.
• Any bleeding problems you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.

What are the risks?

• Infection.
• Bleeding and swelling of the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac that contains the testicles.
• Allergies to medicines.
• Failure of the procedure to prevent pregnancy. There is a very small chance that the tied or burned parts of the vas deferens may reconnect. If this happens, you could still make a person pregnant.
• Pain in the scrotum that goes on after you heal from the procedure.

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. These include any diabetes medicines or blood thinners you take.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take them unless your provider tells you to take them.
  • Taking over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• You may be told to take a sedative a few hours before the procedure. A sedative helps you relax.

Surgery safety

• How your surgery site will be marked.
• What steps will be taken to help prevent infection. These steps may include:
  • Removing hair at the surgery site.
  • Washing skin with a soap that kills germs.
  • Taking antibiotics.

General instructions

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco for at least 4 weeks before the procedure. These products include cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vaping devices, such as e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your provider.
• If you'll be going home right after the procedure, plan to have a responsible adult:
  • Take you home from the hospital or clinic. You'll not be allowed to drive.
  • Care for you for the time you are told.

What happens during the procedure?

• You may be given:
  • A sedative. This helps you relax. You may also be told to take this a few hours before the procedure.
  • Anesthesia. This keeps you from feeling pain. It will numb certain areas of your body.
• Your provider will feel for your vas deferens. To get to the vas deferens, your provider may:
  • Make a very small cut, or incision, in your scrotum.
  • Make a hole by piercing the scrotum.
• Your vas deferens will be pulled out of your scrotum and cut. To close it, the cut ends of the vas deferens will be tied or burned.
• The vas deferens will be put back into your scrotum.
• The cut or the hole in the scrotum will be closed with stitches. The stitches will dissolve and will not need to be removed.
• The procedure will be done again on the other side of your scrotum.

The procedure may vary among providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You will be monitored to make sure that you do not have problems.
• You will be asked not to ejaculate for at least 1 week after the procedure, or for as long as you are told.
• You will need to use another form of birth control for 2–4 months after the procedure. Do this until your provider confirms that there's no sperm in your semen.
• You may be given something to wear to support your scrotum. This includes a jockstrap or underwear with a pouch.
• If you were given a sedative during your procedure, do not drive or use machines until your provider says that it's safe.