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Vasectomy
Category: Urology Procedures & Tests · All urology procedures & tests
What it is
A vasectomy is a minor operation that cuts and seals the tubes (vas deferens) carrying sperm from the testicles, so semen contains no sperm. It is a permanent method of contraception; the 'no-scalpel' technique reaches the tubes through a tiny puncture rather than cuts.
Why it is done
It is chosen by men/couples certain they do not want (more) children, after counselling about permanence and alternatives, including long-acting reversible contraception for the partner.
How to prepare
A consultation confirms the decision, examines the scrotum and reviews medical history. You do NOT need to fast (local anaesthetic). Shave the scrotum if instructed; arrange for someone to take you home if you feel faint-prone, and bring supportive underwear.
What happens during the procedure
With local anaesthetic numbing the skin and cord, each tube is brought out through a small puncture or cut, a segment is removed or the ends are sealed (clips, cautery, tying), sometimes with the testicular end left open (open-ended technique), and the skin closes without stitches or with one dissolving stitch. It takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Afterwards — recovery & results
Rest for a day or two, use ice packs and support, and avoid heavy lifting and sport for about a week. Bruising and mild aching are common. Crucially, you are NOT sterile immediately: remaining sperm clear over weeks, so contraception continues until a semen test (usually at about 12 weeks) confirms no sperm.
Risks & considerations
Risks include bruising/haematoma, infection, sperm granuloma (a small tender lump), chronic scrotal pain (a few men; occasionally persistent), and rare early failure. Late failure after a clear semen test is very uncommon but described. Reversal exists but is unreliable and often unavailable; sperm banking can be discussed beforehand.
Watch: Vasectomy videos
Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.
Related guides on MedicalVideos.com
Frequently asked questions
Will it affect my sex life or hormones?
No — testosterone, erections, ejaculation volume and sensation are essentially unchanged; only sperm are absent from the semen, which still looks the same.
Why the semen test if the tubes are cut?
Sperm stored beyond the cut must clear through ejaculation over weeks. The test proves clearance before you rely on the vasectomy.
Related procedures — Urology Procedures & Tests
Browse the V section of the A–Z list or return to the Procedures & Tests hub.