Question 1

What is a vasectomy?

Accepted Answer

A vasectomy is a safe and effective form of permanent male birth control.  It is an outpatient procedure that renders a man sterile. The vas deferens – tubes carrying sperm from the testicles – are cut and sealed. The sperm is blocked from being ejaculated in the semen, preventing conception.

Question 2

Where does the sperm go after vasectomy?

Accepted Answer

Once the vas tubes are cut, sperm can't get into the semen or out of the body. The testes still make sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body.  A man who has had a vasectomy still makes semen and is able to ejaculate.  But the semen doesn't contain sperm.

Question 3

Is a vasectomy painful?

Accepted Answer

Typically, the only discomfort experienced during the procedure is the injection of local anesthetic.  You may feel a sensation of pulling on your scrotum. Post-procedure, there may be some swelling, bruising and mild discomfort for up to a week.

Question 4

Is vasectomy effective?

Accepted Answer

You probably know it works or you wouldn't be here!

Here are the numbers... Vasectomy is more than 99 percent effective.

Only one to two women out of every 1,000 has reported a pregnancy in the first year after their partner had a vasectomy.

Question 5

Do I still ejaculate and have an orgasm after vasectomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  You will be able to orgasm and ejaculate just like you did before the procedure... the only way to tell a difference is to look at it under a microscope.

Question 6

Can I still get erections?

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY! Vasectomy has no effect on erectile function.

Question 7

Does vasectomy cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Nope.  There are no studies that show a causal relationship between vasectomy and cancer.

Question 8

Will my vasectomy affect my testosterone levels?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not.  The blockage of sperm has no effect on the testosterone hormone produced in your testicles.

Question 9

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Accepted Answer

Well... let's start by saying if you may want to have children in the future, you should not have a vasectomy.  While reversing a vasectomy is possible, vasectomy reversal is expensive, prone to failure, and more difficult to recover from compared to the original snip.

Question 10

Can we stop birth control immediately?

Accepted Answer

NO!!!!  Vasectomies are not immediately effective. Sperm may remain in the tubes and be carried out in the ejaculate. It may take a few months and 15-20 ejaculations before that sperm is completely ejected or reabsorbed into the body.  A sperm count is critical a few months after vasectomy to ensure the procedure was effective.

Question 11

What are the risks or possible complications?

Accepted Answer

A vasectomy is a very low-risk procedure. Common, minor side effects include swelling, bruising or bleeding in the scrotum, and bloody semen.  Infection at the site of the procedure is rare.  About 1 in 100 men have long term testicular discomfort or pain after vasectomy.

Other uncommon complications include:

Fluid buildup in the testicle, which can cause a dull ache that gets worse with ejaculation
 • Inflammation caused by leaking sperm (granuloma)
 • Pregnancy, in the event that your vasectomy fails, which is rare.
 • An abnormal cyst (spermatocele) that develops in the small, coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm (epididymis)
 • A fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum

Question 12

Is there a risk of long term pain after vasectomy?

Accepted Answer

While it is very rare, the answer is Yes.  There is always a risk of pain after procedures on the human body.  About 1 in 100 men have long term testicular discomfort or pain after vasectomy that may need further care or intervention.

Question 13

Why get a vasectomy instead of having my wife have a tubal ligation?

Accepted Answer

Tubal ligation is the tying of the fallopian tubes to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg. It is generally a complex procedure requiring hospitalization and general anesthesia.  The risk of complication to the woman is significantly higher than vasectomy and tubal ligation has a  longer recovery period (1 - 3 weeks or longer) compared to vasectomy.

Tubal ligation is far more expensive than vasectomy.

Question 14

Who shouldn't have a vasectomy?

Accepted Answer

A vasectomy may not be a good idea for men who have:

Chronic pain issues including chronic testicular pain
Testicular diseases
A history of bleeding or blood disorders
Allergies or sensitivities to anesthetics (such as lidocaine or novocaine) or antibiotics
Skin conditions of the scrotum
Had past injury or surgery on the genitals
Recent or repeat urinary tract or genital infections

Question 15

Where can I get more information about vasectomy or other birth control?

Accepted Answer

An excellent online resource on these topics can be found at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vasectomy-beyond-the-basics/

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