What Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. During the procedure, the male vas deferens which is the conduit of sperm are severed to prevent sperm from entering into the ejaculate and thereby prevent fertilization. Vasectomies are usually performed in a physician’s office, medical clinic. Hospitalization is not normally required as the procedure is not complicated, the incision is small, and has a very low complication rate.

There are several methods by which a surgeon might complete a procedure, all of which cut both vas deferens. To help reduce anxiety and increase patient comfort, men who have an aversion to needles may consider a “no-needle” application of anesthesia while the “no-scalpel” or “open-ended” techniques help to accelerate recovery times and increase the chance of healthy recovery.

Vasectomy Recovery

Due to the simplicity of the surgery, a vasectomy usually takes less than thirty minutes to complete. After a short recovery at the doctor’s office (usually less than an hour), the patient is sent home to rest. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, many vasectomy patients find that they can resume their typical sexual behavior within a week, and do so with little or no discomfort.

Vasectomy Reversal

Because the procedure is considered a permanent method of contraception and is not easily reversed, men are usually counseled/advised to consider how the long-term outcome might affect them both emotionally and physically.