VASECTOMY

A minor surgery that blocks the tubes (called vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles.
Prevents sperm from mixing with semen, so you can’t make someone pregnant.
Does not affect your hormones, sex drive, or ability to have erections.
Please consider watching the following video for more information:
- https://www.cua.org/patient-podcasts-and-videos/28190

Usually done under local freezing (no general anesthesia).
Small openings are made in the skin of the scrotum to reach and block the tubes.
The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
You go home the same day.

It should be considered permanent.
Although a vasectomy reversal is possible, success is not guaranteed and this surgery is not covered by medicare.
If you are unsure, take time to discuss your options before proceeding.

You will still ejaculate normally, your semen just won’t contain sperm.
You need to use another form of birth control until a semen test confirms there are no sperm (usually after 3 months or 20 ejaculations).
Your urologist will tell you when and where to drop off the sample.

Mild bleeding, swelling, or infection at the site.
Small lump or tenderness (called sperm granuloma) that usually settles on its own.
Long-term pain is rare but can happen.
If you don’t complete a semen test, you may never know if the vasectomy worked, and pregnancy can still occur.
The chance of pregnancy after a confirmed negative test is extremely low (about 1 in 2,000).

Myth: Vasectomy lowers testosterone.
Fact: Hormone levels stay the same.
Myth: It affects erections or orgasm.
Fact: Nothing changes in sexual function.
Myth: It protects against sexually transmitted infections.
Fact: It does not—condoms are still needed for STI protection.
Myth: I hear a “laser vasectomy” is painless and easier than a regular vasectomy
Fact: There is no such thing as a “laser vasectomy.” All vasectomies are done using small instruments (never lasers) and discomfort is usually very mild.