What is a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a minor surgery used as a form of male birth control that blocks sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. After a vasectomy, semen still exists, but it has no sperm in it. It's done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. After a vasectomy, the testes still make sperm, but they are soaked up by the body. 

About 50 million men worldwide have had a vasectomy, and approximately 500,000 men in the United States undergo the procedure each year. More American married couples rely on vasectomy for family planning than on any other method except female sterilization (tubal ligation) and birth control pills (oral contraceptives). A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other method of birth control, except abstinence.

Although legally you may not be required to have the consent of your wife or partner, vasectomy (or any contraceptive choice) should be best decided as a couple. This is one decision that you may not want to make on your own, and better yet, your partner can come to the consultation visit with you so that you can both ask questions.

Although vasectomy reversals are possible, vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of male birth control.

Vasectomy offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections.

Reasons for a vasectomy

Here are some of the reasons our patients say they choose to have a vasectomy:

• Vasectomy is nearly 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

• Vasectomy is an outpatient surgery with a low risk of complications or side effects.

• The cost of a vasectomy is far less than the cost of female sterilization (tubal ligation) or the long-term cost of birth control medications for women.

• A vasectomy means you won't need to take birth control steps before sex, such as putting on a condom.

vasectomy TREATMENT

Click here to find out more about the actual procedure.

What is a no-scalpel Vasectomy?

Click here to understand the reasons why many men prefer to have a no-scalpel vasectomy.

vasectomy FAQ

Click here to see our answers to the most frequently asked questions about vasectomies.