Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a minor surgery that provides permanent birth control to people assigned male at birth. It involves cutting and sealing the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, known as the vas deferens. This stops sperm from entering your semen, the fluid that leaves your body when you ejaculate. The procedure is an effective way to prevent pregnancy with few side effects.

The male urology surgeons at Penn Medicine are leading specialists in men's sexual health and reproductive medicine. Part of our world-renowned urology practice, our surgeons have many years of experience performing vasectomies. We also take time to consult with you to determine if a vasectomy is right for you and to help you understand what to expect. During every step, we focus on your comfort and help you feel at ease.

This surgery may be an option if you and your partner don’t want to have biological children in the future. The effects of a vasectomy last for life, so it’s important to be sure it’s the right choice for you. While a vasectomy reversal is possible, it’s a complicated surgery that doesn’t always produce the desired results.

You’ll meet with a urologist for a physical exam and consultation. Then your care team will give you instructions on how to prepare, which may involve stopping certain medications. The instructions may include shaving your genital area with a disposable razor and washing the area well the day of your surgery. 

A vasectomy is usually performed in your surgeon’s office. You’ll be awake, but you’ll be given a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel pain. Your surgeon will either make one or two small cuts (incision vasectomy) or a tiny hole (no-scalpel vasectomy) in your scrotum. Then your surgeon will cut your vas deferens and seal the ends. The wounds are closed with stitches or surgical glue. The process takes about 15 minutes.

You can go home after the procedure, but you’ll need to rest for about 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects for a couple of days. Slight bleeding and some pain may occur after the procedure. Icing the area, wearing supportive underwear, and taking pain medications can help. You should be able to return to your usual activities after a few days. While you can shower after the surgery, don’t submerge the area in water for about a week. Also avoid all sexual activity for a week.

It takes a couple of months for your semen to be free of sperm, and you’ll need to use another form of birth control during that time. Your care team will schedule an appointment for you to have your semen tested, usually eight to 16 weeks after the surgery.

There’s a small risk of infection, swelling, and lasting pain after a vasectomy, but following your aftercare instructions will lower the chances of these side effects. In very rare cases, the vas deferens can reconnect and allow sperm into your semen. When this happens, it usually occurs within the first few months.

A vasectomy doesn’t change your sex drive or your ability to get an erection, orgasm, or ejaculate. At Penn Medicine, our experienced surgeons routinely perform these safe procedures. Through our compassionate care, you can achieve your family planning goals.