Vasectomy

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  What Is Vasectomy?

  Vasectomy is a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent.

  During vasectomy, a health care provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave a man's body and cause pregnancy.

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  How Does Vasectomy Work?

  Sperm are made in the testicles. They pass through two tubes called the vasa deferentia to other glands and mix with seminal fluids to form semen. Vasectomy blocks each vas deferens and keeps sperm out of the seminal fluid. The sperm are absorbed by the body instead of being ejaculated. Without sperm, your "cum" (ejaculate) cannot cause pregnancy.

  The tubes can be blocked in several ways. Learn about the different types of vasectomy and what to expect.

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  How Effective Is Vasectomy?

  Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. Vasectomy is the most effective birth control for men. It is nearly 100 percent effective.

  However, vasectomy is not immediately effective. Sperm remains beyond the blocked tubes. You must use other birth control until the sperm are used up. It usually takes about three months. A simple test — semen analysis — shows when there are no more sperm in your ejaculate.

  How Is Semen Analysis Done? You will provide a sample of your semen by masturbating or by using a special condom during sexual intercourse. The semen will be examined under a microscope to see if there are any sperm.

  Very rarely, tubes grow back together again and pregnancy may occur. This happens in about 1 out of 1,000 cases.

  Keep in mind that vasectomy offers no protection against sexually transmitted infection. Sexually transmitted infections can be carried in ejaculate, whether or not it contains sperm. Latex or female condoms can reduce your risk of infection.

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  How Safe Is Vasectomy?

  Most men can have a vasectomy safely. But like any medical procedure, there are risks. Talk with your health care provider about whether vasectomy is likely to be safe for you.

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  What Are the Benefits of Vasectomy?

  Vasectomy is safe and, because it lasts for life, it is simple and convenient. It allows women and men to enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy.

  Vasectomy does not change your hormones or masculinity. And it will not affect your ability to get and stay erect. It also will not affect your sex organs, sexuality, and sexual pleasure. No glands or organs are removed or altered. Your hormones and sperm continue being produced. Your ejaculate will look just like it always did. And there will be about the same amount as before.

  Vasectomy may be right for you if

  • You want to enjoy having sex without causing pregnancy.
  • You don't want to have a child biologically in the future.
  • Other methods are unacceptable.
  • You don't want to pass on a hereditary illness or disability.
  • Your partner's health would be threatened by a future pregnancy.
  • You and your partner have concerns about the side effects of other methods.
  • You and your partner agree that your family is complete, and no more children are wanted.
  • You want to spare your partner the surgery and expense of tubal sterilization — sterilization for women is more complicated and costly.

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  What Are the Disadvantages of Vasectomy?

  Many of us like to weigh the benefits against the risks of any procedure. Now that you're familiar with the benefits, let's look at the possible disadvantages.

  Vasectomy may not be a good choice for you if you

  • may want to have a child biologically in the future
  • are being pressured by a partner, friends, or family
  • want to use it to solve problems that may be temporary — such as marriage or sexual problems, short-term mental or physical illnesses, financial worries, or being out of work

  Rarely, men lose some sexual desire after vasectomy. More rarely, men lose the ability to become erect. Often, such losses have to do with a man's emotional condition before the surgery.

  Considering Other Birth Control Options It is important to consider other methods before you choose vasectomy. Condoms are the only other choice for men. Women have other options. IUDs and the implant are as effective as vasectomy, simple to use, offer long-term protection, but are not permanent.

  You should consider any possible life changes, such as divorce, remarriage, or death of children. You don't need your partner's permission to have a vasectomy, but it may be helpful to discuss it with your partner or anyone else who could be part of the decision-making process.

  Saving Sperm in Sperm Banks If you're thinking of getting a vasectomy and banking sperm just in case you change your mind, vasectomy may not be the best choice for you. Sperm banks collect, freeze, and thaw sperm for alternative insemination. However, some men's sperm do not survive freezing. And it is generally easier for a woman to get pregnant with fresh sperm than frozen sperm.

  Can Vasectomy Be Reversed? If you are thinking about reversal, vasectomy may not be right for you. Sometimes it is possible to reverse the operation, but there are no guarantees. Reversal involves complicated surgery and costs thousands of dollars. Success in restoring fertility is uncertain. The success of reversal surgery depends on the length of time since the vasectomy was performed whether or not antibodies to sperm have developed the method used for vasectomy and the length and location of the segments of vas deferens that were removed or blocked

  There are risks with any medical procedure, including vasectomy. It's important to understand the risks before having a vasectomy.

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  How Do I Get a Vasectomy? How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

  If you are interested in getting a vasectomy, talk with a health care provider. Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center, your family doctor, a local hospital, a local public health department, or a urologist. A vasectomy can be performed in a medical office, hospital, or clinic.

  Nationwide, the cost of a vasectomy ranges from $350–$1,000, including the follow-up sperm count. (Sterilization for women costs up to six times as much.) Some clinics and doctors use a sliding scale according to income.

  There may be state or federal requirements for sterilization, such as age restrictions or waiting periods. Ask if there are any restrictions when you make an appointment.

  Private health insurance policies may pay some or most of the cost. In nearly all states, Medicaid covers vasectomy.