Vasectomy

Vasectomy is an operation performed on men to achieve permanent sterility. Vasectomy is not castration and does not alter a man's sex drive or sensation of orgasm. Furthermore, it does not alter the male sex hormones or the male sex characteristics. Approximately 500,000 vasectomies are performed in the U.S.A. every year. The operation is easily and most commonly performed in an out-patient office setting and is inexpensive. Patients have the procedure, then leave shortly thereafter, either driving themselves or being driven home.

Anatomy and Physiology

The procedure works by surgically interrupting the route that the sperm take from the testicles (where they are produced) to the penis. After vasectomy, the testicles still continue to generate sperm, but their movement is blocked at the site of the vasectomy. Eventually the sperm die and the patient's body absorbs them. During sex, semen is produced in the same amount as before vasectomy, but this fluid does not contain sperm.

Vasectomy should not be confused with castration. It has no noticeable impact on a man's ability to perform sexually, or on his sensation of orgasm and pleasure. It does not affect the balance of male hormones, male sex characteristics, or sex drive. Testosterone continues to be produced in the testes and delivered into the blood stream. Sperm form a very small portion of semen, so patients notice no difference in the amount of semen produced during orgasm.

How soon can a man have sex after surgery?

Most start again within a week.  Others may have sex sooner and some may wait longer.  Please remember that it takes approximately 15-20 ejaculations after surgery to clear any remaining sperm from your system.  A man and his sexual partner should continue to use another form of birth control, like a condom, until he has had a negative semen analysis.

Reasons for Considering Vasectomy:

• You want to enjoy sex without causing pregnancy.
• You don’t want to have a child in the future.
• Your family is complete.
• You and your partner have concerns about the side effects of other birth control methods.
• Your partner’s health would be threatened by a future pregnancy.
• Your want to spare your partner the surgery and expense of tubal sterilization (a permanent method of birth control for women)—sterilization for women is more complicated and expensive.