
Vasectomy Services
Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and effective form of permanent birth control.
We offer this service in Anchorage & Juneau (AK), Meridian (ID), Hammond & Mishawaka (IN), as well as 6 of our Western Washington locations.
What to Expect
How is it done?
The provider makes one or two small openings in the skin of the scrotum. Through this opening, the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) are blocked off.
The tubes are cut, covered with surrounding tissue, (a technique called fascial interposition), and/or closed with cautery. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
Does it hurt?
Great question! This is often our patient’s #1 concern so we take it very seriously. Every patient has different needs, so we will work with you to ensure you are comfortable. For most people, we provide excellent pain management with local anesthesia (e.g. lidocaine) so there is minimal discomfort during the procedure. We recommend ice packs/frozen peas and scrotal support (e.g. jock strap) after the procedure to minimize swelling and discomfort. Most patients do well with these measures and do not require any prescription pain medications.
How well does it work?
Vasectomies are almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy — but not right away. This is because there is sperm trapped in the tube, downstream of where the procedure happens. All that sperm needs to leave the body before a vasectomy can be used for contraception. This usually happens about 3 months after a vasectomy. We recommend a post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) to confirm that there is no sperm in the ejaculate.
Book an Appointment
Or call 1-800-230-7526