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Vasectomy Services

Vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control for people with testicles. It is nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.

Learn more, see if it's right for you and your family, and schedule a discussion with our provider at Planned Parenthood's NoMa DC health center. 

 

CALL 202-347-8512

About vasectomy

Vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control for people with testicles and is almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.

It is a simple surgery in which a provider closes the tubes that carry sperm.

The procedure is quick, low-risk, and you can go home the same day. 

Is a vasectomy reversible?

A vasectomy is meant to be permanent. Sometimes it is possible to reverse it, but not always. Reversal can be expensive, is often not covered by insurance, and involves complicated surgery. You should not get a vasectomy unless you're sure you don't want to cause pregnancies in the future. 

How do I know if a vasectomy is right for me?

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do I want to have sex without getting my partner pregnant?
  • Is there any chance I may want to have a biological child in the future? Does my partner agree that we do not want any more children?
  • Do I understand what's involved in the procedure, and am I comfortable with that?
  • Have I used or learned about other birth control methods and feel vasectomy is best for me?

What is the procedure like?

You may have heard about two types of vasectomies: the incision method and the no-scalpel (no-cut) method. No-scalpel methods lower the risk of infection and other complications and generally take less time to heal. Planned Parenthood only uses the no-scalpel method. 

The procedure itself is around an hour long and usually doesn't require being under full sedation. You'll be able to drive yourself home and go back to work the next day if you have a desk job and usually in two days if you have a physical job. 

The provider will give you local anesthesia to numb the area. A very small hole is made in the skin to perform the procedure. No stitches are needed, and there is no scarring. 

Will getting a vasectomy affect my sex life?

No. It will not affect your ability to get or keep an erection, and it will not affect your orgasms. Many men say it makes sex better when they don't have to worry about getting their partners pregnant.

We recommend you wait seven days to start having sex again after your vasectomy. Sperm will still be in your body for up to a few months, so keep using protection to prevent pregnancy (and STIs, if that is a concern). 

What is follow-up like?

About three months after the procedure, you'll get a kit in the mail so you can send back a semen sample to ensure that your semen is sperm-free. Once you're checked out, you can enjoy this extremely effective method of contraception!

How much does a vasectomy cost?

Vasectomy can range in cost up to several thousand dollars. At Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC, they are $800-$1,000 for those who are paying out-of-pocket. If you are interested in a vasectomy and require additional financial assistance, please give us a call at 202-347-8512.

Give us a call

To book an appointment or learn more, please give us a call.

CALL 202-347-8512