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Vasectomy Services at Planned Parenthood

Vasectomy is a simple, safe, and extremely effective form of permanent birth control.

Vasectomy works by blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles. This prevents sperm from entering the semen.

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Vasectomy Advantages

  • Nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy
  • No change in erections or performance
  • No change in sex drive or climax sensation 
  • No (noticeable) change in the semen 
  • No change in the testes or hormones
  • No need to use other methods of birth control
  • Easy, low-risk outpatient routine procedure 

What Is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple procedure done by a doctor in an office, hospital, or clinic. The small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off, so sperm can’t leave your body and cause pregnancy. The procedure is very quick, and you can go home the same day. Starting about 3 months after a vasectomy, your semen (cum) won’t contain any sperm, so it can’t cause pregnancy. You’ll still have the same amount of semen you did before, there just won’t be any sperm in it.

How Well Does It Work?

A vasectomy is one of the most effective kinds of birth control out there — almost 100%. It is THE most effective method for people with penises and testicles.

A vasectomy is designed to be permanent, and you can’t forget to use it or mess it up like you could with other birth control methods. It prevents pregnancy round the clock for the rest of your life. So once your doctor says there’s no longer sperm in your semen, you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy. Vasectomies are get-it-and-forget-it birth control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it hurt?

Probably not. Your doctor will help make your vasectomy as comfortable as possible. You’ll get local anesthesia to numb your scrotum, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Pressure or a pulling sensation is normal. 

You may feel some discomfort or pain after your vasectomy, but you shouldn’t be in terrible pain. You may also have some bruising and/or swelling for a few days. Wearing snug underwear that doesn’t let your testicles move too much, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and icing your genitals can help ease any pain.

How long will it take me to recover after my vasectomy?

You can go home and rest right after your vasectomy. Most people only need to rest for a day after their vasectomy. If your job is physically demanding, you may have to take about a week off from work or perform lighter duties at your job. You shouldn’t exercise or do any hard physical work for about a week after your vasectomy.

Are vasectomies permanent?

Vasectomies are meant to be permanent. Even if you get your vasectomy reversed, your fertility may never come back. Vasectomy reversal surgery is complicated and expensive, and doesn’t always work. So you should only get a vasectomy if you’re totally certain you don’t want to get someone pregnant for the rest of your life.

What are the risks?

Vasectomies are super safe, and very few people have complications. But like all medical procedures, there are some possible risks. The most common risks with a vasectomy are minor and treatable.

Are there hormonal changes?

Vasectomy does not cause health problems. Vasectomy does not affect the male hormones produced by the testicles. After vasectomy, sexual function does not change. Sensations, erections, and ejaculations will be the same except that the ejaculate no longer contains sperm.

Ready to schedule your vasectomy appointment?

Call us to schedule your procedure and get your questions answered!

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