A vasectomy is an operation that blocks the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. The purpose of vasectomy is to prevent pregnancy. We do a vasectomy by making a very small opening in the skin in the front of the scrotum, then interrupting the tubes. Vasectomy is simple, inexpensive, and effective.

If you change your mind about having children, there are two procedures that can help you have a child with your partner.  Vasectomy reversal or sperm aspiration prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

A vasectomy is over 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancies after proven clearance of sperm from semen.  Test performed 3 months after procedure.

No change in erections.  A vasectomy has no effect on the hormones, bodily processes, or penile structures that affect your ability to get an erection. Recent study showed improved female desire, arousal, orgasm, lubrication and satisfaction following male partner vasectomy.  Study >

A pointed hemostat is used initially to make a tiny (less than 1/4 inch) opening into anesthetized skin of the scrotal wall to access the vas tubes.  Opening is so incredibly small that no sutures or anything required for closure.

Most men feel some soreness for a night or two and then they feel fine. Relax with your feet up on the day of your vasectomy. If you choose, you can return to office work or light activity the following day. Don’t schedule vigorous activities 1 week after your vasectomy.

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In general, a vasectomy is an extremely low-risk procedure. As with any surgery, though, there are risks. You can group the risks into two groups – short-term risks and long-term risks. The short-term risks include bleeding problems, anesthetic reaction, pain, infection, bruising, and bleeding into the scrotum causing a hematoma (a collection of blood in the scrotum). The long-term risks include granuloma formation (the development of a lump of scar tissue), chronic pain in the scrotum, and continuing ability to get someone pregnant. All of these potential complications are unlikely, and any physician will work hard to help prevent complications, but you must remember that every surgery has its risks.

Your vasectomy will be pain free… or almost. You will have little or no discomfort during the vasectomy. Almost all men say that it is easier than going to the dentist or getting blood drawn! The doctor uses local anesthetic spray (no needle) to numb the skin and area around the vas tubes. The vasectomy site does NOT involve the testicles or penis, thus you are spared discomfort in these sensitive areas.

The sperm is reabsorbed by your body. Our bodies are very good at reabsorbing cells that are getting old or that don’t get used. For example, you make new red blood cells every day and your body does not become swollen or explode with excess blood cells. The body just reabsorbs the blood cells after awhile. Similarly, the body will reabsorb the sperm that are produced by the testes but not used after the vasectomy.

No, most men will never notice any change in their semen. Most of the semen is made in the prostate and seminal vesicles, with only a small portion of the total volume being made in the testes.  After a vasectomy, the prostate and seminal vesicles still make the same secretions, so neither you nor your partner will notice any change in the semen. The only way to tell is with a microscope.

The semen check is a very important part of a vasectomy. You should always consider yourself “fertile” until after a semen check verifies that you no longer have sperm in your semen. Submitting the semen sample too soon can give you a scare.   Waiting three months allows the sperm to be flushed out enough that your analysis will be “no sperm.” Also, there is the very rare chance that the tubes form a small connection after a vasectomy. Very important to not skip this vital step.

There are many methods of contraception. Vasectomy is a great choice when you want your method to be low-cost, highly effective, and permanent. There are times in life when you want a less-permanent method, or you just want to know your options. Below is a useful link to comparing other methods:

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Method Chart Planned Parenthood >

Typically health insurance will cover the cost of your vasectomy after you have met your deductible.  Contact our office for further information as each health insurance provider can vary.  We will provide you with a charge estimate prior to your vasectomy.