A vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is a minor surgical procedure designed to prevent pregnancy permanently. It works by blocking sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. During the procedure, the vas deferens tubes are either cut or sealed to stop sperm from leaving the testicles. The sperm remain in the testicles and are naturally absorbed by the body. A vasectomy does not affect your ability to ejaculate or alter the composition of the semen.
At Golden Gate Urology, our urologists will provide a detailed explanation of the vasectomy procedure to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable.
Request an AppointmentWhat to Expect
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that typically takes about 20 minutes and is performed in our office. You can go home the same day. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the testicles, so you should experience minimal pain during the procedure.
Post-procedure, it’s recommended to rest for at least one day, though most patients recover within a few days. Some soreness or minor swelling of the testicles may occur. You can resume sexual activity roughly three days after the procedure, depending on your recovery. Since the vasectomy may not be immediately effective, it is important to use an alternative form of birth control until your urologist confirms that no sperm are present in your semen. After approximately 20 ejaculations, your doctor will perform a semen analysis to verify the absence of sperm.
Vasectomy Reversal
A vasectomy reversal aims to restore sperm flow into the reproductive tract and is performed under general anesthesia, unlike the original vasectomy. Although reversals are possible, success is not guaranteed.
During the reversal, your urologist will either reconnect the vas deferens or connect it directly to the epididymis, depending on the procedure deemed appropriate during surgery. Most commonly, the ends of the vas deferens are reconnected.
Recovery from a vasectomy reversal can take up to 10 days, with sexual activity typically resuming after a few weeks. It may take between 3 to 12 months for sperm counts to return to normal. Success rates for vasectomy reversals are higher when the procedure is performed within three years of the original vasectomy. The likelihood of conceiving naturally decreases as more time passes since the initial vasectomy.
FAQs
Are vasectomies safe?
Getting a vasectomy is a very safe procedure, but all medical procedures carry some risk. The most common risks are minor and simple to treat.
How effective are vasectomies?
Vasectomies are nearly 100% effective. Sperm can still be released right after the procedure, so another method of birth control may be necessary for a short time.
How long is recovery after a vasectomy?
You should rest for at least one day after a vasectomy, but you should recover completely in a few days. You may feel sore or have minor swelling of the testicles.
Can a vasectomy have side effects?
After a vasectomy, you may experience fatigue and minor swelling. A vasectomy will not affect your testosterone level, erections, ejaculation or semen.
When can I have sex after a vasectomy?
Depending on how quickly you recover, you can have sex about three days after a vasectomy. The procedure may not be immediately effective, so you should use another form of birth control until your urologist verifies there are no sperm in your semen.