A vasectomy is a minor procedure that provides permanent birth control for men.

Approximately 500,000 men undergo a vasectomy each year in the United States.

The vasectomy is a procedure that lasts less than 30 minutes and is usually performed in our offices under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort. You and your urologist may decide if you need to be fully sedated (put to sleep) for the procedure. If you need to be sedated, you may have your vasectomy at our surgery center.

During the procedure the vas deferens (small tubes that go to each testicle) are accessed through a small puncture or incision in the skin of the scrotum. The vas deferens are then divided and blocked to prevent sperm from reaching the semen. Most men resume light work 2-3 days after the procedure and most resume full activities in about one week.

A vasectomy is considered to be 99.8% effective. A vasectomy is more effective than all other forms of birth control including female tubal ligation (a more expensive procedure that is usually performed at the hospital under general anesthesia).

Will my sex life be affected?

No! Sexual desire, erections, performance, sensation, and hormone levels are unchanged after a vasectomy. Sperm generally make up less than 5% of the ejaculate volume, so ejaculation itself should not be noticeably different after a vasectomy. 

What happens to the sperm produced after a vasectomy?

The body absorbs the sperm produced after a vasectomy - a process that already occurs naturally to many of the sperm produced by men even before a vasectomy.

What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?

A no-scalpel vasectomy is the same as a traditional vasectomy but utilizes a special technique and instruments to perform the procedure through a single small puncture in the scrotum. The skin opening is so small no stitches are needed. Some doctors and patients believe this technique results in less discomfort than a traditional vasectomy. The success rate is the same as a traditional vasectomy. UroPartners offers this minimally invasive vasectomy technique.

Read more: Exploring Your Vasectomy Options

What are the risks?

As a minor surgical procedure, a vasectomy is associated with small risk of bleeding, infection, and pain. Significant bleeding or infection is rare (less than 1%). Persistent post vasectomy pain is also a rare complication that usually resolves with time and ibuprofen.

There do not appear to be any long-term health risks associated with a vasectomy.

Is a vasectomy effective immediately?

No, the vasectomy is not effective until all stored sperm are cleared from the semen. This usually takes at least 3 months and/or 20 ejaculates. We confirm that all sperm are gone from the semen after a vasectomy before clearing men to stop other forms of contraception.

Is a vasectomy covered by insurance?

Yes, most insurance plans cover a vasectomy. We can work with you and your insurance company to find out how much a vasectomy would be with your specific plan. At UroPartners, we help estimate any costs and/or out-of-pocket expenses, if any. Arrangements are available for those without insurance coverage.

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Yes, a vasectomy can be reversed. However, a vasectomy reversal is a complex microsurgical procedure that is expensive and not 100% successful. Therefore, couples should consider a vasectomy to be permanent when making their decision. 

How do I schedule?

If you think a vasectomy may be the right choice for your family, please call UroPartners at 630-UROLOGY to schedule a vasectomy consulation with one of our physicians and discuss all aspects of the procedure.

To request an appointment online, simply click here.