What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that closes off the tube (vas deferens) in your testicles which carry sperm to the urethra to mix with your semen. It is an effective and permanent form of birth control.
Why is this surgery needed?
- You are an adult male and are certain you do not want to have kids in the future
- Pregnancy would be a health risk for your partner
- You or your partner have a genetic disorder which you do not want to pass on
Preparing for this surgery
Before the surgery, your doctor will
- Review your medical history to look for any allergies, or blood-related disorders, what medicines you are using and if you have suffered a urinary tract infection in the past
- Explain the procedure, its benefits and its risks to you
- Ask you to shave all the hair away from the area and wash the area with soap and warm water on the day before and on the morning of the surgery
What happens during the procedure?
- The area is made numb using a local anaesthetic
- 1-2 small cuts are made in the upper part of the scrotum
- The tubes which carry semen from each testicle are located and pulled slightly out
- The tubes are cut and sealed and placed back
- The surgical cuts are sealed back with stitches
Duration of the procedure: Around 15-20 minutes
What happens after the procedure?
- You might have some bruising, swelling and pain in the area
- You will be monitored for some time before being sent home
- You will be provided instruction on how to take care of the area
- You will be asked to regularly place ice packs for the first 2-3 days and limit any heavy activity
- Sexual intercourse is advised against for at least 10 days after the procedure
- A semen analysis will be conducted after 3 months
Benefits of vasecystectomy
- Most effective form of birth control besides abstinence
Risks
- Internal bleeding inside the scrotum
- Blood in the semen
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Infection of the surgical site
- Swelling
- A pulling feeling in the scrotum when you move quickly, such as while rising from a chair
- Vasectomy doesn’t work and you might still get your partner pregnant
When to contact your doctor?
- Signs of infection, such as fever and shaking (chills)
- Heavy bleeding around your stitches
- Discoloration (red, brown, purple or black), increased pain, swelling or discharge around your incisions
- Pain you can’t control with the medications your providers give you
Myths and facts
Myths | Facts |
Vasectomy will affect my sexual performance3 | A vasectomy doesn't affect sex drive, erections or masculinity. It only prevents you from starting a pregnancy. Some men have even said they felt more sexual satisfaction after a vasectomy. |
Vasectomies increase the risk of cancer and heart disease3 | There is no link between vasectomy and cancers of the prostate of the testicle or prostate, and of it with any heart condition |
The surgery will damage nearby organs3 | There's very little risk that the testicles, penis or other nearby body parts will be injured during surgery |
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Vasectomy [online]. Available from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/4423-vasectomy . Accessed on 13 July 2026
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. Vasectomy [online]. Available from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/vasectomy. Accessed on 13 July 2026
- Mayo Clinic. Vasectomy [online]. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vasectomy/about/pac-20384580. Accessed on 13 July 2026
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