A vasectomy is a medical procedure for permanent male contraception or sterilization. During the procedure, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are permanently interrupted. This prevents sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis, making a man sterile.

This procedure is considered a permanent method of contraception and is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.

After local anesthesia is applied to the scrotum, the doctor makes a small puncture in the scrotum to access both vas deferens, which are then separated, sealed, and blocked.

After a vasectomy, it takes a few months for any remaining sperm to be ejaculated or reabsorbed by the body. A 3-month semen sample is enough time to confirm your semen is sperm free.

During this time, alternative forms of contraception should be used to prevent pregnancy. Vasectomy is generally considered a safe and effective form of permanent birth control, but it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Without sperm, you will not be able to cause a pregnancy. Sperm accounts for less than 2% of the volume of ejaculate. The majority of ejaculate is produced from the seminal vesicles and prostate, and this will not be interrupted.

Vasectomy is a highly effective method of contraception, with a failure rate of less than 1%. It does not affect sexual function, as it only blocks the transport of sperm and does not interfere with the production of hormones or other components of semen. However, it is important to note that vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so other precautions should be taken if there is a risk of STIs.

Following the surgery, the patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. It is important to use alternative forms of contraception until a follow-up semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm in the ejaculate, which usually takes about 3 months.

1. You drop your drawers and lay down on your back.

2. The groin and scrotum are cleansed with a warm antiseptic solution that is colorless and almost odorless (no iodine).

3. The vas deferens is gently maneuvered up and underneath the scrotal skin. Local anesthetic is administered using a pressure spray device that penetrates the skin, vas, and nerves. You’ll feel a “flick” or a “snap of a band” against the skin. No needle.

4. Once numb, a tiny puncture is made under magnification over the center of the scrotum, using a fine tipped surgical instrument, and stretched open a few millimeters. A small segment of the vas is grasped with a specially designed ring clamp, and gently brought through the tiny opening. The layers are separated.

5. The left vas is divided by heat cautery. The lumen or inside of the abdominal tube is also cauterized. The divided ends are placed out of alignment by fascial interposition, and a tiny titanium clip will be applied to prevent the ends from ever coming into contact.

6. The same thing is done for the right vas deferens, through the same opening.

7. Your underwear is put back on with a sterile gauze pad over the puncture site. This will heal over days. There is no need for stitches.

A visit to your family doctor for a referral to the urologist. Then a visit to the urologist for a consultation. Then a visit for the procedure. Then a follow up visit for suture removal.

It’s an inefficient process that is dictated by insurance. We’re on a mission to keep it simple. One visit.

Here’s the traditional approach (not the Cutting Edge Vasectomy approach):

1. A needle would be advanced through the scrotum and along the vas deferens to numb the area. The same would done on the opposite side.

2. A scalpel would be used to make a 1.5 inch scrotal incisions on each side of the scrotum, to gain access to the vas tubes. The incisions would be closed with sutures, which remain in place for a week, and will dissolve or need to be removed.

3. Interrupting the vas deferens tubes. How the vas could be occluded to stop the travel of sperm is a matter of preference to the physician or surgeon. Some cut out a portion of the vas, others don’t. Some tie off one or both ends with permanent suture or small clips. Some simply place the divided ends out of alignment so they won’t grow back together. The risk of failure rates with different methods has been well studied.