What Happens to a Man When He Gets a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a surgery that cuts or blocks the vas deferens in order to block sperm from being ejaculated and causing a pregnancy.

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is a form of birth control for men. About 20% of men over 35 years of age in the U.S. have had the procedure, which is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy is safer, less expensive, and just as effective as a tubal ligation (getting the “tubes tied”) in women.

Sperm are produced in the testicles and move into the epididymis, where they mature and are stored. The vas deferens are long, thin tubes that carry sperm from the epididymis and push them through the penis during ejaculation. When a man gets a vasectomy, the vas deferens is cut or blocked so sperm cannot be ejaculated and cause pregnancy. 

A vasectomy does not impact a man’s ability to have an erection because it does not affect testosterone levels. Sperm is blocked, but not semen, so the amount of ejaculate remains the same.

Immediately following a vasectomy, a man will still need a second method of birth control until testing confirms no sperm remain in the semen. Ejaculation needs to occur at least 20 times following the procedure to clear the remaining sperm before the follow-up sperm count check. 

About three months after the procedure, the sperm count is checked to confirm that no sperm remain in the ejaculate.

Advantages of vasectomy as a birth control option include: 

• It is permanent
• It is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
• Does not involve preparation before or during sex
• Has a low risk of complications
• It is a quick out-patient procedure and the man can go home the same day
• There is a quick recovery time of 7 to 10 days
• It reduces the birth control burden on a female partner, especially if she is unable to tolerate hormonal birth control methods
• It does not damage the penis or cause hormonal side effects
• It can increase a couple’s spontaneity when it comes to sex

A vasectomy is usually considered a permanent method of birth control, however, in some cases, it may be reversed, though reversal is not always successful.

• The vas deferens may be reconnected in a vasectomy reversal procedure called a vasovasostomy. The sooner the vasovasostomy is performed following the original vasectomy, the more likely it is to be successful. 
• In addition, about 40% of men can develop antibodies to sperm after a vasectomy. These antibodies are not harmful but they can cause sperm cells to be less effective if a vasectomy is reversed. 

Complications of vasectomy are uncommon but may include: 

• Bleeding
  • Tends to happen within the first 48 hours after the procedure and occurs in less than 5% of patients
• Infection 
  • Occurs in up to 4% of cases and can usually be treated with antibiotics
• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome 
  • A condition that may occur in between 2% to 15% of men who have a vasectomy
  • Can usually be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) and warm baths
• A small mass or lump (sperm granuloma) 
  • Affects about 15% to 40% of men following the procedure 
  • Usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)