What is vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple surgery done by a doctor in an office, hospital, or clinic. The small tubes in your scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off, so sperm can’t leave your body and cause pregnancy. The procedure is very quick, and you can go home the same day. And it’s extremely effective at preventing pregnancy — almost 100%.

There are two types of vasectomies: the incision method, and the no-scalpel (no-cut) method. PPAU offers no-cut vasectomies, which have a lower risk of infection and other complications, and generally take less time to heal.

Vasectomies are meant to be permanent. You should only get a vasectomy if you’re 100% positive you don’t want to be able to get someone pregnant for the rest of your life.

How does a vasectomy work?

Sperm — the microscopic cells that join up with an egg to cause pregnancy — are made in your testicles. Sperm leaves the testicles through two tubes called the vas deferens, and mixes with other fluids to make semen (cum). The sperm in your semen can cause pregnancy if it gets into a vagina.

A vasectomy blocks or cuts each vas deferens tube, keeping sperm out of your semen. Sperm cells stay in your testicles and are absorbed by your body. Starting at least 2 months after a vasectomy, your semen (cum) won’t contain any sperm, so it can’t cause pregnancy. You must have your semen tested 8-16 weeks after your vasectomy to make sure there’s no sperm in your semen. 

After your vasectomy, your semen (cum) will still look, feel, and taste the same. You’d have to look at it under a microscope to see a difference. You’ll still have the same amount of semen you did before —  there just won’t be sperm in it so you can’t get anybody pregnant. Vasectomies don’t change the way having an orgasm or ejaculating (cumming) feels, and they don’t impact your hormone levels, sex drive, or ability to get an erection (get hard).

What will happen during my vasectomy?  

Your doctor will help make your vasectomy as comfortable as possible. You’ll get local anesthesia to numb your testicles, so you shouldn’t feel much during the procedure. You may also get medicine to help you relax.

You may have a little discomfort when you get the numbing shot or when the vas deferens tubes are handled during the procedure. But overall, you shouldn’t feel too much pain.

The doctor makes one tiny puncture (hole) to reach both vas deferens tubes — the skin of your scrotum isn’t cut with a scalpel. Your tubes are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked. The small puncture heals quickly. You won’t need stitches, and there’s no scarring.

No-scalpel methods — also called no-cut or no-incision — reduce bleeding and lower the risk of infection, bruising, and other complications.

What will happen after my vasectomy?  

You can go home and rest right after your vasectomy. You may feel some discomfort or pain after your vasectomy, but you shouldn’t be in terrible pain. You may also have some bruising and/or swelling for a few days. 

How long will it take me to recover after my vasectomy?

Most people only need to rest for a few days after their vasectomy. If your job is physically demanding, you’ll have to take about a week off from work. You shouldn’t exercise or do any hard physical work for about a week after your vasectomy.

How soon can I have sex after my vasectomy?

You can have sex a week after your vasectomy. Some people wait longer. If having sex hurts or feels uncomfortable, stop and wait a few more days. Just remember that the vasectomy WON’T prevent pregnancy right away, so make sure to use another method of birth control.

It takes at least 2 months after your vasectomy for your semen to be sperm-free. Your doctor will test your semen 8-16 weeks after your vasectomy, and tell you when the sperm are gone and the vasectomy is working as birth control. Make sure to ejaculate (cum) at least 20 times before you have your semen tested.

To collect a semen sample, you’ll masturbate into a cup or use a special condom when you have sex. Until your doctor says there’s no sperm in your semen, use condoms or another form of birth control during vaginal sex.

What else do I need to know? 

• Vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

• Vasectomies are meant to be permanent. Reversing it is usually hard and expensive and often does not work. You must be certain you never want to cause any future pregnancies before choosing this method.

• Vasectomy does not affect sexual desire, arousal, or ability to perform. 

How can I get started? 

First you will need to set up an appointment for a consultation. After the consultation, if you decide to have the procedure, you may set up an appointment with a $50 deposit. If you have Medicaid or would like access to discounted services based on your income, there is a 30-day waiting period. If you have private insurance or would like to pay out of pocket, you may not need to wait 30 days.

The full price for vasectomy at PPAU is $900. Most insurances cover it, and thanks to federal funding, we offer sliding-scale pricing based on income that may bring the cost down to $50 (the deposit paid to schedule your appointment).