Vasectomy

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a form of sterilization and  effective form of  contraception.  The procedure  consists of  cutting  the vas deferens, a tube responsible for transporting sperm from the testicle for insemination. The testicular function is not affected and it will continue to produce testosterone and sperm. The sperm gets re-absorbed back into the body soon after production and will no longer be present in semen.
The procedure  (no-scalpel vasectomy) can be done in the office under local anesthesia or sedation and typically takes 15-20 minutes. It can take up to three months after the procedure before the patient is completely sterile. This is due to sperm presence in the vas deferens, and may require up to thirty ejaculations to ensure complete evacuation of remaining sperm.  A post-vasectomy semen analysis is necessary at 10-12 weeks to ensure sterility. Occasionally more than one test is required. 

Vasectomy is often compared to the female equivalent, tubal ligation. In almost every respect, tubal ligation is more invasive and  costly.