Vasectomy is a form of male contraception. It prevents sperm from entering the ejaculate (semen), so you can't get a female pregnant. With our no-scalpel vasectomy, you get the same, highly effective male sterilization procedure with less pain.
What Is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a form of male sterilization, which means it makes a male infertile. This type of male birth control is greater than 99 percent effective.
During a vasectomy procedure, a doctor disconnects the vas deferens (tube that transports sperm). When the vas deferens is disconnected, sperm can no longer come out during ejaculation. Without sperm in the ejaculate, a male cannot get a female pregnant.
After a vasectomy, your sperm count in the ejaculate gradually decreases. You should use other birth control methods until your semen sample is completely sperm-free. Your semen should decrease to zero in about two to three months.
Learn more about vasectomies in our blog:
No-Scalpel Vasectomy vs. Traditional Vasectomy
Traditional vasectomy procedures require one or two incisions in the scrotum (sac that holds the testicles). These incisions require stitches, which usually makes recovery longer and more painful.
But a no-scalpel vasectomy uses no incisions. Instead, your urologist:
- Provides you with numbing medication for comfort
- Pokes a tiny puncture (hole) in the skin on the scrotum
- Gently stretches the puncture to see and cut the vas deferens, which takes less than 30 minutes
- Closes the puncture with stitches
Recovery time with a no-scalpel vasectomy is faster and easier. Most patients take over-the-counter medicine for pain and return to normal activities within a few days.
Vasectomy and Sexual Side Effects
Only five to 10 percent of the ejaculate is sperm, so a vasectomy does not decrease sex drive or change your sexual function. Ejaculation will look and feel the same after vasectomy, though there will be no sperm in the semen.
Vasectomy at Penn Medicine: Why Choose Us?
Vasectomies are a common procedure, but we believe your vasectomy experience should be exceptional. When you have a vasectomy at Penn Medicine, you benefit from:
- Experienced team: Our expert urological surgeons perform vasectomies safely and quickly in-office or in the hospital. They perform a high volume of these procedures, and that experience leads to better outcomes. Learn more about our vasectomy specialists.
- Comfortable environment: We want your vasectomy recovery to be fast and easy. That's why we focus on your comfort throughout the procedure. Our doctors provide numbing and pain relief and perform the procedure in our comfortable, state-of-the-art surgery center.
- Convenient appointments: You can get your vasectomy when and where it works for you. Our doctors see patients at several locations throughout the Philadelphia region.
- Vasectomy reversal options: If you decide to undo a vasectomy later, we can help. Our male fertility specialists provide world-leading microsurgical vasectomy reversal.
Make an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.