Vasectomy

Overview

Sperm and male sex hormones are made in the testicles. Sperm is the male reproductive cells made in the testicles that can fertilize a female partner's eggs, which may result in a child. The testes are in the scrotum at the base of the penis. Sperm leave the testes through a coiled tube (the "epididymis"), where they stay until they're ready for use. Each epididymis is linked to the ejaculatory duct by a long tube called the vas deferens (or "vas"). The vas runs from the lower part of the scrotum into the inguinal canal (groin area). It then goes into the pelvis and behind the bladder. This is where the vas deferens joins with the seminal vesicle and forms the ejaculatory duct. When you ejaculate, seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles mix with sperm to form semen. The semen flows through the urethra and comes out the end of your penis. Ejaculate with sperm may cause a pregnancy.

Vasectomies are usually done in your urologist's office, but they may also be done at a surgery center or in a hospital. You and your urologist may decide if you need to be fully sedated (put to sleep) for the procedure. If you need to be sedated, you may have your vasectomy at a surgery center or hospital. The need for sedation is based on your anatomy, how nervous you are, or if you might need other surgery at the same time. You may be asked to sign a form that gives your urologist permission to do the procedure. Some states have special laws about the type of consent and when you need to sign it.

In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

• Treatment
• Conventional Vasectomy
• No-Scalpel Vasectomy
• What are the Risks?
• After Treatment
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can my partner tell if I have had a vasectomy?
• Will my sense of orgasm be changed by having a vasectomy?
• Can I develop erectile dysfunction after a vasectomy?
• Can a vasectomy fail?