Vasectomy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Vasectomy?
A urologist, a doctor who treats the urinary system and the male reproductive system, commonly does a vasectomy. It is most often done in the surgeon's office. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A vasectomy is surgery to cut the vas deferens. These are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. After a vasectomy, sperm cannot move out of the testicles. A man who has had a successful vasectomy cannot make a woman pregnant.
A vasectomy does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Why a doctor might recommend it
A doctor may recommend a vasectomy for men who are sure they do not want to get a woman pregnant in the future. It is not recommended as a short-term form of birth control.
It may be a good choice when a pregnancy would be unsafe for the woman partner because of health problems.
It may not be a good choice for a man who is young and may want to make a different decision in the future.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Tell your surgeon or nurse about all medicines, supplements, and herbs you take, including those bought without a prescription.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
- Follow instructions about when to stop eating and drinking.
- Ask your surgeon if you need someone to drive you home after surgery.
What happens during it
Vasectomy is most often done with local anesthesia, so you are awake but do not feel any pain. The surgeon injects numbing medicine into the area. The surgeon makes a small cut in the upper part of the scrotum. The vas deferens is then tied off or clipped and cut apart. The wound is closed with stitches or surgical glue. The scrotum is the skin around your testicles.
Recovery
Most men return to work within 2 to 3 days. You should be able to return to normal physical activities in 3 to 7 days.
Some swelling and bruising of the scrotum is normal, and it should go away within 2 weeks. You should wear a scrotal support for 3 to 4 days.
Use another method of birth control until a doctor confirms that the vasectomy has been successful. This usually takes around 12 weeks.
Ask for an urgent appointment with your doctor if, after your vasectomy, any of the following happens.
- The pain and swelling in your scrotum and testicles suddenly gets worse or shows no sign of getting better after a few days.
- You have a high temperature.
- You notice pus or liquid leaking from the wound.
- A lump develops inside your scrotum and it keeps getting bigger.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
A vasectomy is usually a very safe type of surgery, and serious side effects are rare. Side effects include the following.
- Mild bruising and swelling of the testicles.
- A small yellow lump on the scrotum, called a sperm granuloma, which is usually harmless.
- An infection, which will need treating with antibiotics.
An uncommon side effect is long-term testicular pain, known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome. Very rarely, the vas deferens can grow back together again, and then sperm can mix with semen. This would make it possible for you to make a woman pregnant.
Who performs it
A urologist or another surgeon performs a vasectomy. It is most often done in the surgeon's office.
Common questions
Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?
No, a vasectomy does not affect a man's ability to have an erection or orgasm, or to ejaculate semen.
Does a vasectomy work right away?
No, you must use some form of birth control to prevent pregnancy until you know your semen is free of sperm. Your sperm count gradually decreases after a vasectomy. Use birth control until a doctor confirms that the vasectomy has been successful. This usually takes around 12 weeks.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
A reversal operation exists, but it is much more complicated than a vasectomy and may not work.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
