How many vasectomies

A vasectomy blocks the sperm made by the testes from reaching the semen. Instead, the body absorbs the sperm, which is harmless. A vasectomy doesn't provide immediate protection against pregnancy. Use an alternative form of birth control until your doctor confirms there are no sperm in your semen. Before having unprotected sex, you'll need to wait several months or longer and ejaculate 15 to 20 times or more to clear any sperm from your semen. Most doctors do a follow-up semen analysis six to 12 weeks after surgery to be certain that no sperm are present.

You'll need to give your doctor sperm samples to examine. To produce a sperm sample, your doctor will have you masturbate and ejaculate into a container or use a special condom without lubrication or spermicide to collect semen during intercourse. Your semen is then examined under a microscope to see whether sperm are present. For that reason, you should use other forms of protection such as condoms if you are at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection — even after you have a vasectomy.

Vasectomy care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Vasectomy is a form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your semen.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Vasectomy Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fact sheet. You are here Mens health. What is a vasectomy? Find out more about vasectomy reversal. Will I still ejaculate after a vasectomy? How common are vasectomies? Who performs a vasectomy? Are there different techniques for vasectomies? The recovery time for both techniques is the same. What should I expect after the operation? Does a vasectomy affect sex drive or ejaculation? How quickly does a vasectomy work?

Can a vasectomy fail? It's advice from our physicians delivered to you on your time. Sign up for the Health and Wellness Newsletter. Osteoporosis Lasik. About this Blog Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs. Date Archives Year Share This Page: Post Tweet.

Find a Program or Service. Missed pills and extra pills What should I do if I miss a pill combined pill? What should I do if I miss a pill progestogen-only pill? What if I've lost a pill? What if I've taken an extra pill by accident? What if I'm on the pill and I'm sick or have diarrhoea? How do I change to a different pill? Will a pregnancy test work if I'm on the pill?

Does the pill interact with other medicines? When will my periods return after I stop taking the pill? How do I know I've reached menopause if I'm on the pill? What is the male pill? It's considered permanent, so once it's done you don't have to think about contraception again. It doesn't affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy sex. You'll still have erections and ejaculate, but your semen won't contain sperm.

You'll need to use contraception for at least 8 to 12 weeks after the operation, because sperm will still be in the tubes leading to the penis. Up to 2 semen tests are done after the operation to make sure that all the sperm have gone. Your ball sack scrotum may become bruised, swollen or painful — some men have ongoing pain in their testicles.

As with any surgery, there's a small risk of infection. It's very difficult to reverse, so be sure it's right for you. A vasectomy doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections STIs , so you may need to use condoms as well. How it works A vasectomy works by stopping sperm getting into a man's semen, the fluid that he ejaculates. How a vasectomy is carried out A vasectomy is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure.

There are 2 types of vasectomy: a conventional vasectomy using a scalpel surgical knife a no-scalpel vasectomy The doctor doing your vasectomy will discuss which option is best for you. Conventional vasectomy The doctor first numbs your scrotum with a local anaesthetic. No-scalpel vasectomy The doctor first numbs your scrotum with local anaesthetic. Before you decide to have a vasectomy Your doctor will ask about your circumstances, provide information, and may recommend counselling before agreeing to the procedure.

How long will I have to wait for the operation? You can request a male doctor, but this may mean having to wait longer. Recovering after the operation It's common to have some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of your scrotum for a few days after the vasectomy. Underwear Wear tight-fitting underwear or athletic support day and night for the first few days to help support your scrotum and ease any discomfort or swelling.

Hygiene It's usually safe for you to have a bath or shower after your operation — check with your doctor what's suitable for you. Returning to work You can usually return to work 1 or 2 days after a vasectomy, but should avoid sport and heavy lifting for at least a week after the procedure to prevent complications. Having sex Avoid sexual activity for at least 7 days after having a vasectomy.