A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is meant to protect against pregnancy permanently, making it a highly effective form of male birth control. During the procedure, the small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off, so sperm can no longer mix with other fluids to make semen (cum) and cause pregnancy. There are two types of vasectomies: the incision method and the no-scalpel (no-cut) method. No-cut methods lower the risk of infection and other complications and generally take less time to heal. Vasectomies are meant to be permanent, so they usually can’t be reversed. After the procedure, it takes at least 2 months for the semen to be free of sperm, so its important to use another form of contraception during this time. A semen test is required 8-16 weeks after the procedure to confirm that there is no sperm in the semen. Vasectomy is a safe and effective birth control choice for men who are certain they dont want to father a child in the future. It has a low risk of complications or side effects and is less expensive than female sterilization or long-term birth control medications for women. However, vasectomy offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections. It is important to note that although vasectomy reversals are possible, vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of male birth control.
