Skip to main content

Vasectomy: A Permanent Birth Control Option

A vasectomy is a quick, safe and highly effective outpatient procedure for permanent birth control, chosen by about 500,000 U.S. men every year.

When one of our surgeons divides the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra, a vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with semen.

Any male over the age of 18 is a potential candidate for a vasectomy. But the option is best for men who have completed their families or who do not want to have children. You should consider a vasectomy permanent. Reversal is sometimes possible but never guaranteed.

What To Expect During a Vasectomy Procedure

Our specialists with Orlando Health Medical Group Urology have extensive experience with this simple, minimally invasive procedure, which takes about 15 minutes to complete. The outpatient procedure is performed with local anesthesia or under light sedation. Many men are relieved to learn we can often use a no-needle, no-scalpel technique.

During: You might feel a slight pinch during the numbing process and mild discomfort during the procedure.

Recovery: You may have some pain, tenderness or swelling in and around your scrotum, but it will be short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs on your scrotum.  

Timeline: You will likely miss two or three days of work but will return to normal daily activities within a few weeks.

Your Vasectomy Journey: Step-by-Step

We understand that it’s natural to have questions and concerns if you are considering a vasectomy. A member of our compassionate team can walk you through the process. Here is a look at what you can expect:

  • Make an appointment: Schedule your initial appointment by contacting us.
  • First visit: During your first meeting, our specialists will go over your medical history and explain the procedure. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have.
  • Consent and scheduling: If you decide to go forward with the procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form and the procedure will be scheduled.
  • Follow-up care: Usually, the procedure requires no stitches, though there may be skin glue that will dissolve on its own. You will need to refrain from heavy lifting, intense physical activity, and sexual intercourse for at least a week. Your team will give you clear guidance on when you can resume normal activities, including sexual activity.
  • Confirming success: About eight to 12 weeks later, you'll provide a semen sample so we can confirm the vasectomy is working. The test can be done in a lab or through a home test. Keep using another form of birth control until we tell you it's safe to stop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vasectomies

Any male age 18 and older is eligible for the procedure.

No birth control option – aside from abstinence – is guaranteed to work. Vasectomies are more than 99 percent effective. A vasectomy is not effective right away — you must keep using another form of birth control until a semen test (usually about eight to 12 weeks after the procedure) confirms your semen is free of sperm.

It is usually possible to reverse the process. But there are no guarantees that the reversal will result in a pregnancy. If you think you may want to have a child at some point, a vasectomy may not be your best birth control option.

The procedure has no effect on your testosterone levels, sex drive, sexual function or sexual satisfaction.

This is extremely rare, with a less than 1% risk. Your surgeon will talk to you about this and any other rare risks during your consultation.

Many health plans cover the procedure, though your individual costs will vary by plan. Our team can help you determine your coverage.

Vasectomy Success Rates and Safety

A vasectomy is more than 99 percent effective, making it one of the most reliable birth control options available. And this simple procedure has little in the way of negative side effects. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks of complications. But most are temporary and can be well managed with medications.

The procedure does not touch your testicles and has no effect on your testosterone levels, sex drive, sexual function or sexual satisfaction. There will be a brief period (a week or less) after the procedure during which you will need to avoid sexual or intense physical activity.

Find a Vasectomy Specialist Near You

Orlando Health Medical Group Urology has multiple locations throughout the Orlando Health system. Find a location that’s nearest to you.

Migrated from Sitecore - ID: 5d335e33-9aaf-4ce1-a6cf-6e3d8c3c4ce6

Meet the Team

The multidisciplinary team at Orlando Health Medical Group Urology includes experts in a wide range of urological procedures and conditions. Learn more about team here.

Meet the Team

Navigate Your Health