Vasectomy - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A vasectomy is a minor procedure that cuts, blocks or seals the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles, providing permanent contraception.
At a glance
- A vasectomy cuts, blocks or seals the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles.
- It is usually done under local anaesthetic in under half an hour.
- Another method is needed until a follow-up semen test confirms there is no sperm.
- After that it is more than 99% effective.
- It does not affect hormone levels or erections.
In detail
It is usually done under local anaesthetic in under half an hour, often without a scalpel. Sperm can remain in the system for some time afterwards, so another method is needed until a follow-up semen test confirms there is no sperm.
After that it is more than 99% effective. A vasectomy does not affect hormone levels, erections or the amount of fluid released, since sperm makes up only a small part of it. It gives no protection against infections.
In a sentence
- He had a vasectomy last spring and was back at work in a couple of days.
- The leaflet explained that the vasectomy is not effective until a follow-up test is clear.
Where the word comes from
Formed from "vas", short for vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm, and "-ectomy", from Greek, meaning cutting out.
Not to be confused with
- Circumcision
Circumcision removes the foreskin and has no contraceptive effect.
Common questions
Is a vasectomy effective straight away?
No. Sperm can remain in the system for some time afterwards, so another method is needed until a follow-up semen test confirms there is no sperm.
Does a vasectomy change sex drive or ejaculation?
It does not affect hormone levels or erections, and the amount of fluid released stays about the same, since sperm makes up only a small part of it.
Related terms
Sources
- NHSVasectomy (male sterilisation)
- Planned ParenthoodVasectomy