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Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure performed as a method of birth control in men. It involves cutting the tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles.

Only about 15 of every 10,000 couples get pregnant in the year after the man has a vasectomy.1

As part of a program of research on the safety and effectiveness of male contraceptives, NICHD supports studies and other activities advancing understanding of vasectomy.

Citations

  1. American Pregnancy Association. (2003). Overview: Birth control. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from http://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/birth-control-failure/ external link.

General Information

How is a vasectomy done?

A vasectomy is usually performed in the office of urologist, a doctor who specializes in the male urinary tract and reproductive system.

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How effective is vasectomy?

Very effective. But men still need to use other birth control until the remaining sperm are cleared out of the semen. This takes 15 to 20 ejaculations, or about 3 months.

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Research

Find a Study

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Other FAQs

Find answers to other common questions about vasectomy, such as whether vasectomy poses a cancer risk and if it can be reversed.

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Resources

Links to websites of groups that study or provide information about vasectomy.

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