Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal
No-scalpel vasectomy for permanent birth control, and microsurgical reversal for men who want more children.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Chirag Dave
No-scalpel vasectomy
A vasectomy is permanent birth control. It is done in the office under local anesthetic, takes about 15 to 30 minutes, and seals the vas deferens through one or two very small openings in the scrotum. Most men return to work in about 2 days.
- Avoid sex for 1 week and strenuous activity for 3 days.
- Mild oozing, discomfort, swelling or bruising usually settle within a few days.
- Use other contraception until a semen analysis shows no sperm; this can take 6 months or longer.
- Rarely (about 1 in 2,000), the cut ends can rejoin.
- Hormones, erections and sensation are not affected.
If you might want children in the future, a vasectomy is not the right choice.
Vasectomy reversal
Men seek reversal after remarrying, after losing a child, or simply after a change of heart. It is a delicate operation that should be done by a fellowship-trained urologist. Pregnancy can occur as early as a few months after reversal.
How reversal is done
Reversal is surgery done under anesthesia using an operating microscope. The surgeon reconnects the ends of the vas deferens (vasovasostomy). If there is a blockage further along, the vas may be connected directly to the epididymis (vasoepididymostomy), as described in the reversal handout below.
Recovery after reversal
Expect swelling and soreness for several days. Supportive underwear, ice and rest help. Your urologist will tell you when you can return to work, exercise and sexual activity, and will check a semen analysis afterward to see when sperm return.
Other options
Sperm retrieval combined with IVF is another route to pregnancy for some couples. See male infertility.
Resources
Talk with a urologist
Appointments at 14 Advanced Urology offices across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. Find an office.