The vas is a small tube that carries the sperm that is made in the testicles to the reservoir holding the semen.

By dividing the vas in the scrotum sperm cannot be transported to the semen (the ejaculate) and you become sterile. There are no complications from blocking the transport of sperm.

This is a permanent type of sterilization.

Although the vas can be sutured back together, there is no guarantee it will reverse the sterilization.

In general vasectomies are preferred to tubal ligations. The chief reasons being that it is less invasive, local vs. general anesthesia, less expensive and shorter recovery time.

Most insurance companies will cover the procedure.

The operation is done in the office under local (Novocain) anesthesia.

A small incision is made on each side of the scrotum and the vas is divided.

Discomfort is minimal.

You may experience some soreness but Tylenol is usually sufficient.

There are no restrictions in activities. You may shower the next day.

There is no change in ejaculation or sensation following a vasectomy; only the sperm cells are absent.