Male Sterilization

Vasectomy

A permanent solution.

STOPPING SPERM AT THE SOURCE

Vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, is a permanent surgical birth control method. It involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis during ejaculation in a procedure that is done under local anesthetic. Since it is permanent and highly effective, it is an option for those who never want to have children, or who don't wish to have any more.

After the procedure, it is still possible to ejaculate, but the seminal fluid will not contain any sperm. Sterilization will only affect fertility, and not libido or the ability to have sex, but it's important to consult a doctor or nurse before making a decision. They will help you weigh the benefits and risks, and advise you on alternative long-acting methods of birth control such as the intrauterine system (IUS) or the copper intrauterine device (IUD). Sometimes it is possible to reverse a vasectomy, but the procedure is very complex, so there are no guarantees.

Male Sterilization

HOW IT MEASURES UP

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99%

EF­FI­CACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Since sterilization is a procedure performed by a doctor or nurse, it is highly effective with typical use.

99% 99%

>99%
EF­FI­CACY WITH TYP­I­CAL USE

Since sterilization is a procedure performed by a doctor or nurse, it is highly effective with typical use.

View 'Perfect' Use Efficacy Rate

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99%

EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

Sterilization is a highly effective, and permanent, method of birth control that is performed by a doctor or nurse.

99% 99%

>99%
EF­FI­CACY WITH PERFECT USE

Sterilization is a highly effective, and permanent, method of birth control that is performed by a doctor or nurse.

View 'Typical' Use Efficacy Rate

Read more

HORMONES

No. Vasectomy is hormone-free.

EASE OF USE

Vasectomy is permanent. Once the procedure is done, it’s done.

YOUR PERIOD

Vasectomy has no impact on periods – since it is not done on you, but your partner.

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MyContraception-Woman
FAQ Questionmark

Does my partner have to use another method of birth control after sterilization?

Yes. Birth control should still be used for the first two to three months after the procedure.1

FAQ Questionmark

Does sterilization reduce sex drive?

No, sterilization does not impact libido, and anyone can have sex after they have recovered from the procedure the same as they did before.

FAQ Questionmark

Can sterilization be reversed?

Sterilization is intended to be permanent and irreversible, so those who feel they may want to have children in the future should opt for an alternative method of birth control. Surgery to reverse sterilization is very difficult.

FAQ Questionmark

Is it possible to check if sterilization has worked?

A doctor or nurse can examine a semen sample under a microscope to see if ejaculate still contains sperm. If no moving sperm can be detected, the vasectomy has worked. A semen examination is recommended at any time after three months following the procedure.

FAQ Questionmark

Can sterilization stop working?

Sterilization is intended to be permanent, but in rare cases the tubes that carry sperm can grow back together. If this happens, a repeat procedure will be necessary.

FAQ Questionmark

Can my partner still reach orgasm after having a vasectomy?

Yes, a vasectomy shouldn’t affect your partner’s ability to orgasm.

FAQ Questionmark

Is it still possible to ejaculate after having a vasectomy?

Yes. Though your partner may experience a little discomfort after the initial procedure, a vasectomy should not noticeably change the amount of ejaculate.

FAQ Questionmark

What is expected after a vasectomy?

After the procedure, your partner will have two incisions that will need time to heal. They may experience some local pain or soreness, swelling, blood in the semen or blood clots in the scrotum. These symptoms should abate over time. They may also not be immediately sterile after the procedure.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Start preparing for the next appointment with your doctor or nurse today!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Second World War2

Around the time people started using vasectomy as a method of birth control.2

ZERO

The sperm count in the seminal fluid ejaculated at least two to three months after a person is sterilized.1

16 million3

Roughly the number of people that use their partner’s vasectomy as birth control worldwide.

PROS

  • Almost 100% effective.1
  • One time lasts forever – once done, no more worries about unwanted pregnancy.1
  • Allows spontaneous sex and does not interrupt it.1
  • Hormone-free – there will be no changes in your partner’s hormone levels.1
  • No change in sex drive – your partner can still have erections and ejaculate, only with no sperm in their semen.1
  • No effect on periods – your partner will undergo the surgery, so your body and hormones remain unchanged.1
  • Safer and simpler alternative to female sterilization.1
  • Hormone-free – there will be no changes in your partner’s hormone levels.1
  • No change in sex drive – your partner can still have erections and ejaculate, only with no sperm in their semen.1
  • No effect on periods – your partner will undergo the surgery, so your body and hormones remain unchanged.1
  • Safer and simpler alternative to female sterilization.1

CONS

  • Not immediately effective – you should still use birth control for two to three months after the surgery.1
  • No protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1
  • Needs surgery, which comes with risks of certain complications such as infection, blood collection in the scrotum, and long-term testicle pain.1
  • Very hard to reverse and there is no guarantee for reversal to work. So, think carefully before you go ahead with it.1
  • Other side effects for your partner after the surgery may include bruises, swelling or pain in the scrotum.1
  • Very hard to reverse and there is no guarantee for reversal to work. So, think carefully before you go ahead with it.1
  • Other side effects for your partner after the surgery may include bruises, swelling or pain in the scrotum.1

NEED MORE ADVICE?

Get ready to speak to a doctor. Use a 3-step guide to prepare for your next appointment.

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Is It Okay?

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

THE
IUS

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 6 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUS

THE
IUD

The Hor­monal Coil is a small, soft T-shaped plas­tic frame that re­leases low lev­els of a prog­estin hor­mone for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a pre­scrip­tion and placed in your womb by a doc­tor or nurse.

Image of an IUD

THE
IMPLANT

A small, flexible silicone rod that releases hormones for up to 3 to 5 years. It is given with a prescription and placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor or nurse.

Image of the Implant

THE
PILL

A small tablet containing one hormone, or a combined pill containing two hormones, that is self-administered with a prescription and needs to be swallowed at the same time each day.

Image of birth control pills

THE
INJECTION

A shot containing hormone(s) that is given with a prescription and administered by a doctor or nurse every 1 or 3 months.

Image of an Injection

THE
PATCH

A small, thin, skin-colored plastic square that sticks to the skin and releases hormones. It is given with a prescription and can be self-administered once a week.

Image of the Patch

THE
DI­APHRAGM

A silicone cup placed in the vagina that prevents sperm from reaching the womb. Though some are fitted by a doctor or nurse, most are self-administered with a prescription up to 24 hours before sex.

Image of a Diaphragm

THE
RING

A small, flexible ring that is self-administered with a prescription and placed in the vagina, where it releases hormones for 3 weeks.

Image of a Ring

THE
FEMALE CONDOM

An internal condom that works in the same way male condoms do, though it is placed in the vagina. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of Female Condom

THE
MALE CONDOM

A sheath placed over the erect penis to stop sperm from reaching the vagina, it is also the only method that helps lower the risk of STIs. It is self-administered and bought over the counter.

Image of a Male Condom

THE
SPONGE

A small, round piece of foam with a nylon loop that is placed in the vagina right before intercourse. It is bought over the counter and is self-administered.

Image of a Sponge

NATURAL
PLANNING

Self-directed methods of avoiding pregnancy that include menstrual cycle tracking and body temperature measurements to identify fertile days.

Natural Planning

SPERMICIDE

Creams, films, foams, gels and suppositories that contain chemicals to stop or kill sperm. These are bought over the counter and are self-administered.

Image of spermicide

WITHDRAWAL

Also known as ‘the pull-out method’, this self-directed method involves withdrawing the penis prior to ejaculation to avoid pregnancy.

Image of a timer for the withdrawal method

MALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the tubes carrying sperm.

Icon representing male sterilization

FEMALE
STERILIZATION

A medical procedure performed by a doctor or nurse that blocks the fallopian tubes and removes the possibility of pregnancy.

Icon representing female sterilization
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Last updated on 21/02/2020

This website is intended to provide information to an international audience outside of the US. All pictures used in this website show models only.

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