What to Know Before Getting a Vasectomy

Getting a vasectomy, sometimes called male sterilization, is a decision that more men are choosing to make, with an 850% increase for the search term "where can I get a vasectomy," at the end of June, according to preliminary data collected by Innerbody Research, a telehealth and health research company. Additionally, among states where people searched for this term the most, they found Florida ranked No. 2, trailing only behind Texas.

Understanding what a vasectomy is, what the procedure entails and what the recovery looks like is important when deciding whether to undergo this procedure. Kevin Campbell, MD, an assistant professor in the department of urology at the University of Florida College of Medicine who specializes in men's health, answers some commonly asked questions he hears from vasectomy patients.

1. What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a procedure that prevents sperm from mixing with semen, causing sterility in men. With the use of local anesthesia, the surgeon will cut and tie off the vas deferens, a coiled tube that carries the sperm out of the testes. A vasectomy is a great choice for couples who do not wish to get pregnant or use other forms of birth control.

2. What is the process like for getting a vasectomy procedure?

The vasectomy process is fairly simple. Patients come in for a visit and many can get a vasectomy at that initial visit. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and involves a small incision in the scrotum that is closed with stitches or surgical glue.

3. What is the typical recovery process?

The recovery process is very short. Typically, it takes men three to four days to fully recover. About three months after the vasectomy procedure, patients come back for a semen analysis to be sure their semen does not contain sperm and that the procedure was successful.

4. What are the risks associated with a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a low-risk procedure. Men may experience some pain, swelling or bruising in the scrotum that will typically resolve within a few days. A vasectomy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer or testicular disease.

5. Have you seen an increase in vasectomy patients?

In June 2022, vasectomy rates nationally increased by 50%. At UF Health, we typically perform 40 vasectomies each month. In the first week of July, we had double the normal number of patients calling to make an appointment for a vasectomy.

6. Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Yes. Around 6% of men who have a vasectomy will get a vasectomy reversal procedure to combat male infertility. This procedure requires more pre- and post-surgery planning.

7. Where can I learn more about vasectomies?

Visit Vasectomy | UF Health, University of Florida Health to learn more about vasectomies.