How is a vasectomy performed for contraception?

Updated: Oct 16, 2019
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Vasectomy involves incision of the scrotal sac, transection of the vas deferens, and occlusion of both severed ends by suture ligation or fulguration. The procedure is usually performed with the patient under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Complications include hematoma formation, infection and sperm granulomas (1-2%). After sterilization, remnant sperm remains in the ejaculatory ducts. The man is not considered sterile until he has produced sperm-free ejaculates as documented by semen analysis. This usually requires 15-20 ejaculations. Vasectomy prevents the passage of sperm into seminal fluid by blocking the vas deferens.

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