Home Conditions & Treatments Conditions & Treatments Vasectomy

Vasectomy

Make Appointments & Get Care

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a safe, effective surgical procedure for men who want a reliable, long-term way of preventing pregnancy. It works by sealing the tubes called the vas deferens—the passageways that carry sperm from the testicles.

The procedure does not affect your hormones, ability to have erections, or enjoyment of sexual activity. Instead, it simply stops sperm from being part of the semen.

A vasectomy has a failure rate of only a fraction of one percent, which is much lower than other forms of birth control.

Why Consider a Vasectomy?

Many people choose vasectomy because it is:

Highly effective – More than 99% successful in preventing pregnancy.
Permanent – No daily pills, devices, or ongoing steps required.
Low maintenance – Once confirmed by a follow-up semen analysis, you no longer need other birth control methods for pregnancy prevention.
Quick recovery – Most patients return to light work in 2–3 days.

If you’re done having children or sure you don’t want to have children in the future, a vasectomy may be the right choice for your family planning needs.

Can a Vasectomy Be Reversed?

There is a procedure to reverse a vasectomy, but it is costly, more complex than the original surgery, and not always successful. That’s why a vasectomy is considered a permanent decision in family planning.

Schedule your consultation.

Call (585) 275-2838

UR Medicine's Approach

A vasectomy is usually performed in a clinic or office setting and takes about 20–30 minutes.

Here’s what to expect during the procedure:

Local anesthetic is used to numb the area—no general anesthesia needed.
Your urologist makes one or two small cuts in the scrotum.
The tubes called the vas deferens are sealed, tied, or cut to block sperm.
The small incisions are closed or left to heal naturally.

You go home the same day and can usually resume most normal activities within a few days.

Recovery and Side Effects

Common side effects after a vasectomy include mild swelling, bruising, or soreness. These are temporary and typically improve in a few days.

Your care team will recommend:

Using ice packs to reduce swelling.
Wearing snug underwear for support.
Avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a short time.

Pain is usually not severe. Getting back to work depends on your level of pain and the type of job you have. Work can usually be resumed in two to three days, while seven to 10 days is suggested before resuming sex to avoid pain or discomfort.

Follow-Up and Semen Analysis

It takes time for sperm to clear from your system after a vasectomy. You’ll need at least one follow-up semen analysis—sometimes two—to confirm no sperm remain in your semen.

Until then, continue using other birth control methods. A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so condoms may still be important for STI prevention.

Why Vasectomies Surge During March Madness

March Madness isn't just a great time of year for basketball; it's also a prime season for vasectomies.

Read the Full Story

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine Urology provides the Rochester metropolitan area and surrounding region's most advanced and complete urologic care. We have the most highly trained specialists. Many of our doctors are fellowship trained, the highest level of education available.

We use the most advanced technology to perform procedures such as minimally invasive robotic surgery. We use the latest da Vinci Surgical System, with high-definition 3D imaging to enhance the surgeon's vision during certain procedures.

UR Medicine is a national pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, which speeds recovery, reduces post-surgery pain, and decreases the risks of complications. As part of an academic medical center, we’re involved in the very latest research to develop more effective treatments.