More than 50 million men around the world have had a vasectomy. It’s not only one of the most popular elective treatments for men, it is also one of the safest and most reliable methods of birth control.

Vasectomy is a 20-Minute Outpatient Procedure
A vasectomy works by preventing sperm from being released into a man’s semen. To achieve that, about one centimeter is cut from the vas deferens, the tubes that sperm pass through during ejaculation. A typical vasectomy takes 15 to 20 minutes start-to-finish and is performed using local anesthesia. The procedure has few side effects, and the risk of complications is minimal.

Shorter recovery time is one reason that most vasectomies are performed with the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) technique. The traditional open vasectomy requires two small incisions, but NSV is done with a single small puncture (about one centimeter) on the scrotum, and the left and right vas deferens are both treated through the one puncture.

The wound is smaller, so there is less bleeding and the wound heals quickly. The overall recovery is faster, and the risk of infection is much lower with NSV.

• Male sterilization is a simple, safe, and quick procedure.
• Uses only local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization.
• Highly effective as a permanent contraceptive, with a failure rate of less than 1 percent.
• Costs less than female sterilization or other temporary contraceptive methods.
• Low risk or complications.
• Does not affect sexual performance or changes in male hormones, as there is no interference with nerves and testicular hormone production. The sterilized person can perform sexual activities normally, i.e., have the same sexual desire and erectile function, and ejaculation is normal.
• Does not cause fatigue, exhaustion, or premature aging.

Vasectomy is a procedure with very few risks and complications. Possible complications include:

• Bleeding or blood clots in the testicles
• Infection at the surgical site, which the doctor will prevent with antibiotics
• Chronic pain, testicular swelling, bleeding or pain during ejaculation

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.