Established Procedure
Surgical Procedure

Vasectomy

A permanent outpatient procedure that blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen.

Last verified:

Vasectomy (Surgical Procedure)

Method at a Glance

Effectiveness99.85% effective
DurationPermanent
Cost$0–$3,500
ReversibilityPermanent
STI ProtectionNo
How you get itIn-Person Procedure
Providers

557 providers in this category

Clinics and telehealth services in our directory that offer this method.

Aaron Berger, M.D.

M.D.

Chicago Ridge, IL

Urologist

Individual · In-Person
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Aaron Spitz, M.D.

M.D.

Laguna Hills, CA

Urologist

Individual · In-Person
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Abraham L Woods, MD

MD

Altamonte Springs, FL

Urologist

Individual · In-Person
Visit website Call
See all vasectomy providers
The details

What the evidence says

How well it works, what to watch for, who should avoid it, and the studies behind it.

How well it works

99.85%(perfect use: 99.9%)

Most effective: over 99 out of 100 people successfully prevent pregnancy per year.

How was this measured?▾

In the first year, failure rates are about 0.15% with typical use and 0.10% with perfect use, or 99.85% and 99.9% effective. Late failure after a semen analysis confirms no sperm is rare, roughly 1 in 2,000 cases. See the AUA Vasectomy Guideline 2026 for counseling details.

Research sourceGuttmacher Institute contraceptive effectiveness table / Contraceptive Technology 21st ed.

Cost & insurance

$0–$3,500

Often covered by insurance; cash-pay range roughly $300-$3,500+ depending on facility, anesthesia, and location

Insurance CoverageUsually

Duration & reversibility

Lasts forPermanent
Reversibility
Permanent
STI ProtectionNo

The science

How it works in the body

A clinician cuts, seals, or blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot mix with semen during ejaculation. The body absorbs the sperm, and the semen remains normal in appearance and volume.

Regulatory status & access

StatusEstablished Procedure
Used forBirth control
How you get itIn-Person Procedure
PrescriptionOTC

Side effects

  • Mild pain or swelling for a few days
  • Bruising or bleeding at the site
  • Sperm granuloma (small lump, usually harmless)
  • Chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome (rare, 1-2%)

Who shouldn't use this

  • •Uncertainty about future fertility desires(A personal reason to avoid a permanent method if you may want children later)
  • •Active local or systemic infection(An active infection at the procedure site or throughout the body)
  • •Bleeding disorder(A condition that impairs blood clotting and increases bleeding risk)

Clinical guidelines

AUA

Vasectomy Guideline (2026) - safe, effective permanent contraception

View Guideline
AUA

Vasectomy Guideline (2026) Part II - reversal and fertility restoration

View Guideline
The full picture

What to know about Vasectomy

How it works

Vasectomy is a permanent outpatient procedure that cuts, seals, or blocks the vas deferens so sperm cannot enter the semen. The body absorbs the sperm, and the semen looks and feels the same as before. Vasectomy does not affect testosterone, sex drive, erections, or ejaculation volume.

How well it works

The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes under local anesthesia. Recovery is usually a few days with mild pain and swelling. Vasectomy is over 99.85% effective at preventing pregnancy once a follow-up semen analysis confirms no sperm, typically 8 to 16 weeks after the procedure. The number of ejaculations is not a reliable indicator of clearance.

Vasectomy is intended to be permanent. Reversal surgery (vasovasostomy) can restore sperm to the ejaculate in 71 to 97% of cases. Pregnancy rates vary by time since vasectomy: 76% for reversals within 3 years, 53% for 3 to 8 years, 44% for 9 to 14 years, and 30% for 15 or more years, per the Vasovasostomy Study Group (Belker 1991). Success also depends on the man’s age and the female partner’s age. Reversal is expensive and is usually not covered by insurance. A small percentage of men (1 to 2%) develop chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome. Urologists or family medicine doctors trained in the procedure perform vasectomy in an in-person clinic setting.

Wellness & recovery care

Rest for two days after the procedure and use cold packs and supportive underwear to help reduce swelling. Avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise for one week to support healing. Discuss pain relief options with your urologist; applying cold compress pads during the first 48 hours is a simple way to ease discomfort.

Where to get it

Vasectomy is performed by urologists and family medicine doctors trained in the procedure, in an in-person clinic setting. Check our provider directory for vasectomy providers near you.