Vasectomy Procedure | MedStar Health

Vasectomy refers to permanent male sterilization, done by closing off the vas deferens. The vas deferens is the tube carrying sperm from the testes to the urinary tract. There is a vas deferens on each side, connected to each testis, which travels through the spermatic cord.

It is a safe and highly effective method of permanent sterilization that is minimally invasive. It has no effect on erections, ejaculation, or sexual enjoyment or function otherwise.

Vasectomy can be done with local anesthesia (numbing medication injected into just the area where we operate), or under other anesthesia techniques (where the person is sedated or asleep), as an outpatient procedure.

The important thing to know is that it is not immediately effective and that protection during intercourse is still required until a sperm count showing zero sperm is obtained (usually checked 8 weeks after surgery).

Vasectomy

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Following a vasectomy, sperm is still produced but it is harmlessly absorbed by the body.

Our providers

Ryan Cleary is a urology and robotic surgery specialist with MedStar Health in Baltimore Maryland.

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MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010