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Lecture Notes

The vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure in which a small incision is created in the skin of the scrotum. Through the incisions each vas deferens, which are the sperm carrying tubes, is lifted, cut, tied, and often cauterized with electricity. The procedure takes 30 minutes and recuperation can occur in a few days. This procedure should be considered permanent.

A man may retain some viable sperm in his system for days or weeks following a vasectomy. Because it may take 15-20 ejaculations to get rid of these sperm, a couple should use other birth control until the man's semen has been checked.

Compared with other birth control methods, the complication rate for vasectomy are very low.

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