What is Vasectomy Surgery?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that serves as birth control by permanently cutting off the flow of sperm to the penis.

In adult males, sperm is continually produced in the testicles or testis. Both testicles are contained in the scrotum – a pouch of loose skin that hangs outside the body, below the penis.

Young sperm mature and are stored in the epididymis, a small structure at the rear of each testicle.

When the male experiences sexual climax, a pair of muscular tubes called the vas deferens transport sperm away from the epididymis.

As the sperm moves towards the penis, it enters the seminal vesicle where it mixes with the seminal secretions.

These are the fluids that make up the major component of the semen that finally reaches the penis and is ejaculated.

The vasectomy procedure prevents sperm cells from reaching the seminal vesicle by cutting both vas deferens near the testicles.

But because the procedure does not interfere with the production of semen in the seminal vesicle, men who undergo a successful vasectomy are still able to ejaculate – though their semen will no longer contain sperm cells.

So make sure that you ask your doctor to carefully explain the reasons behind this recommendation.

To begin, your penis will be flipped upward and laid against your abdomen, exposing the scrotum.

Next, your doctor will make a small vertical incision through the skin and muscle directly above the vas deferens.

The team will gently open the incision to expose the vas.

Then, using two small clamps, your doctor will close off both ends of a small section of the tube.

Your doctor will carefully remove this section and will close off the open ends of the two remaining tubes.

The incision will then be closed with sutures.

Finally, your doctor will perform the exact same procedure on the vas deferens passing through the other side of the scrotum. 

This video is intended as a tool to help you to better understand the procedure that you are scheduled to have or are considering. It is not intended to replace any discussion, decision making or advice of your physician.