A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for men who have decided not to have more, or any, children. Vasectomy is a method of permanent contraception for men. Vasectomy procedures are one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Australia.
A vasectomy involves removing a segment of the vas deferens (vas) from each side of the scrotum. The vas is the tube that conveys sperm from the testicle to the seminal vesicles, where sperm are stored before being ejaculated. After the procedure, ejaculated semen will eventually contain no sperm, although it may be weeks or months before this actually occurs.
Immediately postoperatively, men who have had a vasectomy will need to abstain from sex for a brief period for comfort. When sexual activity is resumed, vasectomy patients still need to use contraception until their infertility has been confirmed by a sperm count, which is usually performed around two months after the procedure.
Vasectomy patients should only resume sexual activity without contraception once they have had an appropriate sperm count confirmed, otherwise pregnancy is still possible.