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Vasectomy Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask
- Carlisha Wilson
- Jul 17, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you’re researching vasectomy, you probably have questions you’re not exactly eager to bring up in casual conversation. That’s normal. These are some of the most common questions men ask — quietly — before deciding whether a vasectomy is right for them.
The good news is this: a vasectomy is one of the most straightforward, well-studied procedures in medicine. Most of the fear around it comes from not knowing how it works or what actually changes afterward.
Let’s clear that up.
What Is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor outpatient procedure that provides permanent birth control by preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation.
It is considered an effective form of permanent birth control, with a high success rate in preventing pregnancy compared to other methods.
It does not affect:
Testosterone levels
Sex drive
Erections
Orgasm
Ejaculate volume
A vasectomy only changes one thing: sperm can no longer mix with semen.
How Does a Vasectomy Work?
To understand how a vasectomy works, it helps to know one basic piece of anatomy.
A vasectomy is a form of male contraception and is considered a minor surgery. The procedure blocks the vas deferens, which are part of the male reproductive system responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles. During a vasectomy, this tube is cut or sealed so sperm can no longer reach the semen—this is how a vasectomy blocks sperm from entering the ejaculate.
That’s it.
Everything else involved in ejaculation — fluids from the prostate and other glands — continues exactly as before. Because sperm make up only 1–2% of semen, there is no noticeable change in how ejaculation looks or feels.
After a vasectomy:
Sperm cells are still produced in the testicles, but they cannot enter the semen
They simply get reabsorbed by the body, which is a normal biological process
There may be some sperm left in the semen for a short period after the surgery, so follow-up is important to confirm all sperm have cleared
Types of Vasectomy
There are two main types of vasectomy procedures used for male sterilization and permanent birth control: the traditional incision method and the no-scalpel vasectomy. Both methods work by blocking or cutting the tubes called vas deferens, which carry sperm from the testicles to the semen, effectively preventing pregnancy.
How Long Does a Vasectomy Take?
The procedure itself usually takes 15–30 minutes.
It’s done in the office, not a hospital, and most men go home shortly afterward. You’ll be awake, but the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, so pain during the procedure is minimal.
Many men are surprised by how quick and straightforward it is — especially compared to the anxiety leading up to it.
For pre-surgical grooming, do not use an electric razor for hair removal; instead, follow your provider's instructions to ensure cleanliness and reduce infection risk.
Does Sex Hurt After a Vasectomy?
For most men, no—especially with a no-scalpel vasectomy.
At Morgan Men’s Health, we use the no-scalpel vasectomy technique, which is designed to minimize tissue trauma. There are no stitches, the opening is extremely small, and most men experience little to no pain during recovery.
Right after the procedure, your body still needs time to heal. We typically recommend avoiding sexual activity for about 7–10 days. This allows mild swelling or tenderness to fully resolve and helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Once healed:
Sex feels the same
Orgasms feel the same
There is no loss of pleasure
Erections and sexual performance are unchanged
A vasectomy does not negatively impact sexual function or satisfaction. In fact, many men and their partners report improved peace of mind and a more relaxed sex life once pregnancy concerns are removed.
The most common reason for discomfort after a vasectomy is returning to sexual activity too early, not the procedure itself. With proper rest and healing—especially with the no-scalpel approach—most men return to normal sexual activity without issues.
Will My Testicles Shrink After a Vasectomy?
No.
A vasectomy does not affect the testicles, hormone production, or blood flow. Testosterone levels remain unchanged, and the testicles do not shrink.
This is one of the most persistent myths — and one of the easiest to put to rest.
Will My Sex Drive Be Lower After a Vasectomy?
No.
Sex drive is driven largely by testosterone, mental health, sleep, stress, and overall wellbeing. A vasectomy does not interfere with any of these.
Some men actually report less anxiety around sex after a vasectomy because the fear of unintended pregnancy is removed.
Are Semen and Sperm the Same Thing?
No — and this causes a lot of confusion.
An easy way to think about it:
Semen is the transportation fluid
Sperm is the passenger
Semen comes from the prostate and other nearby glands. Sperm are produced in the testicles and stored in a small structure called the epididymis.
Since sperm make up such a small portion of semen, ejaculation looks and feels the same after a vasectomy.
Will I Get “Blue Balls” After a Vasectomy? What Happens to the Sperm?
Sperm does not back up or build pressure.
Your body continues making sperm just like it did before. Since sperm can no longer travel through the vas deferens, the body absorbs leftover sperm, just as it absorbs and recycles old blood cells or skin cells.
This is completely normal and harmless.
In rare cases, sperm leakage from the vas deferens can lead to a sperm granuloma, which is a small lump caused by the immune response to sperm outside the vas deferens.
How Does a Vasectomy Affect My Erections?
It doesn’t.
Erections are controlled by:
Blood flow
Nerves
Hormones
The brain
A vasectomy does not involve any of these systems. There is no connection between a vasectomy and erectile function.
Will I Have a Dry Ejaculate After a Vasectomy?
No.
Because sperm make up such a small percentage of semen, there is no noticeable change in volume, appearance, or sensation during ejaculation.
Can I Accidentally Get Someone Pregnant After a Vasectomy?
Yes — at first.
A vasectomy is intended to prevent pregnancy, but it does not make you sterile immediately. It can take several weeks to a few months for all remaining sperm to clear from the system. Until sterility is confirmed, you should use alternative methods to prevent pregnancy, such as condoms, IUDs, or withdrawal.
That’s why it’s essential to:
Use protection after the procedure
Submit a semen sample 2–3 months later
Confirm there are no sperm present before relying on the vasectomy for birth control
A semen analysis is performed to confirm that no sperm are left in the semen. This test is crucial because early recanalization, where the vas deferens reconnects and motile sperm are detected within 3 months, is a rare cause of vasectomy failure. The failure rate of vasectomy is very low, especially when proper sealing techniques and follow-up are used, but rare cases of the vas deferens reconnecting years later have been reported, so ongoing awareness is important.
Skipping this step is the most common cause of pregnancy after vasectomy.
Will People Know I Had One?
No.
The incision is very small and typically not noticeable once healed. There are no outward signs that you’ve had a vasectomy, and recovery is usually discreet.
Post Vasectomy Care
Proper post-vasectomy care is key to a smooth recovery and reducing the risk of complications like post vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). After your vasectomy procedure, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to follow at home.
Potential Complications
Reversing a Vasectomy
Although a vasectomy is designed to be a permanent birth control solution, some men later decide they want more children. In these cases, a vasectomy reversal is possible, but it’s a complex surgical procedure that isn’t always successful.
Final Takeaway
A vasectomy is about fertility, not masculinity.
It does not change:
Your sex drive
Your erections
Your testosterone
Your ability to enjoy sex
Most concerns come from misinformation or unanswered questions. Once men understand how a vasectomy works and what actually changes — and what doesn’t — the decision becomes much clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vasectomy
What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is a minor procedure that prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation, providing permanent birth control.
How does a vasectomy work? The vas deferens is cut or sealed so sperm cannot mix with semen.
How long does a vasectomy take? Most procedures take about 15–30 minutes.
Does a vasectomy affect testosterone or sex drive? No. Hormone levels and libido are unchanged.
When does a vasectomy start working? Only after a follow-up semen test confirms no sperm remain, usually 2–3 months later.
Does vasectomy increase the risk of prostate cancer? Most research shows no significant link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. Some early studies suggested a possible association, but larger and more recent studies have not confirmed an increased risk.
Are there any risk factors for complications after vasectomy? Complications are rare, but certain risk factors like a history of bleeding disorders, infection, or cardiovascular disease may increase the chance of problems. Some studies have examined possible links between vasectomy and cardiovascular risk factors, but no clear connection has been established.
Can I have children after a vasectomy? Vasectomy is intended to be permanent, but options like in vitro fertilization (IVF) may allow you to have children using sperm retrieved directly from the testicles.
Can you reverse a vasectomy? It is sometimes possible to reverse a vasectomy with surgery, but success is not guaranteed and depends on factors like time since the original procedure. Reversal is complex and may not always restore fertility.
Is vasectomy a form of male contraception? Yes, vasectomy is a safe and highly effective long-term method of male contraception.
What happens to the scrotum after vasectomy? After a vasectomy, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort in the scrotum. These symptoms usually resolve within a few days to a week.
Should I wear a jock strap after vasectomy? Wearing a jock strap after vasectomy can help support the scrotum, reduce discomfort, and minimize swelling during recovery.
Ready to Talk About a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
If you’re considering a vasectomy and want clear, straightforward answers from a physician who performs the procedure regularly, the next step is simple.
At Morgan Men’s Health Center, we offer no-scalpel vasectomy performed in our clinic using modern techniques designed to minimize discomfort and support a smooth recovery. The procedure is quick, often pain-free, and done right here in the office.
Here’s what to expect:
Schedule a consultation to review your health history and confirm a vasectomy is right for you
Have your no-scalpel vasectomy performed in-office, typically in about 20–30 minutes
Recover at home with clear post-procedure guidance and follow-up support
Complete a semen test after the procedure to confirm it was successful
If you’re in Eugene or the surrounding areas, we invite you to visit us at:
Morgan Men’s Health Center, 2018 Garden Ave, Eugene, OR 97403
To schedule a consultation or ask questions, call 458-247-9188. We’re here to make the process clear, comfortable, and stress-free.
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