Vasectomy is a highly effective option that prevents you from fathering a child. The one-time procedure eliminates the need for you and your sexual partner to use other birth control methods.
Highly skilled urologists at Cleveland Clinic use advanced methods, like the no-scalpel vasectomy, that are gentler on your body. Most people resume their busy lifestyle the same day.
Our urology team performs thousands of vasectomies each year. This level of experience leads to precise care and helps us maintain high success rates.
Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for a Vasectomy?
Minimally-invasive options:
We perform all vasectomies using a no-scalpel technique. It’s the safest option, offers the easiest recovery and causes less pain than traditional vasectomies. Instead of an incision, urologists make a tiny puncture on the surface of the scrotum. You won’t even need stitches after this procedure.
Personalized care:
We typically do the no-scalpel technique with local anesthetic — meaning you’re awake but free of any discomfort. Twilight sedation is also available if you want to be asleep. For this option, you receive stronger medications to sedate you, but you aren’t unconscious.
Virtual consultation:
The first step toward getting a vasectomy is meeting with a member of our urology team. You can also choose a virtual consultation to learn more without needing to leave home. Find out more about virtual visits.
Comprehensive treatment:
Vasectomies are one of the many Men's Health services we offer. Our urologists also provide screenings and treatment for issues including prostate concerns and erectile dysfunction.
Vasectomy Consultation at Cleveland Clinic
We explain how the procedure works and what to expect during a vasectomy consultation. You should consider a vasectomy permanent, which is why we help you decide whether now is the right time.
In-person consultations also include a brief physical exam of your scrotum. The exam helps us rule out abnormalities that would prevent a successful vasectomy. We schedule your procedure at the end of the consultation.
If you go with a virtual consultation, there’s no need for an exam. Your provider will instead do a quick exam before your vasectomy. We can also schedule your appointment at the end of your virtual consultation.
Providers Who Perform Vasectomies
Locations
We offer in-person consultations at Cleveland Clinic's main campus, as well as other locations across Northeast Ohio and Florida.No-Scalpel Vasectomy Procedure at Cleveland Clinic
A no-scalpel vasectomy alters the male reproductive system to prevent sperm from exiting the penis. Urologists cut and seal the two vessels in the scrotum (vas deferens) that carry sperm. This means the reproductive cells can’t get into the semen, preventing pregnancy.
The procedure takes less than 15 minutes. Here’s how it works:
- You receive medications that help you feel relaxed and comfortable. You shouldn’t experience discomfort, but you may feel a tugging sensation.
- Urologists make a tiny puncture in the scrotum and gently stretch the opening to get to the vas deferens.
- Our experts cut, heat-seal and clamp each of the vessels. The clamps are tiny, so you will not be able to see or feel them.
- In the days following the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort. Most people feel better by applying ice packs and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
You must use backup birth control for a few months after your procedure to prevent pregnancy. During this time, your body reabsorbs the remaining sperm in the vas deferens. It’s essential to provide a semen sample at the three-month mark to make sure the procedure worked. We take a look at the sample in a lab to see if it still contains sperm.
Vasectomy reversal
Vasectomy reversal reconnects the ends of the vas deferens that were cut during a vasectomy. This option is for people who change their minds about having children later. Reversals aren’t always successful, meaning you might not be able to father a child after having your vasectomy reversed.
Taking the Next Step
Whether you have had children already and you’re done adding to your family or children just aren’t a part of your future, a vasectomy can mean no longer needing to worry about birth control. But, this procedure should be thought of as permanent. Start the conversation with your provider to see if this might be the right long-term birth control option for you.
Appointments
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