By Dr. Nicolás Nervo - Specialist in Urology and Andrology. GUA Urology and Andrology.
Table of Contents
- What does vasectomy consist of?
- Recovery and postoperative care
- Contraceptive efficacy and spermogram
- Impact on sex life
- Common myths and reality
- When to consider vasectomy?
- Additional benefits
- How we accompany you in GUA
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Make an appointment today
What does vasectomy consist of?
Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that interrupts the passage of sperm by sectioning and blocking the vas deferens. In this way, the semen no longer contains sperm.
It is a quick, outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, which usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. In most cases, the patient returns home the same day.
Main techniques
- Conventional: small scrotal incision to locate and section the vas deferens.
- No-scalpel: puncture and skin dilatation, with less bleeding and faster recovery.
To learn more about how we perform vasectomy at GUA, visit our service at
vasectomy.
Recovery and postoperative care
After vasectomy we recommend relative rest for 24-48 hours, intermittent local cold and tight underwear. Avoid intense exercise and sexual intercourse for a few days.
Pain is usually mild and responds to common anti-inflammatory drugs. Complications are rare (hematoma, superficial infection or chronic scrotal pain ≤ 1%).
The usual return to work is 48-72 hours, except in demanding physical work.
Contraceptive efficacy and spermogram
Vasectomy is one of the most effective contraceptive methods: approximately 99.8% effective after confirmation of the result by spermiogram.
Important: it is not immediate. Residual sperm may remain for several weeks, so semen control at 8-12 weeks or after 20-30 ejaculations is essential.
Only when azoospermia is confirmed can you stop using other contraceptive methods.
Impact on sex life
Vasectomy does not affect desire or erectile function.
The volume and appearance of semen remain virtually the same, since 95% of the fluid comes from the prostate and seminal vesicles.
Orgasm does not change. For many men, the peace of mind of avoiding unwanted pregnancies improves the quality of their sex life.
Common myths and reality
- "Vasectomy causes impotence" → False. It does not alter erection or desire.
- "Semen disappears" → False. The volume hardly varies.
- "Increases the risk of cancer" → False. There is no scientific evidence of increased risk.
- "It is irreversible" → Partially true. It can be reversed by microsurgery, although its success is not guaranteed. Should be considered a permanent method. More about reversal.
When to consider vasectomy?
- If the couple has already completed their reproductive plan.
- When the man decides not to have children in the future.
- If a pregnancy poses a medical risk to the woman.
- When a permanent and safe method is sought, with less burden on the female partner than other alternatives (such as tubal ligation).
If you have questions about fertility or sperm preservation, please visit our fertility problems section.
Additional benefits
- Outpatient procedure with rapid recovery.
- Superior efficacy to most reversible methods.
- Less physical and emotional impact for the couple.
- Peace of mind by eliminating the worry of unplanned pregnancies.
How we accompany you in GUA
At GUA Urology and Andrology we perform vasectomy with a minimally invasive approach, close attention and total confidentiality.
We explain each step, solve your doubts and plan the follow-up until the confirmation of the spermogram.
Meet our team and the trajectory of Dr. Nicolás Nervo.
Make an appointment today
Take the next step with the GUA Urology and Andrology team:
"Informed decision is power. We accompany you every step of the way."
Frequently asked questions about vasectomy
Does vasectomy affect erection or sexual desire?
No. Vasectomy does not alter erectile function or sexual desire. The volume of semen is virtually unchanged, since most of the fluid comes from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Pleasure and orgasm remain the same.
When can I stop using contraceptives after vasectomy?
Vasectomy is not immediately effective. You must maintain another method of contraception until the spermiogram confirms that there are no sperm remaining in the semen (azoospermia). This is usually achieved 8 to 12 weeks after the procedure or after 20-30 ejaculations.
When can I return to sports or physical activity?
Generally, you will be able to resume light exercise after 5-7 days, provided there is no discomfort. If your activity involves intense physical effort, it is advisable to wait a little longer to avoid inflammation or bruising.
When can I resume sexual relations?
Normally, sexual intercourse can be resumed 5 to 7 days after surgery, when the area is fully recovered. If discomfort or swelling appears, wait a few more days and follow the urologist's recommendations.
Is the surgery reversible if I change my mind?
There are vasectomy reversal techniques using microsurgery, but their success is not guaranteed and decreases with the passage of time. Therefore, it is recommended to consider vasectomy as a permanent method. If there is a possibility of wanting children in the future, sperm cryopreservation can be considered before the intervention.
