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By Mayo Clinic staffA vasectomy won't affect normal sexual function, or affect your masculinity in any other way.
A vasectomy doesn't provide immediate protection against pregnancy. After a vasectomy, you will need to use an alternative method of contraception for at least three months after the surgery to protect against pregnancy, when your doctor confirms there are no sperm in your semen.
Your sperm count decreases gradually after the procedure. Your doctor will examine your semen three or four months after your vasectomy to make sure it's free of sperm. You will need to give your doctor another sperm sample again a few weeks later to double-check that there are no sperm in your semen. To produce a sperm sample, your doctor will have you masturbate into a container or have intercourse using a special condom to collect your semen. You'll need to deliver the semen sample to your doctor's office within an hour if you produce it at home. Your semen is then examined under a microscope to see whether sperm are present.
If you're not in a committed relationship, always use condoms during sex. Vasectomy is an effective form of birth control, but it won't protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia or HIV/AIDS.
- Ongaro T, et al. Overview of vasectomy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
- Sandlow J. Vasectomy. In: Wein A, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/113902114-4/783811529/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec5_2536. Accessed December 17, 2008.
- Clenny T, et al. Vasectomy techniques. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/990700ap/137.html. Accessed Dec. 17, 2008.
