What Is Male Sterilization?

Male sterilization is achieved through vasectomy, a surgical procedure intended as a permanent method of birth control. There is no guarantee that it can be reversed.

How is the procedure performed?

A vasectomy is a quick, 30-minute surgical procedure performed in a doctor’s office. The tubes that carry sperm out of the penis (vas deferens) are cut or tied, and then the ends are burned (cauterized). The body still makes the same amount of semen, but there won’t be any sperm in it – so it can’t get anyone pregnant.

Recovery from vasectomy usually requires only avoiding physical activity for about 48 hours.

After a vasectomy, you’ll need to use a backup form of contraception, such as a condom, until two follow-up tests show no sperm in the semen.

Are there any complications?

Complications from a vasectomy are relatively rare but can involve infection and swelling of the scrotum. Some men may also develop small, inflamed, hard nodules at the end of the severed tubes. These usually clear up on their own, but some cases require additional surgery.

What Is Female Sterilization?

Tubal ligation, a surgical procedure performed in a hospital, is a common method of sterilization for women. It involves cutting the fallopian tubes and then tying and burning the cut ends so an egg cannot leave the tube. It’s also called getting your tubes tied.

Does It Protect Against STIs?

STI stands for sexually transmitted infection. STI risk varies depending on how you choose to protect yourself and your partner during sexual or intimate activities.

Sterilization does not protect against STIs.

Does It Protect Against Pregnancy?

Yes. The chances of getting pregnant while using sterilization are (in failure rates):

• Vasectomy: 1%
• Tubal ligation: 2%

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Permanent protection against pregnancy.
• No lasting side effects.
• Does not affect sexual pleasure.

Disadvantages:

• Sterilization is a permanent, surgical procedure and often cannot be reversed.
• Sterilization requires that you take time off to have this done, as well as for recovery.

Possible Complications

• As with any surgery, bleeding (usually minimal), infection or scarring.
• Reaction to the anesthetic.
• Mild to moderate pain.
• Swelling of testicles (male).
• Tenderness near the testicles (male).

Things to Remember

Permanent birth control is intended for people who do not wish to ever have biological children, or who already have children and do not wish to become pregnant.

There are methods to reverse these procedures, but the success rate is low. Reversal methods involve more extensive surgery.

Last Reviewed: May 2019