Vasectomy is the ligation (cut and tie) of vas deferens. Those vases connect the testicles, where sperm is created, to the prostate, where seminal liquid that accompanies sperm is added/secreted. Semen (sperm + seminal liquid) eventually continues its way through the urethra where it would be ejaculated in case of sexual simulation or intercourse. 

When the vas deferens are ligatured, it prevents sperm to move out to the exit! Thus, only the seminal liquid will be ejaculated. 

The sperm that are not ejaculated do not accumulate. They are continuously eliminated by the body as they are formed, which is a natural and non-dangerous process. Indeed, vasectomized or not, it is impossible for a man to ejaculate all the sperm produced by the body (reminder: testicles produce millions of sperm per day!). 

Concretely, this surgery is performed in a hospital setting by a urologist, under local anesthetic and lasts 15 minutes on average. It involves one very small cut in the scrotum, the skin around the testicles, which will allow the urologist to access the vas deferens. 

The days following the surgery, it is possible that the area will be sensitive, a bruise can appear sometimes during a few days. During those days, it is not advised to practice any kind of sports or to lift heavy objects. 

The quantity and aspect of semen released remains unchanged since the semen contains only about 2% of sperm. Vasectomy has no influence on the quality of the erection, the sexual desire and the level of testosterone. 

After the surgery, it takes on average 20 ejaculations, or a 3 to 6 months wait for the vasectomy to have a contraceptive effect. In the meantime, another method of contraception must be used. After this delay, it is necessary to carry out a spermogram test which is a medical exam to see if there are still any sperm in the ejaculation. Depending on the spermogram result, the patient will be sterile, which means they can have sexual relations without further contraception and without the risk of unwanted pregnancy. 

Step 1

You should see a urologist. This is an opportunity to ask questions and to learn more about the surgery. In Luxembourg, there are no mandatory reflections period to have a vasectomy, the reflections period can then vary depending on the advice or availability of the urologist. 

Step 2

Once the surgery is scheduled, you will go to a hospital setting to proceed to the surgery that lasts fifteen minutes under local anesthesia. 

Step 3

 Once the surgery finished, a few hours to few days of recovery may be necessary. 

Step 4

Three months after the surgery, it is necessary to carry out a spermogram, medical exam to see if the semen is sterile, in other words that it no longer contains any sperm. According to the tests results, the patient will be sterile.