A vasectomy is a simple and quick surgical procedure used as a permanent method of male contraception. A vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with seminal fluid during ejaculation. Without sperm, it is impossible to fertilize an egg, so pregnancy cannot occur.
During the procedure, which usually takes less than 30 minutes, a small incision less than a centimeter is made, or a puncture is done in the scrotum (if using the No-Scalpel Technique). From here, the surgeon reaches the vas deferens, the two small tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra. At this point, the vas deferens are cut, and the ends are tied, burned, and sealed so that sperm can no longer pass through.