Vasectomy is a simple procedure that prevents sperm from moving from your testes to your prostate. It’s one of the most effective forms of birth control. When sperm can’t mix with semen from the prostate, pregnancy can’t occur after sex. At UW Health, we provide no-scalpel vasectomies.
We also do vasectomy reversals, which are more complex. If you decide you’d like to father children after having a vasectomy, a reversal may make it possible.
No-scalpel vasectomy
This procedure is like a conventional vasectomy but involves reaching your vas deferens through tiny holes in your scrotum. We block the vas deferens the same way. Compared to conventional vasectomy, no-scalpel procedures cause less pain. They also result in a quicker recovery.
Conventional vasectomy
This procedure involves making a small incision on each side of your scrotum. The surgeon accesses your vas deferens through the incisions. Your vas deferens is the duct that carries sperm from each testicle to the duct that carries semen and urine out of your body. Vasectomy involves cutting the vas deferens and sealing it. Your testes continue to make sperm, but your body will absorb them. At UW Health, we perform no-scalpel vasectomies.
What to expect
A vasectomy takes about 30 minutes to perform.
We numb the small incision sites on the scrotum so you won’t feel pain. After the procedure, you may have some discomfort, but acetaminophen can help. You should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as they raise your risk of bleeding.
For the first few days, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity. It’s also important to wear an athletic supporter for at least a week. It will protect your scrotum during the healing process.
After your vasectomy, sperm could remain in your semen for several months. You’ll need to use other birth control until a semen sample confirms that your semen is sperm-free.
Routine reversal
This involves reconstructing the vas deferens tubes that were cut during your vasectomy. It takes about two hours on each side of your scrotum.
Bypass reversal
This surgery might be the best option if you had your vasectomy long ago or if you have a lot of scar tissue. In this procedure, the surgeon “bypasses,” or eliminates, the vasectomy site. The surgeon reconnects your vas deferens directly to the side of your testicle.
UW Health Urology has locations throughout Madison and the region. The help you need is close by.
Eastpark Medical Center Urology Clinic
4621 Eastpark Blvd /Madison, WI 
(608) 914-0200
University Hospital Urology Clinic
- 600 Highland Ave /
Madison, WI - (608) 263-4757
1 S Park St Medical Center Urology Clinic
- 1 S Park St /
Madison, WI - (608) 287-2900
Marshfield Medical Center - Beaver Dam Urology Clinic
- 705 S University Ave Suite 500 /
Beaver Dam, WI - (608) 915-2300
Fort HealthCare Urology Clinic
- 611 Sherman Ave E /
Fort Atkinson, WI - (920) 568-6567
Mile Bluff Clinic Urology Clinic
- 1040 Division St /
Mauston, WI - (608) 847-7355
Southwest Health Center Urology Clinic
- 1400 Eastside Rd /
Platteville, WI - (608) 330-6010
Portage Clinic (Regional) Urology Clinic
- 2977 County Hwy CX /
Portage, WI - (608) 745-3399
Reedsburg Area Medical Center Urology Clinic
- 2000 N Dewey Ave /
Reedsburg, WI - (608) 593-6050
Sauk Prairie Hospital Urology Clinic
- 250 26th St Suite 120 /
Prairie du Sac, WI - (608) 643-6060
We offer several resources that may be helpful if you’re considering vasectomy or vasectomy reversal.
Generations Fertility Clinic
When you’re hoping to have a baby with your partner after a vasectomy, our Generations Fertility Clinic might help. Sometimes in vitro fertilization is a better option than vasectomy reversal. This involves retrieving a sperm sample. We use it to fertilize an egg from your partner. Then we transfer that egg to her uterus.
Clinic staff can help you weigh your options. We work with you and your partner to find the easiest, most effective way to have a baby.