July 15, 2026
What to Expect, Side Effects & More
Just hearing the word “vasectomy” is enough to make some guys squirm, but it doesn’t need to be that way. A vasectomy is one of the most common, safe and effective forms of permanent birth control available, and the procedure itself is a lot less intimidating than most people expect.
Dr. David Pinkstaff and the team at Coryell Health are here to walk through some of the most common questions about vasectomies, so you can go into your appointment feeling informed, not anxious.
What happens during a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is an outpatient procedure that only takes about 15-20 minutes. Dr. Pinkstaff will numb the surgical area and make one or two small incisions to remove the vas deferens, small tubes in your scrotum that carry sperm. Then, he’ll seal the ends of your vas deferens, so sperm can’t leave your body and cause pregnancy.
Does a vasectomy hurt?
Dr. Pinkstaff and his team provide local anesthesia to numb your testicles during the procedure and make your vasectomy as comfortable as possible. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild discomfort, swelling or bruising, but the pain typically resolves within a few days with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
What is the recovery time for a vasectomy?
The recovery time for a vasectomy is typically only a few days. However, you shouldn’t engage in any intense exercise or physical labor for a week after your procedure. If your job is more physically demanding, you may need to take a week off from work. You can also resume sexual activity about a week after your procedure, but you should use another form of birth control.
“A vasectomy isn’t effective at preventing pregnancy right away,” says Coryell Health urologist Dr. David Pinkstaff. “It typically takes at least two months for your semen to become completely sperm-free following a vasectomy, so make sure to use other forms of protection in the meantime. My team and I will work with you to test your sperm and ensure that it’s semen-free during a couple of post-procedure appointments.”
What are the side effects of a vasectomy?
Although there is slight short-term pain for a few days following a vasectomy, there are no documented hormonal changes, long-term health risks or effect on your libido, sexual performance or testosterone levels. The only thing that happens is that your semen no longer contains sperm.
How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomies are over 99% effective, making them one of the most reliable forms of birth control available, with a much shorter recovery time and far less ongoing maintenance than many other options.
“Compared to other forms of birth control, a vasectomy is about as close to ‘set it and forget it’ as you can get,” says Dr. Pinkstaff. “Once your doctor confirms your semen is sperm-free, you and your partner don’t have to think about pregnancy prevention again. No daily pills, no ongoing appointments. It’s a one-time procedure with long-term peace of mind.”
Can you reverse a vasectomy?
While vasectomy reversals are possible, they aren’t guaranteed to restore fertility. The reversal procedure is also typically more involved, expensive and complex compared to the original vasectomy. That’s why it’s so important to be confident in your decision and to have an honest conversation with your partner before moving forward with a vasectomy.
“I always tell patients to think of a vasectomy as permanent, even though reversal exists as an option,” Dr. Pinkstaff says. “Success rates for reversal can vary quite a bit depending on how much time has passed and other individual factors, so it’s not something to fall back on if you’re still on the fence. If there’s any doubt at all, talk through it with your partner and with me beforehand.”
At Coryell Health, you don’t have to put your plans on hold for months while you wait for an appointment, as you might elsewhere. Dr. Pinkstaff and the Coryell Health team make it easy to get answers and get scheduled without a long wait.
Call (254) 865-2166 to schedule your appointment in Gatesville, or (254) 248-6401 to schedule your appointment in Waco with Dr. Pinkstaff and his team today.
Meet the Doctor
Resources
- About Vasectomies (Mayo Clinic)
- Vasectomy: Procedure, Recovery & Effectiveness (The Cleveland Clinic)
- Vasectomies (Johns Hopkins Medicine)