Vasectomy · Alpharetta / Roswell office
Questions about vasectomy, answered calmly.
A vasectomy is a big decision and a small procedure. These are the questions men from Alpharetta, Roswell and Milton bring to us before they book, with plain answers from our urologists.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is meant to be a permanent form of birth control. Our urologists close off both vas deferens, the small ducts sperm travel through, so semen no longer contains sperm. Sexual pleasure and performance stay the same. A vasectomy offers no protection from STIs, so keep using condoms for that.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
In a no-scalpel vasectomy, our urologists reach the tubes through a small puncture rather than a scalpel incision, and stitches are usually unnecessary. The goal is the same: to close the vas deferens so sperm no longer mix with semen. Our urologists will explain which approach they plan to use in your case, and why.
Does a vasectomy hurt?
The procedure is done with local anesthesia, so you should feel pressure more than sharp pain while it is under way. Afterward, most men describe soreness or a dull ache for a few days, which usually eases with rest, ice and snug underwear. Every procedure has some discomfort and some risk, and our urologists go over both before the day.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself is usually brief — often under ten minutes — once you are settled and the anesthesia has taken effect. Plan for a longer visit overall, so there is time to review consent, aftercare and your ride home. You will need someone to drive you.
How do I get ready?
A vasectomy is meant to be permanent, so be sure of your decision before the date is set. Stop aspirin and other NSAIDs two weeks before, after checking with the clinician who prescribed them, and shave and clean the scrotum two days beforehand. Have someone drive you home, and pack close-fitting cotton briefs for support afterward.
What happens on the day?
The procedure often takes under 10 minutes, with local anesthesia, at our Alpharetta / Roswell Clinic & Surgery Center, 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700, Roswell, GA 30076. Every procedure carries some risk, and our urologists go over yours with you before the day.
What does recovery feel like?
Most men find the recovery short and the discomfort mild. Snug underwear helps you feel more comfortable in the first days, and our team will walk you through aftercare before you leave.
When can I stop using other birth control?
Not straight away. Leftover sperm take time to clear: allow roughly three months, and 15 to 20 ejaculations, before semen is sperm-free. Keep using another method until a test confirms a zero sperm count.
Does insurance often cover a vasectomy?
Many commercial insurance plans cover a vasectomy. Medicare and Medicaid usually do not. Coverage still depends on your specific plan, so we do not list dollar figures here. Call 678-344-8900 and our team will talk through what to expect, and can look at your coverage with you before you book.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
A reversal is sometimes possible later if your plans change, but it is a separate, more involved operation, and it does not always restore fertility. Please treat a vasectomy as permanent when you decide. Read about vasectomy reversal from Advanced Urology.
Meet our Alpharetta / Roswell urologists, or see our surgery center.
Read more from Advanced Urology: Vasectomy
Related video
Dr. Marc Greenstein of Advanced Urology answers common vasectomy questions:
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.