There are a variety of contraceptive methods available including barrier methods, oral contraceptives, and surgical sterilization. Although considered permanent, surgical sterilization is the most common form of contraception practiced by couples in their thirties and older. The majority of couples chose tubal ligation despite the fact that vasectomy is less expensive, safer, and more effective. Approximately 300,000 vasectomies are performed each year in the United States. The typical man undergoing vasectomy is in his late twenties or early thirties, has two or more children, and is married.
Vasectomy creates sterility by blocking the egress of sperm from the testes.
Sperm are normally produced within the testes and exit the testis into the epididymis, which is a ten-foot long tubule located just behind the testis. It takes sperm approximately one week to travel through the epididymis. Upon ejaculation, sperm leave the tail of the epididymis and travel through the vas deferens to reach the prostate. Male Reproductive System Sperm are then mixed with seminal fluid produced by both the seminal vesicles and prostate before they are expelled from the urethra. Thus ejaculate volume does not change significantly following vasectomy.