Vasectomy is a safe, effective and affordable permanent birth control method for men.  We offer vasectomy services to male clients (ages 18 and older) at our San Francisco and San Rafael health centers. Vasectomy services include counseling, the procedure and semen evaluation after the procedure.

What is Vasectomy?
Deciding if Vasectomy is Right for You
Consultation, Surgery, Sperm Counts
Who Can Have a Vasectomy
Health Centers that Offer Vasectomy
Payment
Questions About Vasectomy

Vasectomy is an operation that makes a man permanently sterile and unable to cause a pregnancy. A small section of the "vas deferens" (the tube that carries the sperm) is removed. Removing this section of the vas deferens prevents the sperm from mixing with the semen (semen is the fluid that sperm travels in). Because the semen lacks sperm it cannot cause pregnancy.

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You may want to consider vasectomy if:

• You do not want a child in the future.
• You and your partner cannot use or do not want to use other methods of birth control. 
• You want to enjoy sex without fear of unwanted pregnancy. 
• Your partner has health problems that make pregnancy difficult or unsafe. 
• You do not want to pass on a hereditary disease or disability.

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Vasectomy is a Three-Step Program

• Consultation Before Surgery: This visit consists of an information session to explain the surgical procedure and to explain instructions a client must follow before and after the surgery. Clients will receive individual counseling, a review of their medical history and a discussion of payment arrangements. Partners are invited to participate in this session, but their consent is not necessary for the surgery.
• Surgery: Clients are generally in the clinic for 1 to 1½ hours although the vasectomy procedure itself takes only 15-30 minutes. The vasectomy is performed under local anesthetic which means clients will be awake during surgery. Clients will be asked to be drug and alcohol free for 24 hours prior to surgery. Clients may not drive themselves home after surgery and will be required to either call a cab or have someone present to drive them home.
• Sperm Counts after Surgery: The vasectomy is not effective immediately. A semen evaluation 12 weeks after the vasectomy is necessary before a man can be assured of his sterility. These tests can be done either at Planned Parenthood or a referral may be given for another health care provider.

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Any man 18 years or older, with or without children, may be considered for a vasectomy. A man does not need his partner’s consent for the surgery.

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• San Francisco Health Center 
• San Rafael Health Center

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The cost of vasectomy depends on a number of factors. Use our Cost Calculator to find out how much vasectomy will cost you. Clients with private insurance will need to check their individual policy to determine if vasectomy is a covered service. Medi-Cal coverage is available for those who qualify. Depending upon family income and family size, there may be funding available to help with the cost of vasectomy. VISA, MasterCard and cash are accepted.

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If you have additional questions about our Vasectomy services, please visit our Vasectomy Questions and Answers page.

More information about Vasectomy.

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