vasectomy

American  

[va-sek-tuh-mee] / væˈsɛk tə mi /

noun

Surgery.

plural

vasectomies

1. excision of the vas deferens, or of a portion of it: performed to effect sterility in men.

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vasectomy British  

/ væˈsɛktəmɪ /

noun

1. surgical removal of all or part of the vas deferens, esp as a method of contraception

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vasectomy Scientific  

/ və-sĕk′tə-mē /

1. Surgical removal of all or part of the vas deferens, resulting in sterility.

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vasectomy Cultural  

1. A surgical procedure in which the ducts that carry sperm out of the testes are cut and tied off so that no sperm can pass. Vasectomy is a form of male sterilization and is used as a method of birth control. The procedure has no effect on a man's capacity to produce semen; the only difference is that his semen will no longer contain sperm.

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Other Word Forms

• postvasectomy adjective

Etymology

Origin of vasectomy

First recorded in 1895–1900; vas (deferens) + -ectomy

Example Sentences

One doctor said she has had to postpone vasectomy appointments because of the time needed for house calls and because patients are afraid to come in.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s significant because it says so much about Alex — he just decides to get a vasectomy — but at the same time, I have friends who’ve had them, so it’s not that uncommon.

From Salon

In 2024, new research found that despite all the attention on male vasectomies post-Dobbs, the rise in tubal sterilizations among females was twice as high as the increase among vasectomies in males.

From Salon

Research later reported rising interest in tubal sterilizations among females was twice as high as the increase among vasectomies in males.

From Salon

For example, Google recorded the highest volume of searches for “vasectomy” in the past five years right after the Dobbs v.

From Salon

Related Words

• abstinence
• condom
• contraceptive
• diaphragm
• family planning
• pill