# vasectomy

/væˈsɛktəmi/ (US) · /væzˈɛktəmˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vasectomy
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

a medical operation for men that stops them from having children. It works by cutting or blocking the tubes that carry sperm.

For teachers: a surgical procedure for male sterilization that involves the ligation or excision of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the seminal tract.

## Examples

- He decided to have a vasectomy after having two children.
- The doctor explained that a vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control and requires a short recovery period.
- While a vasectomy is considered a highly effective and low-risk procedure, it is typically recommended only for men who are certain they do not wish to have any more children in the future.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.