Do I need to see a urologist for a vasectomy? Do other types of doctors perform this procedure?

Answers from doctors (14)


A urologist is the most experienced at doing this procedure.

Answered by Mark J. Saslawsky, MD - Memphis Office (View Profile)

A urologist is the most experienced at doing this procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor John C. McHugh, MD

Published on Jan 19, 2019

In my humble opinion, you'd want a urologist. The concept of the procedure is very easy. Technically, any physician (particularly a surgeon) could physically do this, but as with everything, it is best to allow folks who specialize in this procedure type perform it. When a patient asks if doing a vasectomy is easy, we say, "Yes, after the first thousand."

Answered by John C. McHugh, MD (View Profile)

In my humble opinion, you'd want a urologist. The concept of the procedure is very easy. Technically, any physician (particularly a surgeon) could physically do this, but as with everything, it is best to allow folks who specialize in this procedure type perform it. When a patient asks if doing a vasectomy is easy, we say, "Yes, after the first thousand."

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jeannette M. Potts, MD

Published on Jul 27, 2016

Some family practitioners perform vasectomies as well. Not all urologists perform vasectomies.

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Answered by Jeannette M. Potts, MD

Some family practitioners perform vasectomies as well. Not all urologists perform vasectomies.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Keith Levinson, MD

Published on Jun 11, 2015

Urologists are the surgeons who are trained to perform these procedures.

Answered by Keith Levinson, MD (View Profile)

Urologists are the surgeons who are trained to perform these procedures.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Christopher Keel, DO

Published on Jun 06, 2015

Any physician can perform a vasectomy. However, urologist are specially trained in surgery on the genitourinary system and thus are very comfortable performing this procedure.

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Answered by Christopher Keel, DO

Any physician can perform a vasectomy. However, urologist are specially trained in surgery on the genitourinary system and thus are very comfortable performing this procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Larry I. Lipshultz, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

Most commonly vasectomies are performed by Urologists, but some Family Practice physicians may do this as well.

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Answered by Larry I. Lipshultz, MD

Most commonly vasectomies are performed by Urologists, but some Family Practice physicians may do this as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Only urologist

Answered by Farhad B. Nowzari, MD, FACS (View Profile)

Only urologist

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tae-Woong Im, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

I am Family Physician and perform vasectomy on a regular basis. Some primary care physicians and surgeons perform vasectomy along with Urologists.

Answered by Tae-Woong Im, MD (View Profile)

I am Family Physician and perform vasectomy on a regular basis. Some primary care physicians and surgeons perform vasectomy along with Urologists.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Theodore V. Benderev, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

This is a good question.
In general a urologist will be the best doctor to do a vasectomy. Why, because a urologist is THE physician and specialty surgeon who has specifically studied and received operative training for the various contents of the scrotum as a requirement for his credentials. That sets him apart from all the other health practitioners that do vasectomies - general surgeons, family practitioners and even some physician assistants.
There is some cross over though. General surgeons have surgical training that family practitioners don't have. That is important, because following surgical principals is key to a more delicate, painless procedure with minimal complications - something that all patients want - especially in THAT area.
What about if there is no urologist in your area doing vasectomies. Well, sometimes that can be ok. There are some family practitioners who have a vast experience doing vasectomies. A smart physician, who is not a urologist, but who has had extra training and learned from his experiences can also do a good job.

Answered by Theodore V. Benderev, MD (View Profile)

This is a good question.
In general a urologist will be the best doctor to do a vasectomy. Why, because a urologist is THE physician and specialty surgeon who has specifically studied and received operative training for the various contents of the scrotum as a requirement for his credentials. That sets him apart from all the other health practitioners that do vasectomies - general surgeons, family practitioners and even some physician assistants.
There is some cross over though. General surgeons have surgical training that family practitioners don't have. That is important, because following surgical principals is key to a more delicate, painless procedure with minimal complications - something that all patients want - especially in THAT area.
What about if there is no urologist in your area doing vasectomies. Well, sometimes that can be ok. There are some family practitioners who have a vast experience doing vasectomies. A smart physician, who is not a urologist, but who has had extra training and learned from his experiences can also do a good job.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen F. Shaban, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

Professionally
I would recommend only a urologist service a man's private parts.

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Answered by Stephen F. Shaban, MD

Professionally
I would recommend only a urologist service a man's private parts.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ira D. Sharlip, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

75% of vasectomies in the United States are done by urologists. Other types of doctors who do vasectomies are primary care physicians, family physicians, general surgeons and gynecologists. Choose a doctor who does vasectomies on a frequent and regular basis. That will usually be a urologist.

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Answered by Ira D. Sharlip, MD

75% of vasectomies in the United States are done by urologists. Other types of doctors who do vasectomies are primary care physicians, family physicians, general surgeons and gynecologists. Choose a doctor who does vasectomies on a frequent and regular basis. That will usually be a urologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Alan J. Stein, MD

Published on Jun 05, 2015

You do not NEED to see a urologist, but a urologist is likely to have more experience (performed more vasectomies) than any other type of physician. The most important factor in reducing complications is experience and a high surgical volume. Bottom line: you don't HAVE to, but it's a good idea because the chance of a good outcome is MUCH higher. And, it will probably not be more costly.

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Answered by Alan J. Stein, MD

You do not NEED to see a urologist, but a urologist is likely to have more experience (performed more vasectomies) than any other type of physician. The most important factor in reducing complications is experience and a high surgical volume. Bottom line: you don't HAVE to, but it's a good idea because the chance of a good outcome is MUCH higher. And, it will probably not be more costly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

Published on Jun 05, 2015

Vasectomy is a procedure to be done by a trained Urologist ,even though the procedure looks simple it has many more complications I when done by untrained doctors

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Answered by Anand M. Dhanda, MD, FACS

Vasectomy is a procedure to be done by a trained Urologist ,even though the procedure looks simple it has many more complications I when done by untrained doctors

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Marvin L. Stein, MD, FACS

Published on Jun 05, 2015

Most are done by urologists in some rural areas gen surgeons do them

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Answered by Marvin L. Stein, MD, FACS

Most are done by urologists in some rural areas gen surgeons do them

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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