Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal · University Urology, PC

Vasectomy in Knoxville — Expert, Comfortable, and Convenient

In-office vasectomy with optional nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for comfort. Quick procedure, fast recovery, performed by urologists across all of our East Tennessee locations.

Nitrous Oxide Available for Comfort
10–15 Minute Procedure
Multiple Locations Across East TN
Vasectomy Reversal by Fellowship-Trained Andrologist

About the Procedure

A Straightforward Procedure With Lasting Results

Vasectomy is one of the most effective and permanent forms of birth control available — and one of the most commonly performed urologic procedures. At University Urology, vasectomies are performed by urologists at clinics across East Tennessee, with the option for in-office nitrous oxide to minimize anxiety and discomfort.

The procedure itself takes 10–15 minutes, requires no general anesthesia, and most patients return to desk work the next day and full activity within a week. Final confirmation of success requires a semen analysis at approximately 12 weeks — contraception should continue until clearance is confirmed.

Vasectomy should be considered a permanent decision. While reversal is possible in some cases, it is not guaranteed to restore fertility and should not be relied upon as a backup plan.

What to Expect

From Scheduling to Clearance

  • 1
    Schedule Your VisitCall or message us to book. A brief consultation is typically done prior to scheduling your procedure.
  • 2
    Day of ProcedureArrive in comfortable, supportive underwear. Local anesthetic is applied; optional nitrous oxide is available. The procedure takes 10–15 minutes.
  • 3
    RecoveryBrief observation before discharge. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days is normal. Rest and ice packs recommended. Most patients return to desk work the next day, exercise in about a week.
  • 4
    Semen Analysis at 12 WeeksA post-vasectomy semen analysis confirms that no sperm remain. Continue contraception until you receive clearance — do not assume success without this confirmation.

Tip: Many patients schedule later in the week to recover over the weekend.


Why University Urology

Comfortable, Convenient Vasectomy Care Across East Tennessee

We perform high volumes of vasectomies at locations across the region, with the added comfort option of in-office nitrous oxide — not available at every practice.

Nitrous Oxide Available In-Office

Optional inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) reduces anxiety and discomfort during the procedure. Quick onset, rapid offset, staff-monitored throughout. You remain awake and responsive.

Performed by Urologists

Vasectomies at University Urology are performed by fellowship-trained urologists — physicians who specialize in the male reproductive and urinary tract, not general practitioners or nurse practitioners.

Multiple Locations

We offer vasectomies at locations across East Tennessee — including Knoxville, Farragut, and our satellite clinics — making it easy to find a convenient appointment close to home.

Quick, Streamlined Visit

The procedure takes 10–15 minutes. We run an efficient process — from check-in to discharge — so your total visit is typically under an hour.

Semen Analysis Follow-Up

We provide clear guidance on post-procedure semen testing and give you straightforward clearance once your analysis confirms success. In-office or at-home testing options →

Fellowship-Trained Vasectomy Reversal

Circumstances change. If you decide to pursue reversal in the future, Dr. Edward Kim — the region’s only fellowship-trained andrologist — performs vasectomy reversals at UTMC.

About In-Office Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide has been used safely in medical settings for decades. It is inhaled through a small mask and takes effect within minutes, reducing anxiety and discomfort without putting you to sleep. It wears off rapidly once removed — most patients feel normal within minutes of stopping.

You remain awake and responsive throughout
Onset within 2–3 minutes; wears off rapidly after stopping
Administered with oxygen; continuously monitored by staff
We screen for contraindications before use
Brief observation period before discharge
Avoid alcohol the night before; eat a light meal day of

Preparation & Recovery

How to Prepare and What to Expect Afterward

A little preparation makes for a smoother experience. Follow your urologist’s specific instructions — the guidance below is general.

Before Your Procedure

  • Wear snug, supportive underwear to your appointment
  • A driver is generally not required — however, if you have requested an anxiolytic medication before your procedure, you must arrange a driver and will not be permitted to drive afterward
  • Eat a light meal beforehand; avoid alcohol the night before
  • Shave the scrotal area the morning of if instructed
  • Bring your insurance card and photo ID
  • Continue any routine medications unless instructed otherwise

After Your Procedure

  • Rest for the remainder of the day; apply intermittent ice packs
  • Wear supportive underwear for several days
  • Mild soreness and swelling for 2–5 days is normal and expected
  • Return to desk work the following day in most cases
  • Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for approximately one week
  • Continue contraception until your semen analysis confirms clearance at ~12 weeks

Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy Reversal — The Region’s Only Fellowship-Trained Andrologist

Circumstances change. Men who had a vasectomy and are now seeking to restore fertility have options — but vasectomy reversal is a technically demanding microsurgical procedure that requires subspecialty training to perform well. At University Urology, all vasectomy reversals are performed by Dr. Edward Kim, the only fellowship-trained andrologist in East Tennessee.

About Vasectomy Reversal

  • Microsurgical reconnection of the vas deferens (vasovasostomy) or epididymis (vasoepididymostomy)
  • Performed under general or regional anesthesia as an outpatient procedure
  • Success rates depend on time since vasectomy, partner age, and other fertility factors
  • Sperm may return to the ejaculate within weeks to months after surgery
  • Serial semen analyses after reversal monitor for returning sperm counts

Important Considerations

  • Success rates are highest when reversal is performed within 10 years of vasectomy
  • After 15–20 years, epididymal obstruction is more likely, requiring a more complex vasoepididymostomy
  • Reversal is not guaranteed — it should not be relied upon as a backup to vasectomy
  • Reversal is generally not covered by insurance; self-pay pricing is available
  • We coordinate closely with reproductive endocrinology for couples pursuing assisted reproduction
EK

Dr. Edward D. Kim, MD

Andrology Fellowship · Professor of Urology · UTMC

Dr. Kim is the region’s only fellowship-trained andrologist, with decades of expertise in vasectomy reversal and male infertility. He completed his urology residency at Northwestern University and fellowship training at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Kim performs all vasectomy reversals at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and works closely with reproductive endocrinology partners for couples pursuing family building.

Full Profile →

Who May Be a Candidate for Reversal

  • Men who had a vasectomy and wish to restore fertility
  • Men who have had a change in relationship status or family goals
  • Men whose partner has changed since their vasectomy
  • Men considering reversal as an alternative to sperm retrieval for IVF

Our Physicians

Who Performs Vasectomies at University Urology

Vasectomies are performed by our urologists at locations across East Tennessee. Vasectomy reversal is performed exclusively by Dr. Kim at UTMC.

Vasectomy: Performed by Drs. Angelle, Bienvenu, Kim, Lacy, Riedinger, and White at clinic locations across East Tennessee. When scheduling, let us know your preferred location and we will match you with the next available physician.

Vasectomy Reversal: Performed exclusively by Dr. Edward D. Kim, MD — the region’s only fellowship-trained andrologist — at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Insurance & Cost

Coverage & Payment Options

Most insurance plans cover vasectomy when medically indicated. Reversal coverage is typically not included. We verify your coverage before scheduling.

Insurance Coverage — Vasectomy

Most major commercial insurance plans and Medicare cover vasectomy. We verify your coverage before your appointment and provide a cost estimate if you have a deductible or co-pay.

HSA & FSA

Vasectomy typically qualifies as an eligible expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Check with your plan administrator for confirmation.

Reversal — Self-Pay

Vasectomy reversal is generally not covered by insurance. We offer self-pay pricing for reversal. Contact our office for current pricing and to discuss payment options.


Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Vasectomy

Will a vasectomy affect my hormones, sex drive, or erections?
No. Vasectomy only interrupts the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate. It does not affect testosterone production, libido, erections, or orgasm. The appearance and volume of ejaculate is essentially unchanged, as sperm accounts for less than 5% of semen volume.
How effective is vasectomy?
Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control available, with a failure rate of less than 0.1% once semen analysis confirms clearance. Success must be confirmed by a post-vasectomy semen analysis at approximately 12 weeks — continue contraception until you receive clearance from your urologist.
Is nitrous oxide safe? What should I expect?
Nitrous oxide has been used safely in medical and dental settings for over a century. It is administered with oxygen through a small mask, takes effect within a few minutes, and wears off rapidly when stopped. You remain awake and responsive throughout. We screen all patients for contraindications before offering nitrous, and staff monitor you continuously during use. A brief observation period before discharge is standard.
How long until I can have sex after a vasectomy?
Most patients can resume sexual activity within a week, once soreness has resolved. Remember that vasectomy is not immediately effective — sperm remain in the reproductive tract and must be cleared over time. Continue contraception until your semen analysis at approximately 12 weeks confirms clearance.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
Vasectomy reversal is technically possible and is performed by Dr. Kim at UTMC. However, success is not guaranteed and depends heavily on how long ago the vasectomy was performed, your partner’s age, and other fertility factors. Vasectomy should always be approached as a permanent decision — reversal should not be considered a reliable backup plan.
What is the difference between a vasectomy and vasectomy reversal consultation?
A brief vasectomy consultation is typically completed prior to scheduling the procedure. A vasectomy reversal consultation with Dr. Kim is a more detailed discussion covering your vasectomy history, time elapsed, fertility goals, partner factors, and the specific surgical approach most likely to be successful in your case. We recommend bringing your partner to the reversal consultation if possible.
Which locations offer vasectomy?
Vasectomies are available at multiple University Urology clinic locations across East Tennessee. When you call or message to schedule, let us know your preferred location and we will find the next available appointment closest to you. Vasectomy reversal is performed at UTMC in Knoxville by Dr. Kim.

Ready to Schedule?

Book your vasectomy at a location convenient to you. Nitrous oxide available for comfort. Questions about reversal? We’re here to help.