A vasectomy can take months to take full effect, but many men skip follow-up tests that check the vasectomy's success, a new study shows.

A vasectomy is a permanent sterilization procedure for men. Doctors cut the vas deferens, which are tubes in the male reproductive system that carry sperm. A vasectomy prevents sperm from being transported out of the testes, but it doesn't affect a man's orgasm or ejaculation. It also doesn't prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

While vasectomy almost always works, success isn't necessarily instant. That's why doctors ask men to get follow-up tests. Until those tests show success, patients and their female partners need to use another form of birth control to avoid pregnancy.

Source: WebMD