What is the purpose of a vasectomy?

The purpose of a vasectomy is to serve as a method of male sterilization. This surgical procedure involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. By interrupting this pathway, a vasectomy prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation, thereby eliminating the possibility of pregnancy. It is considered a permanent form of contraception, though some men may opt for a reversal procedure later.

The other options describe procedures that are unrelated to vasectomy. For instance, removing the prostate gland pertains to conditions like prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Correcting erectile dysfunction involves therapies or implants that do not relate to sterilization methods. Lastly, circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis and has distinct purposes tied to cultural or health reasons, rather than being a method of sterilization. Thus, the claim that a vasectomy serves as a male sterilization method is accurate and represents its primary purpose.