VASECTOMY

Vasectomy is an operation that makes a man sterile and unable to get a woman pregnant. In a vasectomy, the two vas deferens are cut, clamped and otherwise sealed. This prevents sperm from getting into the semen. The vas deferens are the tubes that carry the sperm to the semen.

Vasectomy is one of the safest forms of birth control. There is a very small chance that it may not work. But the chances are less than with other forms of birth control.

Vasectomy must be considered permanent. Vasectomy is a simple operation. Reversing vasectomy is difficult, expensive, and often not successful.

The operation itself can be done in a provider's office or an outpatient clinic and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. There are two methods used. With the more common procedure, the surgeon makes two very small cuts in the skin of the scrotum, which are sewn up after the procedure. The newer method, involves a special instrument, which is used to make a small puncture in the skin. There is very little bleeding, and no stitches are needed. The newer method has fewer complications.

After the surgery, the man should rest one day. He may be sore and will be bruised for several days. He should avoid heavy lifting for at least one week.

The man may have sex within a few days after having the surgery. He will need to use another form of birth control for several months. Sperm can still be present in the semen for some time after the vasectomy. It is very important that a test of the semen be done to see if sperm are present. When there are no longer sperm in the semen, it is safe to have sex without other birth control measures. The sperm count test is usually done about 2 months after surgery.

Vasectomy does not affect masculinity or sexuality. A man will continue to have the same sex drive as before the operation. Erections, climaxes, and the amount of semen will stay the same after the surgery.

The two disadvantages to a vasectomy are that it is not effective immediately and it does NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms should be used for this protection.

When making the decision to have a vasectomy, the man should remember that this is considered permanent. After vasectomy, a man will no longer be able to father a child. Compared to a tubal ligation, which is permanent birth control for women, a vasectomy is easier, cheaper, and needs less time to heal.

Counseling with a family planning counselor and/or the healthcare provider is important for a man considering vasectomy. Other forms of birth control should be discussed, including the pill, IUD, condoms, diaphragm, implants and shots.

For more information, contact your provider or visit the website of EngenderHealth, a non-profit organization dedicated to making reproductive health care accessible to women and men around the world, at www.engenderhealth.org or call their Vasectomy Information Line at (888) 827-3248.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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