Vasectomy

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is the process for male sterilization. It is a brief operation which prevents the sperm from mixing with the semen, thereby preventing pregnancy.

Sperm are manufactured within a man's testicles. During ejaculation the sperm travel through two tubes called the vas deferentia and mix with the semen produced in the seminal vesicle. During a vasectomy the vas deferentia are cut or blocked so the sperm cannot mix with the semen. Once these tubes are blocked or cut, a man can no longer make his partner pregnant.

A vasectomy does not affect sexual performance or libido.

How effective is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is virtually 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, in the first few weeks following the treatment another form of birth control should be used until the doctor can test and confirm that the ejaculate does not contain sperm. Vasectomies do not protect against STDs.

How is a vasectomy performed?

The doctor will inject a local anesthetic into the skin of the srotum to numb it. Then a small cut is made in each side of the scrotum and the vas deferens (the tubes that carry a man’s sperm) are gently lifted out. The tubes are then cut and a small section of the tubes may be removed. The ends are then tied or cauterized. Stiches are then required to close up the openings in the scrotum.

One may also opt for no-scalpel vasectomy. During this procedure, the doctory wil pierce the skin of the scrotum with a sharp instrument. The newly created hole is then stretched so that the doctor can reach the tubes. There is typically less blood and fewer complications when patients opt for this procedure.

Is the procedure reversible?

A vasectomy should be considered to be a permanent form of birth control. If there is any possibility that you will want to have children in the future, a vasectomy may not be the right decision for you.

In a small number of cases a reversal may be possible. Please be advised that this is a difficult and expensive procedure which has a low success rate.

Does a vasectomy affect sexual performance?

There will be no changes in sex drive, erections or climaxes. Sterility may however have some emotional effects which depend on the individual.