Vasectomy is a simple operation involving cutting and tying the two vas deferens tubes inside the scrotum at the top of each testicle. This prevents sperm getting into a man's semen. Local anaesthetic is used but sometimes sedation or a general anaesthetic is recommended. After a vasectomy the man still ejaculates and has normal sexual function. It takes about 16 ejaculations to clear the remaining sperm with new, unused sperm being reabsorbed back into his body. Alternative contraception (such as condoms) needs to be used for two months, until a specimen of semen is tested to make sure no sperm are present. About 1 in every 500 to 1000 vasectomies fail because the tubes aren't fully closed, or they grow back together or very rarely the man has three vas deferens and one is missed.
Image 65-06 shows the man's reproductive anatomy with the vas deferens tube.
NOTE: A man does not need his partner's permission to have a vasectomy.
Side effects. Some swelling, pain and bruising of the groin and/or testicles for a few days. Occasionally, bleeding or an infection can develop after the operation. Very rarely, pain in the groin area continues for several months. This usually improves over time, or may require another operation to try and rectify it.
Breastfeeding. You can have a vasectomy while your partner is breastfeeding, but you may wish to wait until your child is 12 months old or so, before making a decision not to have any more children.
Advantages of a vasectomy are:
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It is a permanent form of contraception. |
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It allays concerns about conceiving an unwanted pregnancy. |
Disadvantages of a vasectomy are: