Vasectomy is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure. Learn more about how it is done. Click To Tweet
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control (contraception) that cuts the supply of sperm to the semen—achieved by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. When completed, it doesn’t affect sex drive, sensitivity or ability to perform, it removes the sperm from the semen so there isn’t a the possibility of fertilising an egg resulting in pregnancy.
Cleveland Clinic reported around 50 million men have had a vasectomy in the U.S. — approximately 5% of all married men of reproductive age.
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure. It has a low risk of problems and can usually be performed in an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia. In most cases, you’ll be able to return home the same day.
There are two types of vasectomy commonly used that you can discuss with your doctor to see which is the best option for you:
- A conventional vasectomy using a scalpel (surgical knife)
- A no-scalpel vasectomy.
What does the vasectomy do?
A vasectomy is nearly 100 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy and, as a result, doesn’t require a condom to avoid pregnancy when engaging in sexual intercourse.
But remember, vasectomy does not protect against sexual transmitted diseases, so condoms and regular testing if engaging in risky sexual activity, especially with numerous partners, is essential to avoid getting and spreading infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
Are there any requirements before doing a vasectomy?
When thinking about or going for a vasectomy, your doctor will ask about your circumstances, ask you to provide information, and may recommend counselling before agreeing to the procedure.
Although there are instances where vasectomies can be reversed, there is no guarantee. So confirmation that you’re certain you don’t want any more children or don’t want children at all will need to be attained before pursuing the surgery.
If you have a partner, it’s suggested that you discuss it with them before you undergo the operation. It is your choice, and you don’t require your partner’s permission as a legal requirement; discussing and agreeing before pursuing is advisable.
Are there risks for doing a vasectomy?
A potential concern with vasectomy is that you might later change your mind about wanting to father a child. As mentioned above, although it might be possible to reverse your vasectomy, there’s no guarantee it will work.
Reversal surgery is more complicated than vasectomy, can be expensive, and is sometimes ineffective. In vitro fertilisation is possible after vasectomy, although this does not guarantee pregnancy and is expensive too.
You’re not a good candidate for a vasectomy if you have chronic testicular pain or testicular disease. A vasectomy doesn’t cause any noticeable side effects for most men, and serious complications are rare.
