WHAT IS IT?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure to close or block the vas deferens (the tubes that carry the sperm to the penis)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
There are a few different options. A conventional vasectomy is when one or two incisions are made in the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. Another option is a no-scalpel vasectomy, in which a puncture opening is made in the scrotum.
The vas deferens may be closed be an electric current (cauterization); a mechanical method, such as a clip; or through removal of a small segment of each tube.
Another form of birth control is required until a semen analysis is done and confirms that there are no sperm.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
A vasectomy is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HAVING A VASECTOMY?
ADVANTAGES:
- no contraception routine required – nothing to remember
- after the procedure is complete, it is a private form of birth control
- does not interfere with intercourse
- no significant long-term side effects
- simple procedure
- less invasive and more cost-effective than tubal ligation for women
- allows the male partner to assume some responsibility for birth control
DISADVANTAGES:
- difficult to have reversed
- possible post-sterilization regret
- possible short-term surgery-related complications: pain and swelling; vasovagal reaction; infection at incision site
- does not protect against STIs
- not effective immediately. Must do a follow-up sperm analysis that shows no sperm are present in the semen