Vasectomy (Male
Sterilization)
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a sterilization technique for men. It requires minor surgery to cut the vasa deferentia, the tubes that carry sperm. This operation keeps sperm from mixing into the semen when men ejaculate. Without sperm, fertilization of an egg cannot occur and pregnancy is prevented. Vasectomies are usually done in a clinic or doctor’s office and are much simpler procedures than female sterilization. Vasectomies are 99.9% effective as birth control. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Procedure • Your Health • Future
Fertility • Sexuality
Advantages • Disadvantages
Deciding • Testicular Self-Exam • Further References • PDF Version
Procedure
During a vasectomy, local anesthesia is used. The doctor makes a small opening in the skin of the scrotum. This allows the sperm tubes or vasa deferentia to be seen and cut. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes.
Men usually rest at the clinic after the procedure. When they return home, ice packs and painkillers can ease swelling and discomfort. It is recommended that men take 2 days off and perform only light activities for a week. For 2 days, it is helpful to wear scrotal supports and not bathe. It may take a week for men to feel comfortable resuming sexual activity.
Vasectomies are not effective right away. The sperm that were already in the tubes before the operation need to be ejaculated. This may take about a month or 10-30 ejaculations. Using other forms of birth control is important until follow-up tests can show two negative sperm counts.
During surgery, it is common for men to feel faint. Bruising
and swelling are normal and usually go away within a few
days to a week. However, men should report bleeding, pain,
fever, or chills to their doctor.
Few long-term complications occur. Very rarely, the cut ends
of the vas deferens rejoin and allow sperm to flow into the
semen again. This can lead to an accidental pregnancy. Unprotected
intercourse before two negative sperm counts can also lead
to pregnancy.
Future Fertility
Vasectomy is a permanent sterilization technique. Reversal
surgery is available, but not always effective. This procedure
rejoins the cut ends of the vas deferens. In more than 70%
of these cases, sperm can again be found in men's semen. However,
pregnancy occurs less frequently. The earlier a reversal is
performed, the better the rates are for restored fertility.
Men are able to fully enjoy sex after having a vasectomy.
Hormonal levels and the feeling of orgasm stay the same. The
amount of fluid men ejaculate does not noticeably change.
Advantages
- Permanent birth control.
- Allows sexual spontaneity.
- Requires no daily attention.
- Does not affect pleasure.
- Not messy.
- Less complicated than female sterilization.
Disadvantages
- Does not protect against sexually
transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
- Not immediately effective.
- Requires minor surgery in a clinic.
- Possible rejoining of the vas deferens.
- May not be reversible.
- Possible regret.
Vasectomy is considered permanent sterilization. The decision
to have it done should not be made lightly. Ask yourself:
Would you change your mind if major changes in your life occurred,
including a separation, or even the death of a partner or
child? Consider as many possibilities as you can before making
your decision. Know your options.
Testicular Self-Exam
One of the most common forms of cancer for men ages 15-34
is cancer of the testes. Men can protect themselves by performing
monthly self-exams. A good time to do one is during a warm
shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Place your fingers
under each testicle and gently roll your thumb over the testicle.
Feel for any hard lumps. If you find a lump, it may or may
not be a problem. Make an appointment to see your doctor for
a diagnosis. When testicular cancer is caught in its early
stages, it can be effectively treated.
Emergency Contraception (The "Morning After" Pill - "Plan B" - "EC")
You can prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse by taking Emergency Contraception pills (Plan B). Plan B works by giving the body a short burst of synthetic hormones that disrupt the hormone patterns needed for a pregnancy to start. Some types of regular birth control pills will work. Emergency Contraception is most effective 24-48 hours after unprotected intercourse but it can work for several days.
To find a clinic, doctor or pharmacy close to you, call the nationwide Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-800-584-9911, 24 hours a day in English or Spanish (also at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE and ec.princeton.edu).
If you already have birth control pills in your possession, ask the hotline how to use them as emergency contraception. Or call our clinics at 800-572-4223 and ask how to use the birth control pills you already have to prevent pregnancy after sex.
In Washington State you can get Plan B directly from your pharmacy without first getting a prescription from a doctor. Call ahead to make sure they have it in stock and a trained person available to give it to you.
Women's health activists are working to make Plan B available over-the-counter nationwide so that one day soon you could purchase it at your neighborhood drug store.
Some people are buying Plan B in advance (it costs around $35-50) so they will have it on hand if they need.
March 3, 2008
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