Vasectomy
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a safe, highly effective and permanent form of male contraception. It works by dividing and sealing the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles). Your body continues to produce sperm, but it is naturally absorbed.
A vasectomy does not affect testosterone levels, sex drive, erections, orgasm or the amount of semen produced.
Who may benefit?
A vasectomy is suitable for men who:
Have completed their family or do not wish to have children
Are seeking a reliable, permanent method of contraception
Prefer a simpler alternative to female contraception
Although a vasectomy can sometimes be reversed, it should be considered permanent, and men should only proceed if they are confident they do not wish to father children in the future.
What happens during surgery?
The procedure is usually performed by urologists under a quick general anaesthetic. Small openings are made in the scrotum to identify, divide and seal each vas deferens. The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes.
Recovery
Most men return home shortly after the procedure. Mild discomfort, bruising and swelling are common for a few days and are usually managed with simple pain relief and supportive underwear. Most patients return to office-based work within 2–3 days and can resume exercise after about two weeks.
Important information
A vasectomy is not immediately effective. Sperm remain in the reproductive tract for several weeks after the procedure, so alternative contraception must be used until a post-vasectomy semen analysis confirms that no sperm are present. This test is usually performed approximately 12 weeks after the procedure and after at least 20 ejaculations.
While vasectomy is over 99.8% effective, no method of sterilisation is 100% guaranteed.
Early failure (persistent sperm due to incomplete blockage) occurs in approximately 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 men and is detected on the post-vasectomy semen analysis. If this occurs, a repeat procedure may be required.
Late failure (spontaneous reconnection of the tubes after a previously successful semen test) is very rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 2,000 men. This may result in an unexpected pregnancy.
Benefits
Highly effective and permanent contraception
Quick outpatient procedure
No effect on testosterone, erections, ejaculation or sexual pleasure
Rapid recovery with minimal downtime
Risks
Bruising and swelling
Bleeding or haematoma
Infection
Temporary discomfort
Sperm granuloma
Chronic testicular pain (occurs in approximately 1–2% of men and is usually mild)
Early or late failure, as described above
