Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure for permanent birth control. Following the procedure, it’s important to undergo follow-up semen tests to confirm the absence of sperm in your semen.

Possibly the safest and most accomplished form of birth control, vasectomies have successfully prevented conceptions since the 19th century. It’s proven to be 99 percent effective over the long-term. Within one year of getting the procedure, only one man in a thousand who’ve had vasectomies got a woman pregnant.

Research performed by the National Study of Family Growth indicates that between six and 13 percent of American couples choose a vasectomy for birth control. Physician surveys reveal that more than half a million American men undergo the procedure each year, with urologists performing more than three-quarters of them. To talk to an expert about what a vasectomy could mean for you.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that provides permanent birth control by preventing sperm from leaving the body. It works by sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that transport sperm. While vasectomy is a safe and effective method for preventing pregnancy, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Is a vasectomy 100% effective?

The only guaranteed way to prevent pregnancy is to abstain from sexual intercourse. However, vasectomy is a highly reliable method of birth control, with a failure rate of approximately 1 in 10,000 cases. In rare instances, sperm may cross the separated ends of the vas deferens after the procedure.

Routine semen analysis is performed after a vasectomy to ensure its success. If sperm is still present, a second procedure may be necessary, though this is extremely uncommon.

With a failure rate significantly lower than other forms of birth control, vasectomy is among the most effective options. For comparison, condoms have a failure rate of about 1%, or 1 in 100 uses.

Reasons to Get a Vasectomy

Vasectomies are a popular birth control choice for couples as well as single men. The procedure offers several unmatched advantages over other forms of birth control, such as:

• It’s nearly 100 percent effective.
• It’s a quick, outpatient surgery with a minimal risk of complications.
• Recovery from the procedure is fairly quick and painless.
• A vasectomy is a more cost-effective option than female tubal sterilization or other birth control options.
• Other birth control measures are no longer necessary after a successful vasectomy.
• Almost all vasectomies are completely reversible, although conception following a reversal can’t be guaranteed.

Unfounded Fears about Vasectomies

Despite the documented benefits of a vasectomy, many men, potential patients, still feel reluctant to undergo this safe outpatient surgery. Some common misconceptions about vasectomies include:

• Pain. Many men cite pain as a reason for avoiding a vasectomy. But severe pain is quite rare, and most patients report only minor discomfort or a slight tugging sensation during surgery.
• Heart disease. No reliable studies have found any links between vasectomies and subsequent heart trouble. In fact, if a vasectomy encourages a man to have sex, the resultant physical exertion is beneficial to his heart health.
• Cancer. Although some claim a link between prostate cancer and vasectomies, the best research has shown absolutely no relationship between them.
• Damage to sexual organs. Skilled surgeons and urologists are unlikely to inflict harm on your penis or testicles during a routine vasectomy.
• Loss of libido. You can expect no decline in your sex drive after a vasectomy. The result is actually just the opposite, as many men report an improvement in their sexual satisfaction.

What Is a Vasectomy Procedure Like?

While vasectomies are routine procedures, your doctor may give you some instructions to prepare for your surgery. For the best outcome, follow your doctor’s advice to:

• Stop taking aspirin, blood thinners or any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for the several days preceding your vasectomy.
• Bring a pair of close-fitting briefs to put on after your surgery to reduce swelling and to support your scrotum.
• Shower and clean your genital area thoroughly on the day of your surgery. Trim your pubic hair, if necessary.
• Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

• Injects a local anesthetic into your genital area to numb it
• Makes an incision or a small puncture in the upper part of your scrotum
• Locates and pulls out the tube that transmits semen
• Cuts and seals the ends of the tube by tying or cauterizing them
• Reinserts the tube back into your scrotum
• Closes the incision or hole with stitches or glue

After the Procedure

You may experience slight bruising or swelling, but it disappears within days. Your doctor gives you instructions for home care, including:

1. Apply ice to the treated area for short-term pain relief.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Wear tight underwear for support during the first 48 hours.
4. Call your doctor if you see any signs of an infection or if you have a fever.

How common are vasectomies?

Approximately 50 million men worldwide have undergone vasectomy, accounting for about 5% of all married men of reproductive age. In the United States alone, over 500,000 men choose to have a vasectomy each year.

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