Have you decided not to have children in the future, then Vasectomy may be the option for you. Vasectomy is permanent male contraception. It is a cost effective method. Learn more about this method of contraception.Vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive option for a man that requires a minor surgery. This is a sterilisation technique where the Vasa Deferentia are the scrotum which is cut. These are the tubes through which the sperm travels. Through this operation, the sperm is prevented from getting mixed with the semen during the ejaculation. And in the absence of the sperm the fertilisation of the ovum cannot take place and pregnancy is averted.
Compared to the female sterilisation process or hysterectomy, Vasectomy is a much simpler process. Its effectiveness in regard to birth control is 99.9% but it does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
The Vasectomy Procedure in Brief
The operation is performed under the effect of local anesthesia. A tiny opening is made on the skin of the scrotum so that the sperm tubes or the Vasa Deferentia can be seen. It is then cut. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes in a clinic.
After the procedure the man is advised to rest a while. There can be a minor swelling, pain and discomfort in the scrotum after the operation. Ice packs are applied on it and the doctor prescribes some simple pain killers. It is advisable to take rest for a couple of days after this operation and no heavy or stressful activities should be performed for about a week. For the first couple of days bathing is not allowed and a scrotal support can ease out the discomfiture. The man can resume sexual activity after a week.
The effectiveness of the Vasectomy is not immediate. The tubes already had sperms running through them and they need to be ejaculated. The entire tube clears off after around ten to thirty ejaculations and this might take a month or so. So some follow up tests might be required to be sure of the sperm count.
Side Effects
The man might feel like fainting during the surgery. The bruising and swelling is common and can be taken care of with medicines and application of ice packs. In certain cases pain can be accompanied with bleeding, fever and chills which should be immediately reported to the doctor.
In the long term, there can be a rare situation where the vas deferens rejoins. This allows the sperm to again flow into the semen and result in accidental pregnancy.
So this leaves a scope for future fertility in the man. A reversal surgery can also be performed but may not be very effective. The success rate of the reversal surgery is 70% where the sperm flows back into the semen. If the reversal is performed quickly, fertility can be restored much faster and effectively.
After Effects in Sexual Life
Following a Vasectomy, the man can enjoy sexual pleasure as before. He can experience normal orgasm and the hormonal levels also do not change.
Advantages of Vasectomy
- Vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive method.
- The sexual spontaneity is not hampered due to Vasectomy.
- There is no follow up procedure or treatment and no need of regular attention.
- Sexual pleasure remains the same.
- The procedure is not messy and less complicated than hysterectomy.
Disadvantages of Vasectomy
- HIV or AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections cannot be prevented.
- The procedure is not effective immediately.
- Unlike other methods of male contraception, Vasectomy requires a surgical operation.
- The Vas Deferens can join in the future.
- Vasectomy is always not reversible.
- It can have psychological repercussions and result in regret.
The most important point that needs to be taken care of is a thorough thought on the issue before going for the Vasectomy surgery. It can lead to serious psychological and relationship issues with the individual or the couple.
