Vasectomy With our family now complete, we would like to consider some form of permanent contraception.
To date, my partner has taken responsibility for family planning so I have agreed to look at vascetomy as an option. What does it involve?
• Vasectomy, which is the commonest method of sterilisation in men, is an operation in which the two tubes (vas deferens) are cut and then tied.
This blocks the flow of sperm from the testicles into the penis, so that when the man ejaculates, the semen will not contain sperm.
The procedure involves small incisions being made on either side of the scrotum through which the vas tubes are cut and tied or cauterised. It takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Cutting, tying, cauterising.. it all sounds very painful!
Is there any other unpleasant things I should know about?
Although it sounds painful, the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. In some cases, it can even be done under a general anaesthetic.
There are side effects associated with this operation and most common of which are bruising and swelling. Both should settle over a couple of days.
Infection can also occur but responds quickly to treatment with antibiotics.
In a few men a small lump can form at the operation site; called a sperm granuloma, it is caused by a build-up of sperm, but usually settles by itself over time.
There is also a small chance (1:500) that despite the doctor's best efforts, the tubes may manage to rejoin and you will remain fertile.
Will it affect my sex life?
Have no worries on this score, vasectomy will make no difference to either your sex drive or your performance.
Normal sexual activity can usually be resumed within a week of the operation but it can take up to 15 ejaculations to clear all the sperm from the tubes.
Until such time as you get the all clear - following an examination of a sperm sample - you will have to use an additional form of contraception.
What happens if we change our minds about another baby?
The procedure can be reversed but as a general rule only 40 per cent of reversals lead to successful pregnancy.
Vasectomy should always be considered a permanent form of contraception so you and your partner should be very definite about the decision before having the operation.