Vasectomy or ‘male sterilisation’ is a simple and reliable method of contraception. It is usually considered permanent, although in some cases the procedure can be reversed - for example, if the male decides to have children later on in life. For an image of how the operation is done, please click on this link.

How vasectomy works

Sperm is prevented from reaching the semen ejaculated from a man’s penis during sex. It is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure, usually carried out under local anaesthetic. In most cases, you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure. A vasectomy has no effect on sex drive or ability to enjoy sex. You will still have erections and ejaculate normally. The only difference is that your semen will not contain sperm.

In almost all cases vasectomy is permanent, so be sure you don’t want any more children. Having a vasectomy should always be viewed as permanent sterilisation. This is because, although reversal is sometimes possible, it takes delicate microsurgery to join the tubes together again. Even when a surgeon successfully joins them, conception (fertilisation of an egg) is not always possible.

The benefits of a vasectomy

A vasectomy may be appropriate when a man does not want more children, or has decided not to have any at all. It may be chosen as a simpler, safer and more reliable alternative to female sterilisation. A vasectomy is normally permanent, so once it has been carried out successfully and semen tests have shown there is no sperm present, long-term partners may not need to use other forms of contraception.

However, a vasectomy does not protect against HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted infection, so you should continue to protect yourself by using condoms with any new partner.

When it should be done

You should only have a vasectomy if you are certain that you do not want to have any more children. If you have any doubts, consider another method of contraception until you are completely sure. It is not advisable to make your decision about having a vasectomy following a crisis or a big change in your life – for example, if your partner has just had a baby, or if they have just terminated their pregnancy.

If you have a partner, discuss it with them before deciding to have a vasectomy. If possible, you should both agree to the procedure. Some doctors prefer both partners to agree to the procedure after providing information and counselling. However, it is not a legal requirement to get your partner’s permission.

A vasectomy can be performed at any stage of adult life. However, many doctors are reluctant to carry out the procedure on men aged under 30, particularly if they do not have any children, as younger men are most likely to regret having a vasectomy later on in life.

If you are a young male wishing to have a vasectomy, your doctor does have the right to refuse to carry out the procedure or refuse to refer you for the procedure if they do not believe it is in your best interests. If this is the case, you may have to pay to have a vasectomy carried out privately.

Important considerations

You might find the following points helpful in making your decision:

• Vasectomy is most suited to men in a stable relationship who have decided, with their partner, not to have more children or any at all.
• If you enter a new relationship at a later point in your life, you may not be able to father a child if you have had a vasectomy.
• A vasectomy is a simple procedure, more reliable and with fewer complications than permanent sterilisation in a woman.
• The proportion of vasectomies that fail is generally considered to be less than 2% (two in every 100).

You may also want to know the following:

What other contraception is available for men?

The other main contraception choice for men is condoms. Several choices are available for women, which your doctor or a family planning expert can advise on.

Can I use IVF to father a child?

If you have a vasectomy, and then decide later that you want a child, there may be the option of doing so by IVF. To do this, sperm would be retrieved from your testicles by a trained surgeon and used to fertilise your partner’s egg. However, it tends to be expensive, and IVF is not always successful, so you cannot rely on it as a type of ‘fertility insurance policy’.

Can I store sperm in a sperm bank, just in case?

You could, but as with IVF, sperm stored in a sperm bank cannot be relied on to bring about a pregnancy. It can also be expensive.

Can I have the operation if I am single?

Yes – but if you are under 30, you will find many surgeons are reluctant to do it in case your circumstances change and you regret it later.

Could being sterile affect me emotionally?

It is a big decision to end the part of your life where you could father a child – another reason to think it over carefully. If you are sure about your decision to have a vasectomy, you may feel relieved that the worry of possible pregnancy is over and you do not need to think about contraception again.

If you feel anxious or uncomfortable about the procedure, or if you think you would suffer mentally from being sterile, then it is not the best type of contraception for you. You can discuss alternatives with your doctor or with a professional at a family planning clinic.

Related Articles:

1. What you need to know about hysterectomy
2. Circumcision helps stop wart virus
3. Male circumcision for HIV prevention
4. Specific disorders of ovulation
5. Erectile dysfunction – Impotence
6. Chlamydia — a sexually transmitted disease
7. Infertility
8. Lessons on HIV and AIDS – Oral thrush
9. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the menopause

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