Birth Control Options: Vasectomy, or male sterilization

WHAT IS A VASECTOMY?

Vasectomy, or male sterilization, is the operation which blocks the tubes (called the vas deferens) which carry a man's sperm to the outside. It is performed in an office or clinic and involves cutting and tying off or cauterizing (burning) the vas deferens - the tubes that transport sperm out of the scrotum (sac) from the testicles. This operation should be considered permanent. You must be certain you want no more children and will not change your mind. Complete information about this surgical procedure is available through your clinician.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

• A vasectomy is a minor operation. It is safe, extremely effective, and permanent.
• It is excellent for men in a stable relationship who have had all the children they want.
• A vasectomy is less expensive and causes fewer complications than tubal sterilization.
• Any time, even years later, you can have your semen checked to see if your operation is "still working." If your semen has no sperm, your operation is working! Used in this manner, vasectomy can be virtually 100% effective.
• A vasectomy gives the man the opportunity to play a responsible role in the contraceptive process.
• It does not affect a man's ability to enjoy sexual intercourse.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?

• A vasectomy requires surgery. Some men are afraid of having an operation on their testicles.
• Some men fear the operation will affect their ability to have intercourse or will interfere with erection.
• There is some pain or discomfort and scrotal discoloring (usually not severe) for several days after the operation. Pain can usually be relieved with mild pain medications. Keep an ice pack on the scrotum for at least 4 hours to reduce the chances of swelling, bleeding and discomfort. Wear a scrotal support for 2 days (jockey shorts will be adequate).
• The operation is not effective immediately. You will need to use condoms until the sperm clears from the tubes (15-20 ejaculations). To find out if you are sterile, have your semen examined under a microscope after about 15 ejaculations.
• Regret after vasectomy is greater if the man's partner is under 25, if he divorces or remarries, if a child dies, or when the vasectomy is done immediately after a new baby.
• The operation to reverse a vasectomy does not always work. It is highly technical, expensive, and its results cannot be guaranteed.
• Vasectomy provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV (the AIDS virus).

WHERE DO I GO TO GET THIS OPERATION?

Most urologists, many family practitioners and some nurse practitioners perform vasectomies.

You can get a referral to a clinician who does vasectomies from your primary care clinician, health department, family planning clinic or local medical society. Or call the national organization involved in sterilization training and service (AVSC). Their number is 212-561-8000.

WHAT IF I HAVE SEX AND DON’T USE BIRTH CONTROL?

Did you know that for 72 hours after sex, you can take emergency contraceptive pills to avoid becoming pregnant? AND for 5 to 7 days after sex, you can have an IUD put in, so you won’t become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about this. If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of clinicians near you that prescribe emergency birth control, call the toll-free number: (1-888) NOT-2-LATE or (1-800) 584-9911. Some of these sources of help are free. PLAN B is the emergency contraceptive pill that causes the least nausea, the least vomiting, and has the lowest failure rate.

The Pill | The Mini-Pill | Birth Control Shot | Abstinence  | Cervical Cap

Breastfeeding | Vasectomy | Female/Male Condom Choices

Contraceptive Film (VCF) | Natural Family Planning  |  IUD's

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) | Vaginal Spermicides

Tubal Sterilization | The Ring | The Patch

Wyoming Health Council

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