You and your partner may be at a point where you feel like your family is complete and you don't want any more children. When you think about family planning, most people think of options for women. However, there is a very effective, safe, and permanent family planning method that men can use too. That's what we're going to talk about today. It's called sterilization surgery, or vasectomy.
What is this sterilization surgery (vasectomy)?
Simply put, a vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure performed on men to permanently prevent them from fathering children. It is a permanent birth control/contraception method.
Sperm, or male sperm, are produced in the testicles of our body. These sperm travel through two very fine tubes called the vas deferens to join the seminal fluid. In this surgery, the two vas deferens are cut and sealed at both ends. This blocks the sperm from leaving the body.
The most important thing: This only prevents conception. It does not provide any protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). It is essential to use protective methods such as condoms.
What happens to the body after surgery?
This is a problem for many people. After surgery, the testicles continue to produce sperm. But since those sperm can't get out, they die after a while and are reabsorbed by the body. This is a normal process, just like other cells in our body die and new cells are formed.
This surgery will not affect these things for you:
- Your Sex Drive/Libido
- Ability to get an erection
- Ability to ejaculate semen
The only difference is that there are no sperm in the ejaculated fluid. There is no difference in size, appearance, or taste.
Is this method 100% successful?
No birth control method is 100% effective. Abstinence is the only 100% effective method. However, when compared to all other birth control methods, Vasectomy is the most effective .
This has a very low failure rate. There may be some sperm left in the semen for the first 3-6 months after surgery. But after that, the risk of failure is less than 1%. Even when used correctly, condoms have a 2% failure rate in preventing pregnancy. Considering that, you can imagine how effective this is.
Things to know and preparations before surgery
This is not something that can be done all at once. There are several steps before that.
1. Medical consultation (Consultation)
This is the most important step. If you are considering this surgery, you should first have a good talk with your partner. Then, you should definitely meet with a doctor to discuss this. You should be sure that you definitely do not want any more children. Because this reversal is not always successful, and it is also expensive.
Doctor, you can ask questions like these.
| Question | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Do you have excessive bleeding or blood-related diseases? | To assess the potential risks during surgery. |
| Are there any allergies to local anesthesia or other medications? | To ensure safety during surgery. |
| Are there any skin conditions (e.g. infected acne) associated with the testicles? | To reduce the risk of infection. |
| What other medications (including anticoagulants, herbal products) are you taking? | To determine if certain medications need to be stopped before surgery. |
| Have you had any injuries or other surgeries (e.g. hernia surgery) to the groin area or testicles? | To obtain information that is important when planning the surgery. |
Remember: This is a voluntary procedure. Only do this if you are 100% sure. If you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor before the procedure.
2. Preparing for surgery
- Cleaning: The night before or the morning of surgery, shave the area around the scrotum and groin area thoroughly. It is best to use a disposable razor. Then wash the area thoroughly with an antiseptic soap and dry it.
- Clothing: When coming for surgery, it is important to bring a tight, supportive undergarment (athletic supporter/jock strap) or tight-fitting shorts.
- Food: Do not eat a full meal before surgery, nor do you fast. Bring a light meal and some fluids.
How the surgery is performed
This surgery is performed by a urologist, a surgeon who specializes in the urinary and reproductive systems. It can usually be completed in as little as 15-30 minutes. You will not be given anesthesia, but instead an injection or spray (local anesthesia) will be used to numb only the area being operated on.
There are mainly two methods:
1. Incision Vasectomy: One or two very small incisions are made on the skin of the scrotum, the vas deferens is removed, cut, and the ends are closed.
2. No-Scalpel Vasectomy: In this procedure, instead of making an incision in the skin, a small hole is made with a sharp instrument and the vas deferens is removed through it. This method is the most popular because it is less painful and less bleeding.
In both cases, the vas deferens is closed by cutting, tying, and sometimes cauterizing the end with electricity.
Benefits and risks of surgery
Like everything, there are benefits and minor risks.
Benefits
- Very effective: As we discussed earlier, this is one of the most effective birth control methods available.
- Only once: Once is enough. There are no daily pills or injections.
- Simpler than surgery for women: This is simpler, safer, and less expensive than tubal ligation for women.
- Relief for the partner: It can relieve the partner of the stress she feels about birth control methods and the side effects of hormonal pills.
Minor risks
Like any surgery, there are some minor risks, but they are not very common.
- Pain: There may be minor pain and swelling for a few days after surgery.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection from cuts.
- Sperm Granuloma: A small lump that looks like a bone may form when some sperm leaks from the seminal vesicles. This is not dangerous and is usually absorbed by the body.
- Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome: Very rarely (1-2%) long-term pain in the testicles can occur after surgery. However, there are treatments for this.
Recovery and care after surgery
It is important to rest for two to three days after surgery.
- First 48 hours: To reduce swelling and pain, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel periodically (for about 20 minutes).
- Weight lifting: Do not lift more than 5 kg for a week or two.
- Exercise: Light exercise such as walking can be started within a few days. But avoid strenuous exercise and sports such as running, jumping, and lifting weights for at least 2-4 weeks.
- Sexual activity: Avoid having sex or masturbating for at least a week .
Semen Analysis is a must
This is the most important thing: It can take several weeks or months for the remaining sperm in the vas deferens to be completely removed after surgery. Therefore, it is imperative that a semen sample is tested (Semen Analysis) 2-3 months after surgery . Until that test confirms that there are no sperm (Sperm-free), another method of birth control (e.g. condoms) must be used. If this is not done, pregnancy may occur.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you have any of these symptoms after surgery, see your doctor immediately.
- Fever, chills, and shivering.
- Excessive bleeding or pus from the cut.
- Excessive redness, swelling, and increased pain in the scrotum area.
- Severe pain that cannot be controlled by the painkillers prescribed by the doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Vasectomy is a permanent, highly effective, and safe birth control method for men.
- This surgery will not affect your sexual desire, arousal, or ejaculation.
- Before deciding on surgery, talk carefully with your partner and a doctor to make sure it's 100% right for you.
- Be sure to use another form of birth control until a semen analysis performed 2-3 months after surgery confirms that there are no sperm.
- Although this is considered a permanent procedure, reversal surgeries are available if necessary. However, they are not always successful.
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