Vasectomy

Male Sterilisation - Vasectomy

Reliability
Over 99% effective.
Failure rate 1 in 2,000 over a lifetime

How it works
It is a permanent method, which cuts the tubes carrying the sperm so that there are no sperm in the semen when the man ejaculates or comes. It requires a small operation under local anaesthetic, which lasts 10-15 minutes. A hospital stay is not required.

Possible Side Effects

• Bruising, swelling, discomfort or pain for a short while after the operation.
• Wound infection.
• Rarely, the tubes join up after the operation so that the method may fail.

Advantages / Benefits

• Reliable
• No need to remember contraception.
• Permanent

Suitability

• For those who have completed their families.
• For those who want a permanent contraceptive method and are sure they do not want more children.

Who can provide it?
Your GP of Family Planning Doctor will be able to arrange referral to a specialist who will do the operation.

Comments

• It is not generally possible to make the tubes open again once the operation is done.
• If in any doubt, it is better to use other methods.
  Counselling is important.
• You will need to rest for 24-36 hours and avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week.
• It usually takes a few months for all the sperm to disappear and other contraception must be used during this time.
• Samples of semen will need to be checked at intervals after the operation.