A vasectomy is a surgical procedure where the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis (called the vas deferens) are cut. This prevents a man from fathering children and is a very effective form of contraception. Around 30,000 Australian men have a vasectomy each year. About one in four men over the age of 40 has had a vasectomy.
If you are considering a vasectomy, here are some important things to know:
A vasectomy is generally permanent. While in some cases it may be possible to reverse the surgery and re-join the tubes, this doesn’t guarantee you will be able to produce another child.
The surgery takes about 20-40 minutes and can be done under local, light or general anaesthetic.
It is usual to have some pain or discomfort, swelling and bruising in the groin or scrotum after the surgery and it is recommended that you rest for a few days and avoid heavy lifting. Pain medications and supportive underwear are usually enough to manage the pain.
It can take a few months and up to 20 ejaculations to clear the sperm in the vas deferens before the surgery is effective. Your doctor will organise a semen test three months after the procedure to ensure that the surgery has worked and that it is safe to stop using other forms of contraception.
Having a vasectomy doesn’t stop the production of semen, and you are still able to ejaculate.
The procedure doesn’t affect your sexual desire, testosterone levels or ability to reach an orgasm.
A vasectomy doesn’t protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) so condoms are still recommended where there is a risk of infection.
If you have a vasectomy and later decide you would like to father children, fertility treatment such as IVF may be an option, where sperm are taken directly from the testes. Some men choose to store sperm before having a vasectomy.
If you or your partner are considering a vasectomy, speak with your doctor, who can answer any questions you have and help you decide whether the procedure is the right choice for you.
For more information:
Visit https://www.healthymale.org.au/mens-health/vasectomy
References:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vasectomy
https://www.healthymale.org.au/mens-health/vasectomy
