Family Planning - Vasectomy
A Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception. A man should only have a vasectomy when he is certain he does not want anymore children. If in a long term relationship the decision should preferably be made by both partners and some doctors require partners to make the decision after receiving information and counselling. It is not a legal requirement for the partner to consent to the vasectomy.
A vasectomy can be performed at any stage of an adult life but research has shown that under 30s without children are more likely to regret undertaking the procedure.
Procedure
There are currently 2 methods available and both take less than 30 minutes. A local anaesthetic will be injected at the base of the scrotum and the area will feel numb for approximately 4 hours. Both procedures are pain free and only some slight tingling may be experienced.
The older procedure involves using a scalpel to make two cuts in either sides of the scrotum, the vas deferens (the tubes carrying the sperm into the semen) are pulled through the cuts and a small section removed from each before the ends are sealed. The external cuts are closed using dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips.
The more recent procedure is sometimes known as the no-scalpel technique. A tiny puncture hole is made in the scrotum and the vas deferens are sealed using cautery (burning). This procedure reduces complications such as bruising, swelling and infection and does not require stitches.
Will my sex life be affected?
There should be no affect on your sex life. Erections and ejaculation will continue as before and there will be no loss of sex drive. Your body will continue to produce sperm, the sperm will be naturally reabsorbed by the testicles.
What are the risks?
Every surgical procedure carries some element of risk. A vasectomy is a very common and safe procedure and most men will experience no problems. Occasionally there may be swelling and bleeding and there is a small risk of infection.
What are the recovery times?
It is advised to take things easy for one or two days after the procedure. Gentle exercise can be started after two weeks although contact sports should be avoided for a month.
A vasectomy will normally be performed by the NHS although it is not available in all areas of the country. Private clinics offer the service if you do not wish to use the NHS.
A vasectomy may be reversed if a man's personal situations change. The percentage chances of a reversal working decrease after 10 years of having the vasectomy and the procedure has no guarantees. No man should choose a vasectomy thinking I will have it reversed if I change my mind as there are no guarantees the reversal procedure will be successful.
NOTE:
The health section of Parenting.co.uk is not to be used as a substitute for your GP; if your child is ill then seek the advice of a qualified doctor or other health professional without delay.
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