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Vasectomy (Male Sterilization)
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy, or male sterilization, is the operation which blocks the
tubes (called the vas deferens) that carry a man's sperm from his
testicles to the outside of his body. A vasectomy is performed in an
office or clinic and involves cutting and tying off or cauterizing
(burning) the vas deferens. 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?
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A vasectomy is a minor operation. It is safe, extremely effective and
permanent.
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It is excellent for men in a stable relationship who have had all the
children they want.
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A vasectomy is less expensive and causes fewer complications than tubal
sterilization.
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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 percent
effective.
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A vasectomy gives the man the opportunity to play a responsible role in
the contraceptive process.
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It does not affect a man's ability to enjoy sexual intercourse.
What are the disadvantages?
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A vasectomy requires
surgery. Some men are afraid of having an operation on their testicles.
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Some men fear the operation
will affect their ability to have intercourse or will interfere with
erection.
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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 four hours to reduce the chances of swelling, bleeding and
discomfort. Wear a scrotal support for two days (jockey shorts will be
adequate).
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The operation is not effective immediately. You will need to use condoms
until the sperm clears from the tubes (15 to 20 ejaculations). To find
out if you are sterile, have your semen examined under a microscope
after about 15 ejaculations.
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Regret after vasectomy is greater if the man's partner is younger than 25,
if he divorces or remarries, if a child dies, or when the vasectomy is
done immediately after a new baby.
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The operation to reverse a vasectomy does not always work. It is highly
technical and expensive, and its results cannot be guaranteed.
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Vasectomy provides no protection against sexually transmitted infections
including HIV.
Where do I 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) at 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? Did you know that for
five to seven days after sex, you can have an IUD inserted so you won't
become pregnant? Not all clinicians know about these options.
If you want more information or would like the phone numbers of
clinicians near you who prescribe emergency birth control, call the
toll-free number 888.NOT2.LATE or 800.584.9911. Some of these sources of
help are free.
The North Dakota Department
of Health, Division of Family Health, does not assume responsibility for
the content obtained from external hyperlinks accessed from this website.
Any links to external sources are outside of our domain. Information on
external websites does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of
the North Dakota Department of Health or the Division of Family Health.
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