Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
How reliable is it?
- the failure rate is about 1 in 1000.
How it works
- A permanent method in which the tubes carrying the sperm are cut, so sperm are not present in the semen that is ejaculated when the man ‘comes’.
Advantages
- It is permanent.
- Operation takes 10-15 minutes and can be done at a doctor’s surgery or clinic.
Disadvantages
- It usually takes a few months for all the sperm to disappear from the semen.
- Contraception must be used during this time until there are two negative sperm tests.
- Rarely the tubes rejoin and the man is fertile again.
Comments
- This is a permanent method should not be chosen if in any doubt.
- Counselling is important.
- Likely to be brusing and some discomfort for short time after the operation.
- A few days rest needed afterwards