Vasectomy

About Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a permanent method of male contraception in which the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles, are cut or blocked so that sperm no longer reach the semen. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception and is a quicker and less invasive procedure than female sterilization. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient clinic. In the no scalpel technique, developed in China by Li Shunqiang in the 1970s, a ring clamp and a sharp dissecting forceps are used to reach the vas through a single small puncture in the scrotal skin, which is associated with fewer complications than the conventional incision technique. Each vas is divided, and the ends are sealed by cautery, ties or clips, often with a layer of tissue placed between them to reduce the chance of the ends rejoining. Vasectomy does not take effect immediately, because sperm remain in the reproductive tract beyond the site of division for some time, and follow up testing of the semen confirms when sterility has been achieved. Ejaculation, hormone levels and sexual function are not affected. Failure is rare and usually results from the ends of the vas reconnecting. Complications include bruising and hematoma, infection, sperm granuloma, a small lump formed by leaked sperm, and in a minority chronic scrotal pain known as post vasectomy pain syndrome. Vasectomy reversal, by vasovasostomy or vasoepididymostomy, is possible but its success decreases as the time since the vasectomy increases.