Male vasectomy is a popular method of birth control

One of the most popular and common birth control methods for men is a minor surgical procedure called a vasectomy. It is completely risk free and is almost 100 percent effective. During the procedure, the tubes that transport sperm into the ejaculatory ducts are detached. This prevents sperm from entering seminal fluid, thus the preventing pregnancy. After a vasectomy, the testicles will still produce sperm, but they will die.

Compared to tubal ligation which is a female sterilization method, a vasectomy is cheaper and causes no health problems. This article will explain the basic procedure which will be helpful to any man who is considering this form of birth control. It is a very popular choice for couples who do not intend to have children, as well as older couples whose children have already grown up and they don’t want a surprise baby.

The whole procedure only takes about half an hour under local anesthesia. Prior to surgery, any man who takes blood-thinning drugs should speak to his doctor. These medications may cause excessive bleeding.

Before commencing surgery, the doctor cleans the scrotum and injects a local anesthesia. A small incision is made in the scrotum, and one tube (vas deferens is its proper name) is taken out and constricted with two clamps. The section between the clamps is severed and sealed by cauterization or sutures. Once severed, the vas deferens is returned to the scrotum. The same procedure is repeated on the other tube. This is known as a conventional vasectomy.

There are other types of vasectomies. For example, there is one called a fascial interposition vasectomy. This involves the severing of the vas deferens and then suturing them to the fascia which is fibrous tissue covering the tube. This acts as extra protection. Another type of procedure is called open-ended vasectomy. During this, only one end of the severed tube is sealed. The other end is not sealed. The open end is the one that leads to the testicles, while the sealed end is the one that leads to the ejaculatory duct.

A no-scalpel vasectomy refers to a procedure that involves a tiny opening being made on the scrotum. Through this aperture, both tubes are lifted out. They are then cut, sutured, and put back inside. The tiny puncture in the scrotum does not need suturing. During another procedure where no sealing or severing is involved, small clips are placed on the tubes.

As you can see, a vasectomy is a minor procedure and the discomfort afterwards is minimal. If there is pain, it is mild and will only last for a week. However, if the pain is severe and persists, medical attention should be sought. Complications and side effects after vasectomies are very rare. It’s always best to ask your doctor to help you decide which type is best for you. While some vasectomies are reversible, there is no guarantee that the ability to fertilize a female egg will be restored. This particularly applies when the surgery was performed several years ago.