Vasectomy is a common sterilization method for men, helping to prevent pregnancy effectively and safely. However, the procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages that the individual needs to understand clearly before deciding. The article below will provide an overview of the potential benefits and risks, helping men to consider more carefully before choosing this method.
This article is written under the professional guidance of doctors from the Center for Women's Health and Reproductive Support, Vinmec International General Hospital
1. What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a male sterilization or permanent birth control method. During the surgery, the vas deferens are cut and tied off to prevent sperm from entering the urethra, thereby preventing fertilization during sexual intercourse.
This is a common method that helps couples plan their families and avoid unintended pregnancies. It is a simple, safe and easy procedure to perform. However, many men are still hesitant to choose this method due to concerns about its impact on sexual function.
2. Who Should Consider a Vasectomy
A vasectomy should be considered in the following situations:
- The couple does not plan to have any more children.
- One of the partners has a disease with a high risk of genetic transmission.
- The wife cannot use any other form of contraception.
- The husband proactively decides to undergo the procedure to share the responsibility of contraception with his wife.
However, there are some cases where this procedure is not suitable, including:
- Suffering from blood clotting disorders.
- Chronic testicular pain.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Having abnormal signs in the scrotum such as hydrocele, inguinal hernia, varicose veins, or chronic infections...
- Abnormalities in the spermatic cord.
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a highly effective method of contraception, with efficacy rates approaching 100%. However, this method has specific advantages and disadvantages as follows:
3.1 Advantages
Here are the advantages of the vasectomy method:
- Nearly absolute contraceptive effectiveness, with a success rate exceeding 99.5%.
- Safe method, does not affect testosterone levels, pleasure, or issues related to sexual life.
- The procedure does not affect sexual function or ejaculation ability.
- Minimally invasive, quick procedure time, and lower cost compared to tubal ligation.
- Does not alter hormones in the body.
- Fast recovery time.
- No need to remember or take medication regularly as with birth control pills.
- Vas deferens can be reconnected if desired, but success rate is not guaranteed.
3.2 Disadvantages
However, this method also has some disadvantages such as:
- Does not protect men from sexually transmitted diseases.
- May cause swelling, bruising.
- Risk of bleeding in the scrotum.
- Blood in semen.
- Risk of inflammation, infection.
- Reaction to anesthesia.
- Bladder injury.
- Post-operative pelvic pain.
The man needs to be completely sure that he has no intention of having more children before deciding to undergo this procedure.
This male contraceptive procedure requires careful consideration of the pros and cons to make an appropriate decision.
After a vasectomy, men should continue to use other contraceptive methods (such as condoms) for 3 months to ensure complete elimination of residual sperm, as this method is not immediately effective.
4. Does Vasectomy Have Any Effects?
Many people worry that a vasectomy will reduce sexual ability and affect sexual life. However, in reality, after the procedure, men can still have erections and experience normal orgasms during intercourse. At the same time, although the man still ejaculates, there will be no sperm in the semen, so there is no risk of unintended pregnancy.
In summary, this method does not cause any serious effects on men's sexual or physiological health.
5. Complications
After the procedure, men may experience some complications such as:
- Bleeding or blood clot formation inside the scrotum.
- Blood in semen.
- Bruising of the scrotum.
- Infection in the surgical area.
- Pelvic pain.
- Swelling of the scrotum.
- Discomfort.
Some complications may appear late including:
- About 1-2% of men after this sterilization technique may experience chronic pain after surgery.
- Dull pain due to fluid appearing in the testicles, especially more painful during ejaculation.
- The condition of sperm leakage from the severed vas deferens can lead to infection (sperm granuloma).
6.Important notes before and after the procedure
- Although the vasectomy procedure is simple, reversing it is very difficult. Therefore, men and their families need to consider carefully before undergoing this procedure.
- After the procedure, absolutely do not shower or soak for at least 2 days to avoid infection.
- Within 1 week after surgery, men should not engage in vigorous activities, and should wear underwear of the correct size to fix the scrotum and testicles.
- If you experience severe pain in the scrotum, swelling, bruising, and bloody urination with fever, contact your doctor immediately for timely medical intervention.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any abnormal signs after the procedure.
Vasectomy is a highly successful and low-complication method of contraception. This procedure does not affect health or sex life. Therefore, if you do not intend to have more children, men can choose this method as a way to share the responsibility of contraception with women.
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