Question

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Even though it is a minor procedure, not many men elect to have it performed. Why is this surgery so little utilized?

Answer 1

Vasectomy is surgery a man may choose to have if he does not want to father any more children. It is lasting (permanent) male birth control.

During the surgery, 2 tubes called the vas deferens are cut and sealed. The vas deferens carry sperm from testicles to the urethra. The urethra is the tube inside the penis. Once they are cut, sperm can’t get into the semen or out of the body. The testes still make sperm, but the sperm die and are absorbed by the body.

A man who has had a vasectomy still makes semen and is able to ejaculate. But the semen doesn’t contain sperm. The testosterone level and all other male sex traits stays the same. For most men, the ability to have an erection is unchanged.

Types of vasectomy

Conventional vasectomy. Small cuts are made on each side of the scrotum.

No scalpel vasectomy. This method is done through 1 tiny hole in the skin. A tool is used to gently stretch the skin opening so that the vas deferens can be reached. Because no cuts are made, there is little bleeding and no stitches. It heals quickly with little or no scarring.

Vasectomy is very safe, but all surgeries carry some risks. Some possible risks of vasectomy include:

Epididymitis or orchitis (painful, swollen, and tender epididymis, or testis) may occur after vasectomy. This most often occurs during the first year after surgery.

Infection

In rare cases, the vas deferens may grow back together. This could cause an unwanted pregnancy.

Pain that lasts long after surgery

Short-term bleeding, swelling, and bruising