Vasectomy

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Vasectomy

A vasectomy provides permanent birth control for men. This procedure averts pregnancy by preventing the transport of sperm out of the testes.

Effectiveness rate. The effectiveness rate of a vasectomy is greater than 99 percent. Fewer than two men out of 1,000 who have this procedure will father a child. However, the procedure doesn't provide immediate protection against pregnancy, because a man's sperm count decreases gradually after the procedure rather than all at once. It takes about three months after vasectomy before sperm are no longer present in the semen. A semen specimen must be examined and found to be completely free of sperm before you can rely on a vasectomy for birth control.

Reversal. Most men who have a surgical reversal procedure are able to have children. However, vasectomy reversal is a complicated procedure requiring general anesthesia and a lengthy operation. Vasectomy should be performed only if a man is certain he never wants to father another child.

Side effects and health risks. Serious side effects with a vasectomy are extremely rare, although swelling and bruising of the scrotum occasionally occur. One rare complication is an infection, which is characterized by a fever, blood or pus oozing from the incision site, and excessive pain, swelling or both. An infection is treatable with antibiotics. The surgery doesn't affect a man's ability to achieve an erection, to have an orgasm or to ejaculate. A vasectomy doesn't protect against STDs.

Although a few researchers have suggested that vasectomy increases the risk of prostate or testicular cancer, many recent and carefully designed studies have found no such association.

What to expect. If you decide on a vasectomy, a small incision is made in the upper part of the scrotum after you receive a local anesthetic. The vasa deferentia may be tied off, cauterized or blocked with surgical clips.

Cost. The cost of a vasectomy generally ranges between $250 and $1,000.