Vasectomy
What is vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a simple operation designed to make a man sterile, or
unable to biologically father a child. Vasectomy involves blocking the tubes through which sperm pass
into the semen. Sperm are produced in a man's testis and stored in an
adjacent structure known as the epididymis. During sexual climax, the
sperm move from the epididymis through a tube called the vas deferens
and mix with other components of semen to form the fluid that is
ejaculated (ejaculate). All vasectomy techniques involve cutting or
otherwise blocking both the left and right vas deferens, so that the
man's ejaculate will no longer contain sperm, and he will not be able
to make a woman pregnant.
How common is vasectomy?
Vasectomy is used as a means of contraception in many parts of the
world. A total of about 50 million men have had a vasectomy--a number
that corresponds to roughly 5 percent of all married couples of
reproductive age. In comparison, about 15 percent of couples rely on
female sterilization for birth control.
Approximately half a million vasectomies are performed in the
United States each year. About one out of six men over age 35 has
been vasectomized. The prevalence of men undergoing the procedure
increases with higher levels of education and income. Among married
couples in the United States, only female sterilization and oral
contraception are relied upon more often for family planning.
How is vasectomy done?
In the conventional approach, a physician makes one or two
small incisions, or cuts, in the skin of the scrotum, which has been
numbed with a local anesthetic. The vas is cut, and a small piece may
be removed. Next, the doctor ties the cut ends and sews up the
scrotal incision. The entire procedure is then repeated on the other
side.
A newer method, devised by a Chinese surgeon, has been
widely used in China since 1974. This so-called nonsurgical or no-
scalpel vasectomy was introduced into the United States in 1988, and
many doctors are now using the technique worldwide.
In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor feels for the vas under the
skin of the scrotum and holds it in place with a small clamp.
A special instrument is then used to make a tiny puncture in the skin
and stretch the opening so the vas can be cut and tied. This approach
produces very little bleeding, and no stitches are needed to close
the punctures, which heal quickly by themselves. The newer method
also causes less pain and fewer complications than conventional
vasectomy
.
How does vasectomy compare with female sterilization?
Regardless of how it is performed, vasectomy offers many
advantages as a method of birth control. Like female sterilization,
it is a highly effective one-time procedure that provides permanent
contraception. Vasectomy, however, is medically much simpler than
female sterilization, has a lower incidence of complications, and is
much less expensive.
Next: What happens after vasectomy? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Pregnancy Planning - The goals of pregnancy planning are to create a healthy environment for the fetus and to prevent birth defects and other pregnancy related problems. Source:MedicineNet
- Birth Control - There are a number of different methods of birth control to include: barrier methods, IUDs, hormonal methods, natural methods, and surgical sterilization. No birth control method, except abstinence, is considered to be 100% effective. Source:MedicineNet
- Sexual Health Overview - Learn about sexual health, infertility, birth control, herpes, erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections, and healthy sexual relationships. Source:MedicineNet
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Last Editorial Review: 4/24/2002
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