Vasectomy – a modern method of male contraception

Vasectomy is an increasingly used and chosen method of contraception by men. In Western Europe and the USA, it is very popular. Now it is also available in Poland, and the vasectomy procedure can be performed in comfortable conditions at the Wilmed Clinic.

Contraception – shared responsibility of men and women.

The development of various increasingly effective forms of contraception has contributed, to some extent, to the emancipation of women. Changes in the approach to family planning are largely due to women themselves. For decades, women have strived to consciously choose if and when they want to become mothers. Until now, most fertility control methods have placed the responsibility on women. Hormonal contraceptive methods often disrupt their hormonal balance, increasing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and others.

Along with changes in worldviews regarding the roles and duties of men, scientists began searching for safe and effective male fertility control methods that would also be safe for women. Many men do not accept widely available, classical, not always 100% effective forms of contraception, especially when in a stable relationship.

Among new methods, male pills are being developed (still in the testing phase) as well as vasectomy, which is continuously improved and increasingly popular in Western countries.

Vasectomy from a medical perspective

Vasectomy (from Latin vasotomia) is a urological procedure involving cutting the vas deferens. As a result, sperm do not enter the semen, eliminating the possibility of fertilization. During this procedure, the vas deferens is exposed slightly above the testicle, then cut and sutured. Often, as a precaution, both cut ends are additionally placed in different tissue layers to prevent reconnection.

A urological surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotal sac, extracts the vas deferens, cuts and seals the ends by coagulation. Then, a half-centimeter incision on the scrotum is sutured. The average man stops releasing sperm after about 30 ejaculations. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes.

This procedure is considered one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy and does not affect male sexual functions. The risk of vasectomy causing erectile dysfunction is minimal.

The invasiveness of this method is significantly less compared to ovarian ligation, a permanent female sterilization.

Reversal of the procedure is possible, though quite complicated and not always effective. Therefore, before vasectomy, all pros and cons should be considered, along with one’s family situation and future plans. The decision to undergo vasectomy must be well thought out and consulted with a doctor.

Before making a decision, it is also worth considering the possibility of freezing sperm for potential artificial insemination of the partner in the future.

Statistically, about 80% of patients are satisfied with the procedure. This is influenced by the elimination of fear of unwanted pregnancy and the possibility for the woman to discontinue hormonal contraceptive methods.

However, it should be remembered that immediately after vasectomy, sperm are not completely absent from the semen. The effectiveness of the procedure is confirmed after 12 weeks and at least 20-30 ejaculations. Until then, the couple should use another form of contraception. This is the time when about 95% of patients achieve azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen) and necrospermia (immobile sperm in quantity <100,000). If azoospermia is not achieved, follow-up general semen tests are performed every 6-12 weeks.

If motile sperm are detected in the semen 6 months after the procedure, the procedure must be repeated.

Who is the vasectomy procedure for?

Vasectomy is intended for adults who have decided not to have more children or any children at all. There are situations where the procedure is indicated for a couple when pregnancy may pose a health risk to the woman or when there is a high risk of congenital genetic defects in the child.

The decision must be fully informed, as vasectomy reversal is costly and often ineffective. It is recommended that the decision be made jointly with the partner. Usually, the procedure is recommended for mature and aware men.

Vasectomy and sexually transmitted diseases

Vasectomy is a very effective method of preventing pregnancy. However, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital fungal infections, genital warts (HPV), or hepatitis B.

In cases of sexual contact with casual partners, the use of condoms is recommended to avoid the risk of these diseases.

Sex life after vasectomy

Vasectomy is an increasingly performed procedure. It is becoming a permanent part of the sexual life of women and men at a certain stage of their relationship. For stable relationships, it is an excellent alternative to hormonal contraception used by women.

Vasectomy does not affect sexual drive, the ability to experience orgasm, or erection. It does not negatively impact sexual life in the relationship; on the contrary, it may even improve it.