Family Planning Series – Week 7:

 Vasectomy (Male Sterilization)

🔹 What is Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception for men.  

It involves cutting or sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, preventing sperm from mixing with semen.  

It is a minor surgical procedure , usually done under local anesthesia, and takes about 15–30 minutes.  

📋 Indications

•  Men who have completed their families.  
•  When pregnancy may endanger the woman’s health (e.g., cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes).  
•  When couples desire a simple, permanent method.  
•  When other contraceptive methods are unsuitable or have failed.  
•  When both partners agree after good counseling that the man will take responsibility for contraception.  

⚙️ How it works

• The procedure blocks the vas deferens on both sides — either by ligation, cauterization, or clips.  
• Semen is still produced, but it contains no sperm, so pregnancy cannot occur.  
• It does not affect hormones, sexual desire, or the ability to have an erection.  

 🌟 Advantages

✅ Permanent and highly effective (>99%).

✅ Simple outpatient procedure.  

✅ No effect on libido or testosterone.  

✅ Safe, low-risk, and cost-effective in the long term.  

✅ Allows shared family planning responsibility between partners.  

 ⚠️ Disadvantages / Possible Side Effects

- Requires minor surgery.  

- Discomfort, bruising, or swelling for a few days after the procedure.  

- Rare complications (infection, hematoma, chronic pain).  

- Takes about 3 months or 20 ejaculations for sperm to clear completely — another contraceptive method must be used until semen analysis confirms azoospermia.  

- Permanent – reversal is difficult and not always successful.  

- Does not protect against HIV or other STIs.  

📖 Guideline Notes (WHO & CDC)

- Pre-operative counseling is essential for both partners.  

- Written informed consent must be obtained.  

- Post-operative semen testing should confirm the success of the procedure before stopping other contraceptive methods.  

- Men should be informed that vasectomy is a permanent choice.  

💡 Key Message

Vasectomy is a safe, permanent, and reliable method of contraception for men who have completed their families.  

It does not affect sexual function, but requires good counseling for both partners before the decision.  

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