Vasectomy (Male sterilisation) is a surgical procedure that provides permanent contraception.
A vasectomy is more than 99% effective.
How does it work?
A vasectomy works by stopping sperm getting into a man's semen, the fluid that he ejaculates. The tubes that carry sperm from a man's testicles to the penis are cut, blocked or sealed with heat. This means that when a man ejaculates, the semen has no sperm in it and a woman's egg can't be fertilised.
Advantages
- is useful for couples who have completed their families.
- does not affect your hormone levels, sex drive or interfere with sex.
- it may be chosen as a simpler and safer alternative to female sterilisation
Disadvantages
- the procedure should be considered permanent.
- it is difficult to reverse and attempts to do so often fail
- you can have discomfort and swelling for a short time after the procedure.
- does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
For more information, please visit your GP or family planning clinic.
