Vasectomy: An effective form of male birth control

Vasectomy is a very effective way to prevent pregnancy. It is safer than female sterilization and can be done in a doctor’s clinic. Over 40 million couples around the world depend on vasectomy for birth control. However, its use varies greatly among different countries due to cultural influences, public awareness programs and the availability of male-oriented healthcare facilities.

Presently, it is more commonly used than female sterilization in some economically developed countries, although globally, female sterilization is still approximately four times more prevalent. For men who have completed their families and are suitable candidates for minor surgery, vasectomy provides a very safe, simple and highly effective form of birth control that can be performed as an office procedure.

Types of Vasectomy

There are three of vasectomy:

• Conventional Vasectomy
• No-Scalpel Vasectomy

The main purpose of all these procedures is to permanently block the vas deferens. However, the techniques used vary slightly.

Conventional Vasectomy

In a traditional vasectomy, the scrotum is cut by using a scalpel. These cuts can either be made down the middle or on both sides of the scrotum. Normally, these incisions range from 1.5 to 3.0 cm long, and no special vasectomy instruments are utilized. Due to the larger size of these incisions, they often need to be closed with sutures. Conventional vasectomies are associated with higher rates of complications compared to other methods.

No-scalpel vasectomy

A No-scalpel vasectomy is involving the use of unique tools to create tiny slits in the skin of the scrotum. The NSV incision is generally under 10mm, and these smaller cuts do not need stitches to close them up. There are two main instruments required for carrying out are a vas ring clamp and a vas dissector.

During the procedure, the doctor can make one or two small openings and then use various methods to close or remove segments of the vas deferens, all while maintaining the minimally invasive nature of the NSV.

Efficacy of Vasectomy

Vasectomy is proved to be one of the most effective birth control methods available. However, it requires a period of adjustment and confirmation to ensure its success. It does not work as birth control immediately.  This usually takes about three months and requires approximately 15 to 20 ejaculations.  Men should use other forms of birth control until all sperm have been cleared from the semen. During this period, around 20% of men may still have sperm in their semen, necessitating the continued use of other contraceptive methods.

Comparing Effectiveness

Compared to other contraceptive methods, vasectomy has a significantly lower failure rate. Condoms and oral contraceptive pills have higher rates of accidental pregnancy, whereas the incidence of pregnancy in couples where the man has undergone a vasectomy is notably lower.

Long-Term Effectiveness

Vasectomy becomes an effective method of birth control once the sperm count in the semen drops to zero. To check the effectiveness the doctor will perform certain post-surgery check to assess the absence of sperm count. It is only after this confirmation that it is safe to consider the vasectomy as fully effective.

Benefits of a Vasectomy

For men who do not want more children, a vasectomy is one of the most reliable and safest forms of birth control. It is also less likely to cause problems compared to a woman having her tubes tied (tubal ligation) and is generally less expensive. 

Concerns about the procedure affecting sex drive or sexual function are unfounded. A vasectomy does not impact testosterone levels, erections, orgasms, libido, or any other aspect of sexual health.

Side effects

A vasectomy is a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it can have some side effects. Most men experience mild pain, some swelling in the scrotum, and possibly a bit of bleeding after the surgery. These issues are generally minor and not serious. However, about 1% to 2% of men may experience chronic pain that doesn't go away.

While complications are rare, they can occur and might include bruising, inflammation, and infection. These are typically not severe, but it's important to inform your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Other potential but uncommon issues include:

• Pressure in a testicle
• Spermatocele, a cyst in the tube that collects sperm
• Hydrocele, a fluid sac around a testicle causing scrotal swelling
• Sperm granuloma, a hard lump or inflammation caused by leaking sperm

Recovery After a Vasectomy

After the procedure, it is important to rest:

Take it easy for at least one day. Most men fully recover within a week. Many choose to have the procedure on a Friday and return to work by Monday.

One may feel sore for a few days. To reduce swelling and manage pain, apply an ice pack to the area. Wearing a jockstrap can also provide support and help with comfort.

Vas Clip Vasectomy

One of the best ways to block sperm is to use little biocompatible clips on both vas deferens tubes. The procedure is called Vas Clip Vasectomy, also known as fascial interposition, and is an innovative procedure that is rapidly gaining popularity. This technique requires placing tiny biocompatible clips at both vas deferens tubes blocking flow of sperms.

Procedure Summary

This operation is easy and can be performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision to locate the vas deferens tubes and then places the clips on them. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches. The entire process is less duration typically around 30 minutes and is relatively painless.

Efficacy

The Vas Clip Vasectomy has an extremely high rate of success since less than 1% fail when using it as contraception method according to studies conducted over time. The clips used are made in such a way that they reduce chances of immune reactions occurring or harm occurring on other organs hence it can be recommended to most men.

Reversibility

One major benefit of this technique is reversibility. Unlike traditional vasectomies, the clips can be removed if a man decides he wants to father children in the future. The tubes can be reconnected quickly, restoring fertility.

Safety

While the procedure is generally simple and painless, some men may experience mild scrotal pain until the incision fully heals. Although the clips are designed to be biocompatible, the Vas Clip Vasectomy is a relatively new technique, and long-term safety and effectiveness data are still being gathered.