RedGage

VASECTOMY

Vasectomy is a dependable method of birth control for men who desire permanent sterility. It is a simple 15 minute procedure performed in a doctor's office or clinic with a local anesthetic.  The procedure prevents sperm from reaching the man’s ejaculate.

Procedure:

1. A local anesthesia is injected into the scrotal skin and each vas deferens through a tiny needle.  (Pillitteri, 2007)
2. A small incision is made on each side of the scrotum. (Pillitteri, 2007)
3. The Vas Deferens at that point is then cut and tied, cauterized, or plugged, blocking the passage of spermatozoa (Pillitteri, 2007)
4. After the cutting is the final skin suture.

What to expect after surgery?

•       The scrotum will numb for 1 to 2 hours after a vasectomy.

•       Apply cold packs to the area and lie on your back as much as possible for the rest of the day.

•       Wear a comfortable underwear will help ease discomfort and protect the area.

•       Swelling and Minor pain in the scrotum may be present for several days.

Risks

• Bleeding under the skin.
• Infection at the site of infection.
• Formation of a sperm granuloma.
• Congestive epididymitis.
• Recanalization of the Vas Deferens.

Risks of failure

•       Pregnancy may occur after vasectomy if:

–      Failure to use any birth control method until the sperm count is zero.

–      Spontaneous reconnection of a vas deferens or an opening on one side.

Advantages

1.Permanent

Once you have a vasectomy, you and your partner will no longer have to worry about any unwanted pregnancies.

2. Convenient

            After your doctor verifies that your semen is sperm-free, you are considered sterile and will be able to have sex without having to use any other form of birth control.

3. Effective

            Unlike other birth control methods , there is no user failure rate with a vasectomy, since the couple does not have to take any other steps once the procedure has been preformed.

4. Simple and Relatively Inexpensive

            Vasectomy is a fairly simple procedure. It can be done in a surgeon's office and only requires a local anesthetic.

5. Won't Impact Sexual Performance

            A vasectomy merely prevents sperm from joining a man's semen.

Disadvantages

•       Some men are afraid.

•       A vasectomy requires surgery.

•       Some men fear the operation will affect their ability to have intercourse or will interfere erection .

•       There is no easy way to check after tubal sterilization to see if it is “still working”.Vasectomy provides no protection against STD including HIV

•       Regret after vasectomy is greater if the man’s partner is under 25, if he divorces or remarries, if a child dies or when the vasectomy is done immediately after a new baby.

•       The operation is not effective immediately. You will need to use condoms until the sperm clears from the tubes.

•       Tubal sterilization is very effective but definitely not 100% effective. The failure rate as high as 1-5% in the 10yrs. After the operation.

Effectiveness

•       Vasectomy may be the safest, most effective kind of birth control. Only about 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant the first year after a vasectomy.

Sources:

·         Http://www.answers.com/topic/vesectomy-risks

·         http://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/vasectomy-14387

·         Pillitteri, A. (2007). Maternal and Child Health

Nursing: Care of the Childbearing and Childrearing family. 5th Ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.