Sterilization of the male by a surgical procedure that removes a small section of the sperm duct sealing the ends by clipping, tying, or cauterizing with an electrode.
A surgical operation to cut a vas deferens, in order to prevent sperm travelling from the epididymis up the duct.
A surgical procedure that is a form of sterilization, a permanent form of birth control for a man who wants to father no more—or no—children. The operation is often performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia and has an effectiveness rate of 99 percent. The brief procedure involves making two cuts, one on either side of the scrotum, and then cutting or clamping the long tubes called the vas deferens so that no sperm can pass through them. Some temporary pain and swelling follow the procedure, and sometimes infection can set in. In their flyer Comparing Contraceptives, the Public Health Service also reports: “Although there have been reports of adverse effects on the cardiovascular system in animal studies, human studies have shown no differences in cardiovascular problems between men who have had vasectomies and those who haven’t. However, about 5 percent of vasectomized men report having psychological problems related to the procedure.” Attempts to reverse vasectomies have had a low success rate, so men considering vasectomy should regard the operation as permanent.
A surgical procedure to render a male sterile by severing the vas deferens so that sperm cannot pass from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Potency is not affected. The operation is sometimes reversible.
Surgical procedure involving bilateral surgical removal of part of the vas deferens for the purpose of sterilization.
Surgical removal of a portion of a man’s vas deferens (spermatic duct), usually performed to induce sterility.
A sterilization procedure for men that cuts and seals off the vas deferens, the small tubes that transport sperm from the testicles. A vasectomy has no effect on sexual desire or performance. Although a vasectomy can sometimes be reversed, it should be considered a permanent form of sterilization. Serious complications from the procedure are unusual. There is a small risk of infection, excessive bleeding during recovery, or blood collecting in the scrotum. In rare cases, the two ends of the vas deferens rejoin and fertility is restored.
An operation that makes a man permanently unable to father children (infertile) by cutting and sealing the small tubes that transport sperm cells from the testicles; also known as male sterilization. A vasectomy has no effect on sexual desire or on the ability to have an erection and ejaculate. A vasectomy is preferred as a method of family planning by many couples who do not want children or who have completed their family because it is less traumatic and less costly than female sterilization and requires a shorter recovery time away from work. Although a vasectomy can sometimes be reversed later, it should be regarded as a permanent form of sterilization.
The surgical operation of cutting the duct (vas deferens) connecting the testis to the seminal vesicle and urethra. Vasectomy of both ducts causes sterility and is an increasingly popular means of birth control. Vasectomy does not affect sexual desire or potency. The operation is sometimes reversible so that fertility may be restored.
The surgical operation performed to render men sterile, or infertile. It consists of ligating, or tying, and then cutting the ductus, or vas defferens. It is quite a simple operation carried out under local anaesthesia, through a small incision or cut (or sometimes two) in the upper part of the scrotum. It has no effect on sexual drive or ejaculation, and does notcause impotence. It is not immediately effective, and several tests, spread over several months, must be carried out before it is safe to assume that sterility has been achieved. Fertility can sometimes be restored by a further operation, to restore the continuity of the vas; this cannot be guaranteed, and only seems to occur in about 20 per cent of those who have had the operation.
Removal of all or a segment of the vas deferens. Bilateral vasectomy is the most successful method of male contraception. The procedure prevents sperm (which is manufactured in the testicles) from being expelled in the male ejaculate. It is usually carried out as an outpatient or same day procedure under local or light intravenous anesthesia.
A surgical procedure performed to achieve male sterilization, which involves the removal of a segment of the tube responsible for transporting sperm to the urethra.
Vasectomy is a minor surgical method for male sterilization, carried out using local anesthesia. In this procedure, a small segment of each vas deferens—the tube responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles to the urethra—is removed. For additional information on how the operation is conducted, refer to the “How vasectomy is performed” section above. After undergoing a vasectomy, a man can still reach orgasm and ejaculate as usual. However, the ejaculated fluid will no longer contain sperm, as they are reabsorbed back into the testicles.
Male sterilization is a reliable and efficient birth control method. On rare occasions, the cut ends of the vas deferens may rejoin, leading to the presence of sperm in the ejaculate. If this happens, a second vasectomy can safely be performed. While there are some procedures that may successfully reverse a vasectomy to restore fertility, it’s generally considered to be an irreversible process.