9.5.1  Procedure

During a vasectomy local anaesthetic is used. The healthcare provider makes a small opening in the skin of the scrotum. This allows the sperm tubes, or vasa deferentia, to be seen and cut. The procedure itself takes about 15 minutes.

Men usually rest at the hospital after the procedure. When they return home, ice packs and painkillers can ease swelling and discomfort. It is recommended that men take two days’ rest, and perform only light activities for a week. For two days, it is helpful to wear scrotal supports and not take a bath. It may take a week for men to feel comfortable and ready for sexual activity.

Vasectomies are not immediately effective after the operation. The sperm which was in the tubes before the operation still needs to be ejaculated. This may take about a month, or 10–30 ejaculations. Therefore, it is important to use other forms of birth control until the remaining sperm are cleared from the tubes.

Similar to tubal ligation, vasectomy is a permanent sterilisation technique. In developed countries, reversal surgery is available, but not always effective. The reversal procedure rejoins the cut ends of the vas deferens, but it is not always successful.