MALE STERILIZATION

STOPPING SPERM AT THE SOURCE

Male sterilization, also known as a vasectomy, is a permanent surgical contraceptive method. It involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis during ejaculation in a procedure that is done under local anesthetic. Since it is permanent and highly effective, it is an option for those who never want to have children, or who don't wish to have any more.

After the procedure, the man can still ejaculate, but the seminal fluid will not contain any sperm. Sterilization will only affect the man's fertility, and not his libido or his ability to have sex, but it's important to consult a doctor or nurse before making a decision. They will help you weigh the benefits and risks, and advise you on alternative long-acting methods of contraception such as the IUS or IUD. Sometimes it is possible to reverse a vasectomy, but the procedure is very complex, so there are no guarantees.

How it measures up

EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

Sterilization is a highly effective, and permanent, method of contraception that is performed by a doctor or nurse.

View ’Typical’ Use Efficacy Rate

EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Since sterilization is a procedure performed by a doctor or nurse, it is highly effective with typical use.

View ’Perfect’ Use Efficacy Rate

Hormones

No. Male sterilization is hormone-free.

Ease of Use

Male sterilization is permanent. Once the procedure is done, it’s done.

Your Period

Male sterilization has no impact on menstruation.

COMPARE METHODS

Does a man have to use another method of contraception after sterilization?

Yes. Contraception should still be used for the first three months after the procedure.

Does sterilization reduce sex drive?

No, sterilization does not impact libido, and a man can have sex after he has recovered from the procedure the same as he did before.

Can sterilization be reversed?

Sterilization is intended to be permanent and non-reversible, so those who feel they may want to have children in the future should opt for an alternative method of contraception. Surgery to reverse sterilization is very difficult.

Is it possible to check if sterilization has worked?

A doctor or nurse can examine a semen sample under a microscope to see if a man's ejaculate still contains sperm. If no moving sperm can be detected, the vasectomy has worked. A semen examination is recommended at any time after three months following the procedure.

Can male sterilization stop working?

Sterilization is intended to be permanent, but in rare cases the tubes that carry sperm can grow back together. If this happens, a repeat procedure will be necessary.

Can you still reach orgasm after having a vasectomy?

Yes, a vasectomy shouldn’t affect your ability to orgasm.

Do you still ejaculate after having a vasectomy?

Yes. Though you may experience a little discomfort after the initial procedure, a vasectomy should not noticeably change the amount of ejaculate.

What should I expect after a vasectomy?

After the procedure, you’ll have two incisions that will need time to heal. You may experience some local pain or soreness, swelling, blood in the semen or blood clots in the scrotum. These symptoms should abate over time. You may also not be immediately sterile after the procedure.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Make an appointment with your doctor or nurse today.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

1775

The year the first vasectomy was performed.

Zero

The seminal fluid ejaculated by a sterilized man contains no sperm.

10,000

Roughly the number of vasectomies undertaken worldwide every year.

It is permanent.
It allows spontaneity and doesn’t interrupt sex.
It is hormone-free and can be an option for women who experience unwanted effects from hormones.
It has no impact on menstruation.
A doctor or nurse must perform the procedure, which may involve general anaesthesia.
Some women experience pain, bleeding, infection, or other complications after the procedure.
It can cause tubal pregnancy.
It is non-reversible.
It doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Seek out an appointment with your doctor or nurse for further support that meets your needs.

Is It Okay?

CONSIDER THIS

The pill should be taken every day at the same time, as a missed pill can compromise efficacy. If taking the pill every day doesn’t suit your lifestyle, it might be worth exploring other contraceptive methods.

WHAT’S MY METHOD?

CONSIDER THIS

If you’re concerned that your ring may fall out or has fallen out for more than three hours, you should consult your doctor or nurse and read your Patient Information Leaflet. In the meantime, consider using another form of contraception such as a condom.

LEARN MORE

STOPPING SPERM AT THE SOURCE

How it measures up

EFFICACY WITH PERFECT USE

EFFICACY WITH TYPICAL USE

Hormones

Ease of Use

Your Period

1775

Zero

10,000

NEED ADVICE? SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

IS IT OK TO STOP TAKING THE PILL EVERY DAY?

IS IT OK TO WONDER ABOUT HOW HORMONES AFFECT MY BODY?

IS IT OK IF THE RING FEELS LIKE IT COULD FALL OUT?

THE IUS

THE IUD

THE IMPLANT

THE INJECTION

THE RING

THE PATCH

THE PILL

THE DIAPHRAGM

THE MALE CONDOM

THE FEMALE CONDOM

THE SPONGE

WITHDRAWAL

NATURAL PLANNING

SPERMICIDE