What is male sterilisation?
Male sterilisation, also known as a vasectomy, is a permanent method of contraception when the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm cells from the testicles to the penis are cut, sealed or blocked. This is a permanent method of contraception. Counselling is available to help with decision making. It is over 99% effective.
What are the advantages?
- It is a permanent method of contraception
- The operation takes 10-15 minutes and can be carried out at a Sexual Health service or GP's surgery
- Once the operation has worked, there is no need to think about contraception
What are the disadvantages?
- It can take a couple of months for all the sperm cells to disappear from semen
- Contraception must be used during this time until two negative semen tests have been confirmed
- Although uncommon, the tubes can rejoin and fertility can return
- It does not protect you against STIs