Vasectomy

You must be aware of these facts about vasectomy.

  • Vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception.
  • Vasectomy does not produce immediate sterility.
  • Following vasectomy, another form of contraception is required until vas occlusion is confirmed by post- vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA).
  • Even after vas occlusion is confirmed, vasectomy is not 100% reliable in preventing pregnancy.
  • The risk of pregnancy after vasectomy is approximately 1 in 2,000 for men who have post-vasectomy azoospermia.
  • Repeat vasectomy is necessary in ≤1% of vasectomies, provided that a technique for vas occlusion known to have a low occlusive failure rate has been used.
  • Patients should refrain from ejaculation for approximately one week after vasectomy.
  • Options for fertility after vasectomy include vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization. These options are not always successful, and they may be expensive.
  • The rates of surgical complications such as symptomatic hematoma and infection are 1-2%. These rates vary with the surgeon’s experience and the criteria used to diagnose these conditions.
  • Chronic scrotal pain associated with negative impact on quality of life occurs after vasectomy in about 1-2% of men. Few of these men require additional surgery.
  • Other permanent and non-permanent alternatives to vasectomy should be discussed.