What is Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception by male sterilization. It is performed under local anaesthesia. Two small one cm incisions are made on either side of the scrotum. This gives access to the spermatic cord in which the vas is lound. A small segment (one cm) of the vas is cut ind the snipped ends are tied (closed) off, so that the sperm will be unable to pass through. The incisions are then closed with an absorbable suture. This operation is simpler than the sterilization of a female. Hospitalisation is not necessary and the patient can walk back home. The procedure only affects the fertility and the virility is left intact.

In which conditions, vasectomy should not be encouraged?

Vasectomy should be postponed in cases where

  1. A man is equating his masculinity with fathering of the child,
  2. There are unresolved doubts and conflicts about the procedure and its outcome,
  3. Local conditions where surgery becomes difficult (infection, varicocele, large hydrocele, inguinal hernia, filariasis or scar tissue from surgery).

Vasectomy should be deferred until a specialist is consulted.