Vasectomy
Vasectomy
AKA
The Snip, Male Sterilisation
Efficacy
99.9% typical.
Routine
Forever
STI protection
No
Pros
Permanent, cost-effective, not associated with changes to sexual function, simple procedure, often performed under local anaesthetic. Failure rate <0.1%.
Cons
Lower reversal success rate over time, carries surgical risks, negative semen test required at least 3 months after operation before it can be relied on.
How does a Vasectomy work?
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis. After the procedure, sperm is reabsorbed into the body instead of being integrated into the seminal fluid. This means ejaculated semen will no longer contain sperm and therefore can’t get anyone pregnant.
It’s important to know that vasectomy is not effective until after the sperm count test has been performed and passed, which happens 3 months after the initial procedure. This means backup contraception needs to be used during those three months.
Tip: Make sure you’re getting the vasectomy gold standard; no scalpel, open ended.
How do I get a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a one off procedure, and once it’s complete you don’t need to do anything else. But there are a few crucial steps you need to take before you’re certified to not get anyone pregnant.
Step 1. Book your vasectomy. You don’t need a referral to get one, you can book yourself in with a proceduralist. A proceduralist is someone who specialises in a specific medical procedure, and is often the only type of surgery they perform (which means they’re pretty good at it). If you decide to go through your GP and get a referral, be aware that they may refer you to a specialist such as a urologist, who might charge significantly more than a proceduralist.
Step 2. Attend the appointment. Before the procedure you’ll meet with your vasectomist for a pre-care evaluation to make sure there’s nothing in your medical history or down below that might be an issue. If everything is fine, the snip will go ahead!
Step 3. Once the vasectomy is done, you’ll need to take a week off before you can have sex again, to ensure that you give your body time to heal from the procedure.
Step 4. After a week of recovery, you’re ready to have sex. When you do though, it’s crucial that you use another method of contraception for the first 3 months following your vasectomy.
Step 5. After 3 months you’ll have your sperm count test to ensure that there’s no viable sperm left in your ejaculate. Only once you’ve received the all clear from your sperm test are you free to have unprotected sex without worrying about pregnancy.
Explore more methods
MALE CONDOM
(Rubber, Prophylactic)
Condoms are a barrier that’s placed on an erect penis to prevent contact with the vulva and vaginal canal.
FEMALE CONDOM
(Femidom)
The female condom wraps the inside of the vaginal canal and covers the vulva, preventing a penis from coming into contact with either.
DIAPHRAGM
(Caya)
A diaphragm is a small cap that sits at the entrance to your cervix and prevents sperm from getting through.
THE PILL
(Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill, Contraceptive Pill)
The pill contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, and to thicken cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
THE MINI PILL
(Progestogen Only Pill)
The mini pill contains progestogen which prevents pregnancy by thickening the cervical mucous, stopping sperm from getting through into the uterus.
VAGINAL RING
(Contraceptive Ring, Combined Hormonal Ring)
A thin band that contains oestrogen and progestogen which work together to prevent ovulation, preventing sperm from getting through.
IMPLANT
(Rod, Bar, Contraceptive Implant)
A small bar inserted into the upper arm that slowly releases progestogen into your bloodstream; preventing ovulation, and thickening the cervical mucous; preventing sperm from getting through.
INJECTION
(Jab)
A 150mg dose of progestogen hormone, it prevents ovulation and thickens the cervical mucous which prevents sperm from getting through.
HORMONAL IUD
(Intrauterine System, IUS)
Releases small quantities of progestogen to your reproductive system. This thickens the mucous of your cervix, so sperm can’t get through.
COPPER IUD
(IUD, Non-hormonal IUD, The Coil)
Releases very low levels of copper ions which affect sperm’s ability to move. Also stops fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall.
TUBAL LIGATION
(Getting your tubes tied, Female Sterilisation)
Surgically creating a block so any potential sperm can’t gain passage along the fallopian tubes.
VASECTOMY
(The Snip, Male Sterilisation)
A vasectomy involves cutting and separating the vas deferens, which are the tubes that move sperm from the testicles to the penis.
FERTILITY AWARENESS
(FAM, Rhythm Method, Calendar Method, Period tracking)
A system of monitoring when ovulation occurs and making sure unprotected sex only occurs on days of minimal fertility.
WITHDRAWAL METHOD
(Pull out method, Coitus Interruptus)
The act of withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculating.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION PILLS
(Morning After Pill)
Works by preventing or delaying ovulation, ensuring any viable sperm will be out of the body by the time an egg is released.