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Vasectomy

Sterilisation is a permanent method of contraception that works by stopping the eggs and sperm meeting. It is suitable for both males and females who are sure they never want children or who do not want more children. For males it is called Vasectomy. Sometimes called the “snip”.

Overview
How it Works
Pros & Cons
FAQs

Overview

Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception which involves an operation to stop the sperm and egg meeting. Vasectomy is the permanent contraception for males. You will need to visit your doctor or a specialist to discuss sterilisation.

Key Facts

  • Vasectomy involves a small operation where a tube called "vas deferens" in each testicle is clamped, cut, or sealed. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation.
  • Vasectomy is a permanent and should only be considered when you are sure that you do not want to have a child in the future.
  • It is very reliable and in most cases will prevent pregnancy. It is not quite 100% effective. About 1 in 2,000 males become fertile again at some point in the future.
  • Vasectomy is a simple procedure that takes about 15 minutes. You can get it at a doctor's office or a hospital.
  • Having a vasectomy doesn't affect your sexuality or sex drive.
  • Vasectomy doesn't protect against STIs.

How it Works

Vasectomy is a simple operation, which takes about 15 minutes. It can be done at a doctor’s surgery or a hospital. It is usually done under a local anaesthetic. This means you are awake but have an injection into the skin so that you do not feel pain. 

In no-scalpel vasectomy:

  • Local anaesthetic is injected into a small area of skin on either side of the scrotum above the testicles (testes).
  • The doctor feels the tubes under the skin and holds them in place.
  • They then make one tiny puncture with a special instrument. The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached.
  • The tube is brought to the surface through the small opening. Different doctors use different techniques, but all are designed to ensure the two ends of the cut tubes remain separate.
  • The second tube is treated in the same way through the same hole. There is very little bleeding with this technique.
  • No stitches are needed to close the opening, which heals quickly without leaving a scar. minimal scarring.

Pros

  • Vasectomy is a simpler and safer option than tubal ligation.
  • It’s a permanent way to stop pregnancy. Once your semen doesn’t have sperm, you don’t
    need other contraception.
  • Although vasectomy is expensive, it is a one-time cost. The cost of other methods, such as birth control pills or condoms and spermicide, is likely to be greater over time.

Cons

  • The effect of a vasectomy in preventing pregnancy is not immediate. A sperm count three months after vasectomy is required to check that the semen is free from sperm.
  • As a vasectomy is permanent, some people regret having a vasectomy, especially if their circumstances change.
  • A vasectomy does not protect against STIs. Condoms are the most effective method for preventing STIs.
  • You will need to see a doctor or specialist.

FAQs

You will need to see your doctor or a specialist (urologist) to find out more about vasectomy and what services are available in your area.

Vasectomy is usually safe and simple, and most males don’t have issues. But here are a few
things to know:

  • Sometimes there might be a small infection at the wound.
  • You could see some bruising, which resolves with time.
  • Sperm may leak and form a swelling, which may need treatment.
  • You might feel a dull ache in the scrotum for a while, but it usually gets better within three months.

Note: Wāhine/women+ includes consideration of whānau and social context and is intended to be inclusive of gender diverse people who share some of the health needs of women but do not identify as women. (RANZCOG, 2022)

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