Male Sterilisation

What is male sterilisation?

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut the ducts that carry sperm so that, while a man can still ejaculate, there is no sperm present. The operation, which can be carried out under local anaesthetic, affects a man’s fertility potential and has no effect on the libido (sex drive) or the ability to have sex.

Would a vasectomy suit me?

This method of contraception is permanent and only suitable for those who do not want to have children or who do not want to have any more children. Although there is a chance to reverse it, the procedure is complicated and rarely successful.

Sperm is still present in the male genital organs immediately after the operation, with 2 or more semen analyses required to check when the sperm has cleared. This usually takes place approximately 16-18 weeks after the operation so other contraceptive methods should be used during this time.