How to choose the right contraception

What it is

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that interrupts the two tubes (vas deferens) in which sperm are stored before ejaculation. The two vas deferentia may be cut, and the ends securely tied or sealed by heat under local (or sometimes general) anaesthetic. The procedure takes 10-20 minutes.

How it works

• Designed to prevent sperm passing from the testicles to the penis.

Pros

• Low failure rate.
  
• Is considered permanent.

Cons

• May be uncomfortable for a few days after the procedure.
  
• Not immediately effective - it may take three months or more for live sperm to disappear from ejaculations.
  
• Alternative methods of contraception must be used until you are told you can start relying on your vasectomy.
  
• Complications of vasectomy are rare, but can include bleeding, swelling, bruising and infection.
  
• It is wise to have a semen analysis once a year, as the method failure rate (due to spontaneous rejoining of a vas deferens) is around 1 in 2,000 vasectomies. Failure is most common 10-14 weeks after the operation, although it can occur at any time in the future.
  
• Not readily reversible.