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Vasectomy

The first vasectomy was performed in 1899. In the 1960s, it was the most commonly performed surgical procedure in men. Popularity of vasectomy is rapidly increasing. In 1991, half a million men went through this procedure. It is the most reliable method of contraception presently available. It is certainly more economical than tubal ligation in women and saves the potential side effects of the pill.

Vasectomy is usually performed under a local anesthetic in doctor's office. With "no scalpel technique," it is performed through a puncture hole in the skin. Some physicians use a small, 1-centimeter incision on each side. The pain of the needle prick for the local anesthetic is unavoidable, after this the procedure itself does not hurt.

After surgery, the patient can drive home. Pain medications, which most patients take only for a day or two, are prescribed.

After the vasectomy, the sperm are still in the channels and the person is not sterile until the semen examination shows complete absence of sperm. This test is repeated one more time before sterility is confirmed.

• Frequently asked questions about vasectomy
• No-scalpel vasectomy