A vasectomy procedure is the most effective form of contraception available for men but any surgery comes with cost and some blokes complain that after the clinic procedure, the post-op pain never really goes away.

Self mutilation, complications or the only adult solution when you no longer want children?  What do you think?

See contraception after kids weighing up the alternatives

FOR

Anthony: one of the best things I’ve done

‘It was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It made, if you’ll pardon the pun, a clean break between one phase of my life and the next. It demonstrated my commitment to my wife and our kids and it also means I’ll never have to wear a condom again in my life which, as I can’t stand the smell of the things, is totally liberating.

‘We’re like a couple of teenagers again. You can have sex without preparation or interruption and need never pay for another condom.

‘I’ve got three kids. Frankly, a minor procedure involving less than an hour at the clinic was the least I could do compared to what my wife’s been through to produce our family, ie. 27 months of pregnancy and at least one painful labour. It didn’t hurt and sex doesn’t feel different. Any problems are all inside your head.’

AGAINST

Kevin: it’s unnatural to have unnecessary surgery

‘I’ve heard women say that having a masectomy feels like having a part of what it is to be a women removed, like part of their personality, and I know what they mean. I have the same attitude to a vasectomy. I know you can have a perfectly normal sex life afterwards but to me it would be like being impotent. In fact in the strict sense of the word that is exactly what you would be. You wouldn’t be able to father kids and that’s fundamental to being a man.’

‘Used correctly condoms are nearly as safe as the snip anyway. And let’s face it, surgery’s a lot to go through just because you can’t put a rubber on properly. To me, it’s unnatural to have unnecessary surgery. It’s risky, a waste of health service resources and once you’ve had it there’s no going back.

A vasectomy assumes that my present relationship will be my last. One of the good things about being a man is that you can have a child at pretty much anytime and who says I won’t want one at 60?’

What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a sterilisation operation for men in which the vas deferens – the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal vessel – are cut and the ends heat sealed. As a result when semen from the the seminal vessel is ejaculated during love making, it doesn’t contain any sperm. It takes about twenty minutes (the operation that is, not your love making.)

Does it work?
Yes. Once all remaining sperm has gone from the seminal vessel, vasectomy is 99.8% effective in preventing pregnancy. However, ensuring that the seminal vessel is sperm-free can take some time and samples of your semen will be examined at least twice. It may take three months before you’re declared sterile and able to have sex without using any other form of contraception.

Who would want one?
Any man who doesn’t want any more children. (Or, indeed, any man who doesn’t want any children at all). If that’s how you feel, it’s best to discuss the idea with your partner, GP and perhaps a trained counsellor before proceeding, especially if you are taking this decision while still young. Although strictly speaking about half of vasectomies can be reversed, it is complicated and the procedure is best considered a once and for all decision.

How quickly will I recover?
At first, you’ll be sore and there may be some swelling and bruising and general discomfort. If it doesn’t ease after a few days, you’ll need to see your doctor. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting, exercise and sex for at least a week and more strenous exercise like football or rugby for at least a month. However, you could be back at work in three days. Wear comfortable, supportive underpants or a jock-strap.

What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
Instead of one or two scalpel cuts, forceps are used to make a single opening about 5mm long in the scrotum through which the tubes are accessed. As a result, recovery is faster and the risk of infection and bleeding reduced. However, the operation is slightly more complicated and surgeons require additional training.

What are the advantages?
Vasectomy is the single most effective method of contraception. It’s relatively quick, painless and many GPs can do it. In 1999 out of 2000 cases, you’ll never need to worry about unwanted pregnancy again. (A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases or the HIV virus.)

What are the disadvantages?
In about one in 2000 cases the vas deferens can reunite and unwanted pregnancy result. Infection and other complications are rare in vasectomy and the more common ones tend to resolve themselves relatively quickly anyway. However, there is some risk with any surgery. It is unlikely that vasectomy increases the risk of prostate cancer although some studies have suggested (but not proved) that there is an increased risk of heart disease.

Need to know more:

• Ask your GP
• Send us an email at dads@dadsclub.com.au and we’ll get back to you
• Drop into the Dads’ Club forum, there you can get in touch with blokes who have already had the snip
• Go to  Male Health Forum

Reproduced with kind permission of the Men’s Health Forum England