Types of Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a type of surgery that functions as a birth control procedure for men. A simple, low-risk procedure prevents sperm from entering a man's semen. Vasectomies are generally considered as permanent. Although there are reversal procedures available, these do not always result in bringing back fertility. There are two main types of vasectomies.

Advantages

• A vasectomy is considered to be advantageous to men because it is an outpatient surgery that is relatively quick and painless. In addition to this, vasectomies are less expensive than female sterilization or tubal ligation. They are also even more economical than birth control medication, which needs to be taken regularly.

Conventional Vasectomy

• A conventional vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves making small cuts on each side of the scrotum. The vas deferens, a tube that connects the testes with the urethra and conveys sperm, is cut and sealed. The result is that the sperm is unable to reach the prostate where it combines with the semen. If the semen does not contain any sperm, the man will be unable to make a woman pregnant.

Nonsurgical Vasectomy

• Also known as a no-scalpel vasectomy, the non-surgical method is similar to the conventional procedure in that the purpose is the same. The vas deferens is cut, preventing sperm from reaching the prostate to mix with the semen. However, the difference is that nonsurgical vasectomies do not involve incisions on the scrotum. Instead, an instrument is used to puncture the skin and then stretch it in order to reach the tubes. The advantage of a nonsurgical vasectomy is that there is very little blood in the procedure because incisions are not made. Thus, healing is quick and rarely produces scars.

Risks

• The most common side effects of vasectomies are swelling and bruising, which are usually not serious and go away naturally. However, there are some complications that can occur. One complication is epididymitis or orchitis, which are characterized by the swelling and pain in the epididymis or testis respectively. Another complication that should be considered is an adverse reaction by the immune system. The sperm, which is still produced by the testes even after the procedure, are absorbed by the body which can trigger an immune response.

Effects

• Protection against pregnancy occurs gradually after a vasectomy. Alternative methods of contraception such as condoms are recommended for at least three months after the procedure. Follow up visits with the doctor are needed in order to test the semen to see if it is free from sperm.