What is a vasectomy?
A minor surgical procedure to divide the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra. After a vasectomy, men ejaculate semen free of sperm. A man who has had a successful vasectomy cannot impregnate a woman.
Birth control for men
Vasectomy for men is highly effective, with a success rate exceeding 99.5%. It is recommended for men who are confident that they do not want to ever get a woman pregnant — ideally in a relationship where both partners agree that they do not want additional children, and where neither partner wishes to use other forms of birth control.
A vasectomy is not recommended for short-term birth control. The procedure to reverse a vasectomy is complex and not covered by OHIP.
The no-scalpel technique
A technique where a vasectomy is performed without a surgical incision. Under local anaesthesia, the vas deferens is accessed through a single small hole in the scrotal skin. Both vas deferentia are cut, ligated and sealed shut. A band-aid is applied without the need for suturing.
Subsequently, the sperm count gradually decreases, and by 2–3 months is no longer present in the semen. You must continue to use birth control to prevent pregnancy until your semen analysis is confirmed to be sterile.
Recovery and outcomes
As with any surgical procedure, infection, swelling, or prolonged pain can occasionally occur. Most patients are fine to return to work within 1–3 days, depending on the level of activity.
Very rarely, the vas deferens can reconnect. It is important to submit a semen analysis 2 months after the procedure to ensure sterility.
Will it affect sex?
A vasectomy does not affect erections or orgasms. The volume of semen may be slightly reduced.