CONTRACEPTION

STERILIZATION

MALE STERILIZATION

What is male sterilization?
Male sterilization is also known as a Vasectomy or "The Snip". It is a permanent method of contraception and requires a small operation under local anaesthesia.The doctor or surgeon will make a small incision in the scrotum and pull out the vas deferens. (A the tube that connects the testicles to the penis.) Male reproductive systems in Sexual Activity      The doctor or surgeon will then cut the tube and the cut ends are then either tied off or heat-sealed. It is very important to view this method as irreversible. Vasectomies can be reversed for a small number of men but don’t count on one of them being you as you may be very disappointed.

How does it work?
Because the tubes (carrying the sperm) are cut, no sperm are present in the semen when a man ejaculates.It takes some time for the sperm still left in your system (above the cut ends of the tubes) to clear ,so you will have to use additional contraception until being the "all clear".You will be required to produce two semen samples to test the sperm content, the first will be around 12 – 15 weeks after the operation and the second a couple of months after the first. Two successive clear sperm counts that are not containing any sperm are needed before you will be given the "all clear.’’

What are the advantages?

• It is permanent.

• It is a very minor operation with almost no surgical risks.

• Use barrier method of contraception once the "all clear" is given to protect from STD’s and HIV. Link to Barrier Methods in Contraception. NOT AN ADVANTAGE IT IS A DISADVANTAGE

What are the disadvantages?

• It doesn’t work immediately.

• You will need to use additional contraception (until given the all clear) usually for 3-5 months after the operation.

• Sometimes (but very rarely) the man’s tubes rejoin and he can become fertile again.

• Bruising and / or discomfort for a couple of days following the operation maybe there, therefore it is advisable not to do anything strenuous for the first week (including intercourse or lift any heavy objects).

• Some men change their mind and wish for the operation to be reversed, which isn’t always possible.

Failure rate:
After being given the all clear, male sterilization is over 99% effective; the failure rate is 1 in 1000.It is obviously less effective if relied upon before supplying two successive clear sperm counts. It is very important to use additional contraception until this time.

How do I get sterilized?
Speak to your Doctor, Gynecologist or Family Planning Clinic about sterilization. They will ask you some questions about why you think this is a relevant option. They will discuss the implications of sterilization and answer any questions you may have and describe the operation procedure. Male sterilization is available free in Family Planning Centers / Government runned hospitals. Many doctors provide this privately.

What is female sterilization?
Female sterilization is a permanent method of contraception and requires a small operation under local/ spinal/ general anesthesia.

You can undergo this operation by various techniques:

• A Laprotomy, in which 3-4 inches long incision is taken over the abdomen.

• A Culdotomy, in which a surgeon will enter the abdomen through a small cut in the vagina.

• A Laprorscopy, (the most modern method) in which a small telescope like instrument is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut under or through navel.

It is very important to view this method as an irreversible method and only have it, if you are absolutely sure that you no longer wish to conceive in the future.

How does it work?
After the doctor/surgeon has made their cut, they then cut, seal or block the fallopian tubes. Link to Female Reproductive System in Sexual Activity. This will stop any eggs released from traveling down the fallopian tube to the womb. Once the fallopian tube is cut, there are several options to stop them from rejoining.

• They can be tied at the ends and are left in separate tissue area, giving the least possible chance of the tubes to rejoin.

• In other methods, the fallopian tubes are blocked by the use of clips or a Falope ring.

What are the advantages?

• It is a permanent method of contraception.

• It works immediately (unlike male sterilization, which takes around 6 months).

• Use barrier method of contraception to protect STD’s and HIV. Link to Barrier Methods in Contraception.

What are the disadvantages and common side effects?

• The majority of women have this operation under general anesthesia may feel drowsy or sick following the operation.

• It requires a couple of day’s rest following the procedure.

• It may involve an overnight stay, but this is becoming less so.

• Sometimes the tubes can rejoin, but this is rare.

• Some women change their minds and want the operation reversed, which isn’t always possible.

• Some women find their periods heavier and more painful following sterilization.

Failure rate:
Female sterilization is over 99% effective, the failure rate being 1 to 3 in 1000.

How do I get sterilized?
If you are think that this is the right option for you, speak to your Doctor, Gynecologist or Family Planning Clinic about sterilization. They will ask you some questions to know if this is the right method for you, and can help you to make up your mind. After routine investigation of blood and urine, the health care professional can take a decision of operation and go ahead with it.