Vasectomy - what is it, complications, contraindications

Vasectomy is a very safe and fairly popular procedure known as male contraception. It is very effective, but there is controversy around it. In the US, vasectomy is considered one of the most common methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy, accounting for approximately 20% of all types of contraception used. Its price is high, but it goes hand in hand with efficiency.

1. Characteristics of Vasectomy

A vasectomy is the cutting and ligation of the vas deferens, which are responsible for transporting sperm from the testicles to the testicles. ejaculation. They cannot go beyond the body, but the man remains fully sexually functional. He can achieve an erection and full intercourse with ejaculation. The difference is that there are no spermatozoa in semen, so the risks get pregnant it's almost zero.

It is an absolutely safe and minimally invasive procedure, as well as completely legal. It is believed that this is a modern male contraception, which can become an alternative to hormonal drugs used by women. Unlike hormonal contraception, it is not associated with many side effects health issues that women have to deal with.

The effectiveness of vasectomy as a method of contraception reaches 99%, so this method of contraception is becoming more and more popular all over the world, including in Poland. The Pearl Index for vasectomy is 0.2%. The procedure is performed by trained doctors, mainly urologists, gynecologists and surgeons.

Vasectomy in women in Poland is not yet regulated by law.

2. What is a vasectomy procedure?

Vasectomy is performed in local anesthesia - due to this, the patient does not feel pain, but only slight discomfort. The doctor then cuts the vessel about 3 cm behind the epididymis. The next step is to close them with electrocoagulation and place each end on opposite parts. scrotum.

The entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Men should remember what is needed during the first week after surgery give up sex life. After this time, you can return to regular sexual intercourse, but at the beginning you should use the old methods of contraception.

It can take up to 20 ejaculations to clear semen from semen, so another time should be used at this time. contraceptive methods. Then you need to do a semen analysis to see if you can have unprotected sex.

It is also worth remembering that vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseasesand only prevents unwanted pregnancy.

3. Indications for use

There are not many medical indications for a vasectomy. is a procedure leading to infertilitytherefore, it is chosen by men who do not want to have children at all or have as many as they always wanted.

Another indication for the procedure is the poor health of the partner. If a new pregnancy could threaten her life, doctors recommend a vasectomy. The same applies to the risk of having a child with genetic defect (first or next).

4. How much does the procedure cost and where can it be done?

In Poland, the vasectomy procedure is by no means reimbursed by the National Health Fund, so if a man decides to have a vascular ligation, he must take into account the costs. The cost of the procedure is approx. PLN 2000 and a lump sum - there is no need to repeat or renew the vasectomy from time to time. Some branches offer the option of paying in installments.

Currently, vasectomy is available in almost all private clinics.

5. Possible complications after surgery

The vascular ligation procedure is considered safe, but, like any medical procedure, it is associated with certain complications.

Immediately after the procedure, some men may experience swelling, redness, and pain in the scrotum. This is a natural reaction of the body to the operation. Diseases can be alleviated with the help of public painkillers and cold compresses.

Hematoma and bruising may form in the operated area, but these symptoms usually disappear after a few days. You may also see blood in the semen after the procedure.

It should also be remembered that in some cases the procedure has an effect on the psyche. Some men may suffer low self-esteemwhich is the result of infertility. For this reason, it is very important that the decision be conscious, completely voluntary and agreed with the partner.

5.1. inflammation

The most common complication after vasectomy is inflammation. The infection is manifested by redness, pain, subfebrile condition and emergence purulent discharge. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor. Usually, the use of antibiotic therapy is effective, and the inflammation subsides after a few days.

It is estimated that 0,5% of men develop epididymitis after a vasectomy. Common symptoms include enlargement and pain in the epididymis. In such cases, it is also necessary to use anti-inflammatory drugs. antibiotics.

Another possible complication is seed kernels, that is, thickenings that form at the ends of the tied vas deferens. They are felt when touched. It occurs in about half of the patients. Granulomas are often accompanied by mild pain, but do not require specialized treatment.

5.2. Pain syndrome

One of the most common complications is pain, which can persist for up to several weeks after a vasectomy. Ailments concern the scrotum and testicles, and the pain is perceived by patients as dull and prolonged.

Pain can also develop over time. intercourse, ejaculation and during playing sports. In some cases, the symptoms may be chronic and specialized treatment is required. Sometimes a second vasectomy or revasectomy is necessary.

5.3. Vasectomy and cancer

Many men considering vascular ligation are concerned about the increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, recent studies do not support a link between vasectomy and a greater risk of developing cancer. Earlier data suggesting a link may be biased because men who have had a vasectomy are more likely to visit their doctors and monitor their health.

Therefore, in these people it is possible to detect any possible previously neoplastic changes - Most men are still reluctant to visit offices and undergo preventive examinations, which is why they often do not know about their diseases.

5.4. When to see a doctor?

It is worth consulting a doctor if it occurs after the procedure. fever above 38 degrees and accompanying chills. Complications after the procedure may also include swelling of the scrotum and difficulty urinating (pain, burning, frequent urination, and pressure on the bladder).

Bleeding from the treatment site that is difficult to stop should also be a concern.

6. How to prepare for the vasectomy procedure?

Before having a vasectomy, it is worth going through some necessary examinations. First of all, complete HBS morphology and antigen must be performed. Show the results to the doctor who will perform the procedure. They should also be told about any illnesses and medications they are taking, as well as genetic burden.

Before the procedure, do not take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, ketoprofen, aspirin or naproxen. They are also prohibited anticoagulants. You do not need to be on an empty stomach before the procedure.

Immediately before the procedure, you should also shave your private parts. This will greatly facilitate the work of the doctor.

After the procedure, it is advisable not to engage in heavy work for 5-7 days. If a man has a daily sedentary job, he can safely return to it the next day after the procedure. However, if it is physical work, it is worth waiting a few days to avoid serious complications.

The procedure is non-invasive and considered safe, however, all precautions should be observed.

7. Contraindications to the procedure

Although this is a voluntary procedure and is used primarily for fertility loss, not everyone can have a vasectomy. Young men who are not sure if they want to have children in 10 years should seriously consider getting the procedure.

Vasectomy can also affect the male psyche and contribute to the development psychoneurotic diseases. Treatment is contraindicated for men with low self-esteem and not entirely confident in their masculinity. The ligation of the vas deferens can only exacerbate the problem, as the man may feel even less "useful".

The decision to have a vasectomy cannot be made under duress. It should be the man's decision, not pressure from his partner, family or doctors. You should also talk to your loved ones before making your final decision.

It is very important not to take it in crisis situations (for example, after losing a job, when it seems to us that we will not be able to support a child).

As for medical factors, there are no clear contraindications to the procedure.

8. Vasectomy and pregnancy

When going through the procedure, it is worth knowing that in some cases there is recanalization of the vas deferens, that is, spontaneous restoration of the vas deferens. As a result, the man regains fertility and must use other methods of contraception. Such a complication may occur a year or more after the operation.

The vasectomy may be reversed. However, it is quite difficult and much more painful. The man then usually regains 90% of his fertility, but fertilization is not always possible before and after.

Therefore, if a man is not sure whether he wants to have children a few years after the procedure, it is recommended to use sperm bank. This will allow in vitro fertilization and the man will not have to undergo a revasectomy.

9 Libido Vasectomy

The vasectomy procedure does not affect sexual activity or libido hormone levels. Shortly after the procedure, the desire to have sex may be less due to symptoms and complications, but after the procedure recovery period, a man can be in the same shape as before the procedure. Sex drive doesn't change, and neither does the look or smell of your semen.

10. Disputes related to the procedure

Although the vasectomy procedure is becoming more and more popular in our country, it still causes a lot of controversy. They are mostly religious in nature. Many people do not believe in the reversibility of treatment or the use of sperm banks.

Thus, vasectomy in many countries is considered a sin and a sign of moral decay.

11. Legal Issues Related to Vasectomy

Currently, there are no strict laws governing the performance of a vasectomy. For this reason, there is no lower or upper age limit. Both 18-year-old men and middle-aged men can approach the procedure.

The age limit is set individually in each country.

The doctor has the right to refuse the procedure for the reason medical ethics requires him to take into account many factors. They may find that the patient is unaware of the nature of the process or that the decision to have the vasectomy has been too hasty.

However, a specialist cannot refuse a patient a vasectomy because of their sexual orientation. This is not a legal issue.

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