The advantages and disadvantages of vasectomy, a contraceptive method that can be reversible - SinEmbargo MX

Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception which, three months after the operation, is more than 99 percent effective. Surgery does not cause subsequent damage such as cancer and can be reversible.

MADRID, June 11 (EDIZIONES) – Vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive method through a simple surgical intervention that lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is an operation that prevents the sperm from being expelled with the semen, so it is recommended whenever the man wants to avoid conception.

It consists of sectioning the vas deferens, those that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. It is performed under local anesthesia, and hospitalization is not necessary, as clarified in an interview with Europa Press, Dr. Javier Romero Otero, director of the Andrology and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the genitourinary area, at the HM Montepríncipe University Hospital (Madrid), who emphasizes that its effectiveness is "greater than 99 percent", although this is not immediate.

At 3 months a seminogram is performed to confirm azoospermia, that is, the semen is analyzed to confirm that there are no spermatozoa, and sometimes, in this test, it is possible to find them, but immobile, without reproductive capacity. “On some very rare occasions, there is a recanalization of the vas deferens, causing the sperm to pass into the seminal fluid, and so that the man's fertility remains intact. In these isolated cases, it would be necessary to intervene again ”, he indicates.

Of course, he specifies that, in expert hands, it is possible to reverse a vasectomy by recanalizing the severed vas deferens, although he warns that a lot of experience is needed and that it is a complex intervention. “It is called “microsurgery called vasovasostomy” and, in cases where it is not possible to complete it, sperm can be extracted directly from the testicles and fertilize an egg with assisted reproduction techniques”, appreciates the also professor at the Complutense University of Madrid .

In turn, the urologist assesses that male sexuality is not affected by this operation, nor does it affect libido or sexual relations. Besides, the doctor remarks that it cannot produce impotence. “It does not interfere with ejaculation. With a vasectomy we prevent the sperm from reaching the semen, but the man continues to ejaculate. Semen is produced in the seminal vesicles and in the prostate. In an ejaculation, spermatozoa account for only 5 percent of the total volume, so the amount of ejaculated semen is hardly affected”, specifies the specialist.

Regarding whether it increases the risk of suffering from cancer, the member of the AEU recalls that a study carried out in New Zealand concluded that "it did not increase, even 25 years after it was carried out", along with other research that carried out for similar purposes with 73,917 men who underwent a vasectomy, determined that "there was no higher incidence of testicular or prostate cancer than in the general population."

HOW IS THE OPERATION LIKE?

Regarding the vasectomy itself, the urologist specifies that it consists of preventing the sperm from reaching the semen and, therefore, from being ejaculated, and from reaching the female egg. Its main drawback: it is an irreversible method. Today there are two techniques: conventional surgery and the so-called vasectomy without a scalpel and without needles”, explains the specialist.

In some cases, this operation can cause chronic pain in the scrotal area, called 'postcoital pain syndrome', and also, after the operation, small bleeding may occur, although rarely infections, according to Dr. Romero.

Meanwhile, no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy is said to have fewer risks of bruising and infection, and hardly any bleeding. “Inflammation and postoperative pain are minimal. The patient can lead a normal life after a few days and, in general, if his work does not require much physical effort, it is not necessary to ask for sick leave. Because the incisions are very small, they do not need stitches, so they close on their own after two or three days,” says the urologist.

With all this, and as a summary, the doctor lists the main advantages and disadvantages of this contraceptive method:

ADVANTAGES

– It is a completely safe and effective contraceptive method.

– It is a very simple surgical intervention that does not require hospitalization, which is performed under local anesthesia.

– Does not affect libido or sexual relations.

– Except for the first controls to confirm the absence of sperm, then it is not necessary to carry out more medical check-ups.

DISADVANTAGES

– Its effectiveness is not immediate: for about three months after the intervention, other contraceptive methods must be adopted.

– It does not prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Only the use of condoms prevents it.

– It is a permanent method. To become fertile again, it is necessary to go through a complicated surgical intervention again.