Overview of vasectomy

Vasectomy involves transection of the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the semen. It is usually performed in an outpatient or clinic setting, and involves surgical incision or a ‘no-scalpel’ technique. Effective contraception is required until azoospermia is confirmed by semen analysis 3 months after the procedure.

In ‘no-scalpel’ vasectomy, the vas is transected through a puncture hole made in the scrotum. Compared with surgical incision, this technique has a shorter operative time and appears to result in less bleeding and a reduced risk of infection, less pain during or after the procedure, and more rapid resumption of sexual activity.

Referral to a specialist surgeon should be considered if the patient has:

• a history of scrotal or inguinal surgery, trauma or infection
• a large varicocele or hydrocele
• an inguinal hernia
• cryptorchidism
• a clotting disorder
• significant medical problems.

Vasectomy has a failure rate of 0.1 to 0.15%.