Vasectomy

Male sterilization Vasectomy is a procedure that involves cutting the seminal vesicles, which is easy, inexpensive, and very safe. Some parts of the seminal vesicles are shallow and can be felt in both testicles. When the instrument is used to grasp the seminal vesicles, a small cut is made on the skin covering the vas deferens, which is large enough to be cut and tied, and the wound is closed with only 1 or 2 stitches. This surgery only uses local anesthesia. After the surgery, the patient can go home immediately. Currently, there are attempts to invent methods to block the seminal vesicles, such as by cauterizing them with electricity, using clips to clamp the vas deferens, and using substances to block the vas deferens. In addition, there are attempts to make vas deferens a temporary sterilization, meaning that the seminal vesicles can be reopened when needed, but this has not been very effective.

Complications of vasectomy

Complications from vasectomy are generally very rare and are usually only minor. Common symptoms include:

• Wound pain
• Swelling of the testicles
• Inflammation or infection of the wound
• Bleeding in the testicles. This symptom can be severe if left untreated for a long time, but is very rare if performed by an experienced doctor.
• Sperm granuloma is the presence of granulomas in the surgical site, but usually does not cause any abnormal symptoms.

Misconceptions about male sterilization

• Some people fear that sterilization will lower male hormones, but studies have shown no change.
• Some people think that sterilization will change sexual performance or sexual feelings. In fact, sterilization has no direct effect on sexual performance or feelings. It has psychological effects, such as when one is sure that they do not have to be careful about having children, sexual desire increases because they feel comfortable and do not have to worry that their wife or the woman they have sex with will become pregnant. On the contrary, some people feel negatively because when they see that they cannot have children, they think that sexual performance will decrease as well, which has nothing to do with sterilization.

Principles of Sterilization

• The couple agrees and signs it as evidence, but sometimes an exception is necessary, such as for a woman who has no definite husband.
• The number of living children is usually considered to be 2-3 children in some places for those who want to be sterilized after a new birth (including those who have just given birth). As for dry sterilization, it is permitted to be done after having 2 children and the second child is at least 1 year old. This is because the first year is a period when the child mortality rate is still high.
• The age of the wife or woman to be sterilized. Many countries have a minimum age set, but in Thailand, if the number of children meets the criteria, age does not need to be taken into account.
• Medical or genetic reasons: In cases where there are medical or genetic reasons, none of the above criteria need to be taken into account.

Post-vasectomy advice

• You should rest for about 2 days after surgery.
• Avoid exercising or doing heavy work for 7 days.
• Do not let the wound get wet for the first 2-3 days. If the wound gets wet, clean it and cover it with a new wound.
• If the wound is very painful, take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor.
• If you have any abnormal symptoms, such as severe testicular swelling or bleeding from the wound, you should see a doctor immediately.
• Avoid having sex for at least the first 3 days after surgery. After that, if you want to have sex, you must use another method of birth control for about 3 months.
• After 7 days, remove the dressing. If the wound is not dry or the wound needs to be removed, see a doctor or public health officer to examine the wound or receive a suture removal service.

Is it possible to become sterile immediately after a vasectomy?

Vasectomy does not mean immediate sterilization. You have to wait about 3 months or after ejaculating 20 times. To be sure, you should see a doctor to have your semen tested to make sure there is no sperm left. Before that, always use a condom if you are going to have sex.

Various methods of birth control

Both temporary and permanent methods of birth control can be effective if they have the following characteristics:

• Highly effective
• Safe and less complications
• Fertility returns to normal after discontinuation (if temporary)
• Easy and convenient to use
• Popular
• Low cost