Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Urology
Sterilisation for men: is vasectomy for everyone?
Abstract
Men should consider vasectomy as an irreversible procedure producing permanent sterility and should be aware that although they may not want to father children at the moment they may wish to do so in the future.
Key Points
- Vasectomy is a simple and effective form of contraception that can be performed on an outpatient basis under either local or general anaesthetic.
- It should be considered by patients as an irreversible procedure producing permanent sterility. Although reversal is possible, fertility and subsequent pregnancy are not guaranteed.
- Sterility does not occur immediately and may take many months to be achieved. Patients should be counselled about this, and should undergo postvasectomy testing for sterility.
- Most men undergoing vasectomy experience no significant side effects.
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