Male Sterilisation

What is it?

• An operation that results in permanent contraception for men who have completed their family or who never want children.
• Otherwise known as vasectomy.

How does it work?

• The tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis is blocked off so no sperm are released when the man ejaculates (“comes”).

What’s great about it?

• Extremely effective. Only 1 in 1000 sterilised men get their partner pregnant.
• It’s permanent. You don’t need to think about contraception again whilst you are with that partner.

What’s not so great about it?

• No protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - condoms advised.
• Involves surgery and an anaesthetic and the risks associated with these.
• Its permanent - some men decide they want a child/more children and regret being sterilised. Procedures to reverse the sterilisation may not be successful.
• Not effective right away - may take up to 3 months.
• The tube / vas deferens can re-join after the operation meaning the partner may fall pregnant.

Where can I get it?

• A trained health care provider completes the procedure. This can be organised by the GP or at specialised family planning services.

Additional Links

• https://www.fpa.org.uk/help-and-advice/contraception-help
• https://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/your-guide-contraception
• https://www.fpa.org.uk/contraception-help/my-contraception-tool
• https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/contraception.aspx