I have heard that a vasectomy is a good way to prevent pregnancy. Will I still be able to have sex?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that a man may choose to have as an effective means of permanent birth control. Less than one in 100 women will become pregnant after her partner has had a vasectomy. The procedure prevents sperm from traveling to the fluid that a man ejaculates during sex by cutting the tubes that carry the sperm. Without sperm a woman can not get pregnant.

Your ability to have sex is not affected. It does not change your penis, testicles or sex hormones. You will feel the same and will still have erections and ejaculations. The fluid will still look the same, but will not contain any sperm.

A vasectomy is covered by Alberta Health Care. It can be done by your family doctor in their office or you may be referred to a specialist. It takes about 15-20 minutes. Your testicles and scrotum are cleaned with an antiseptic and possibly shaved. You may be given medication to help you relax and make you sleepy. You may not remember much about the process. After the area is frozen with a local anesthetic, your doctor will make two small cuts in the sac that holds the testicles (scrotum). Both sperm ducts are cut and the area is closed with a few stitches.

For a few days after a vasectomy, you will have some bruising, swelling, and mild soreness in the groin area. Avoid heavy work for about one week. You should call your doctor immediately if you have experience severe bleeding, pus near the stitches, or severe pain or swelling to the scrotum.

Vasectomies are not instantly effective. For the first few weeks after a vasectomy, some sperm may remain in the tubes and may cause pregnancy. You should always use another form of birth control until your doctor conducts a test, usually a few weeks after your procedure to ensure there are no traces of sperm. 

It is important to know that a vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If you or your partner is worried about sexually transmitted infection, use a condom when you have sex.  It is very difficult to undo a vasectomy. The surgery to reverse a vasectomy is not always effective. Before having a vasectomy, you should be sure that you do not want to have (any more) children.

For more information about vasectomies, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).