Vasectomies are surgical procedures performed on males for the purpose of contraception. Likening it to castration, many men fear the operation; although it is the preferred method of contraception for many women.

A vasectomy is a relatively simple outpatient procedure. During the operation, the vas deferens (ductus deferens) which is located in the scrotum; is surgically cut and separated. This operation does not affect the production of sperm, nor does it affect erections of the penis. It does, however, prevent movement of sperm through the semen during sexual intercourse. Vasectomies have the added advantage of no serious side effects.

The fears that many men associate with vasectomies are totally unfounded. A vasectomy is not castration; it does not stop the production of sex hormones, nor does it have any effect on the quality or sensation of the sex act, other than the lessening of worries about unwanted or unplanned pregnancy.

After a vasectomy, the testicles continue to produce sperm, but since it cannot be ejaculated in the semen, it is simply absorbed by the body. Only 1 – 2 percent of the semen ejaculated during sex is produced in the testicles in any case; the rest comes from the prostate gland. Thus, after a vasectomy, there is no noticeable difference in semen, or the sensations associated with sexual arousal.

A vasectomy, as noted previously, is a simple procedure and in the vast majority of cases is absolutely fool proof. In some rare cases, the vas deferens grows back together allowing the transfer of sperm through the semen. It is important, therefore, that the patient have his semen sampled for a period of time after the operation to ensure success. Consult your physician for the appropriate number of samples needed to make sure.

Female contraceptives can be messy and inconvenient, and some have been proven to cause serious side effects. The prevention of unwanted pregnancy should not be a burden borne solely by the female partner, but a shared responsibility of both parties to the relationship. For a contraceptive that is safe, almost one hundred percent fool proof; consider a vasectomy – the safe contraceptive.