There are various contraceptive methods that men can use: The best known is probably the condom - a thin, rubber or latex sheath that you pull over the erect penis and which prevents contact between sperm and eggs. Then there is the withdrawal method. The man pulls the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. Both methods are cumbersome - and in the case of the withdrawal method, even unsafe. Permanent, safe and (after the healing period) comfortable is the sterilisation of the man, the so-called vasectomy. We offer this procedure in our Acura clinic in Weert on. You can find out how the minor operation works and what you need to know below.
This is how pregnancy occurs: Sperm fertilise the egg cell
Sperm are specialised male reproductive cells that are responsible for the fertilisation of an egg. The man's testicles produce them. This process is called spermatogenesis. It begins at puberty and continues throughout life.
The sperm cells undergo a maturation process as they travel through the vas deferens, which store them. The vas deferens are thin tubes that transport the sperm from the testicles to the urethra.
During ejaculation, the vas deferens guide the sperm cells into the urethra. Here they mix with seminal fluid from the prostate to form semen. During vaginal intercourse, this fluid emerges from the man's penis during sexual climax and enters the woman's vagina.
The sperm now make their way through the vagina, the cervix and the uterus to the woman's fallopian tubes. If the woman is ovulating and therefore in her fertile phase - and no other contraceptive method is available - it is possible for a sperm to enter the egg and unite with it. As soon as fertilisation has taken place, the genetic information of the sperm and the egg fuse. The woman's body forms a so-called zygote.
This begins to divide and develop as it travels through the fallopian tube into the uterus. There it attaches to the lining of the uterus and begins to develop further. The zygote grows into an embryo and later into a foetus. New life - a child - is created.
Male sterilisation: when does it make sense?
If you want to ensure that the above-mentioned process of fertilisation of an egg can no longer occur - and you as a man want to use contraception - then sterilisation makes sense. The following reasons speak in favour of this contraceptive method:
Family planning finalised
If your family planning is complete and you no longer wish to have children or do not wish to have children in general, then sterilisation may make sense. This will ensure that no unwanted pregnancy occurs.
Medical reasons
In some cases, sterilisation may be indicated for medical reasons - for example, if there is a hereditary disease or if pregnancy poses health risks for the partner.
Partner cannot use any contraceptive methods
If your partner is unable to use contraceptive methods for health reasons, you as a man can opt for sterilisation.
Male sterilisation: What is a vasectomy?
The Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for the permanent sterilisation of men. We cut the vas deferens and close them off. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation. This procedure is a permanent form of contraception.
How does male sterilisation work?
Counselling interview
Before we perform the vasectomy, you will have a detailed consultation with us in Weert. During this consultation, we will explain the details of the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. This ensures that you are well informed and can make an informed decision. If you decide in favour of the procedure, make an appointment with us.
On the day of the operation
You will be given a local anaesthetic for the vasectomy. Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, we make two small incisions in the scrotum to gain access to the vas deferens. We then remove a section of the respective vas deferens and suture the ends together. In this way, sperm can no longer reach your urethra and be released during ejaculation. At the end of the procedure, we close the small skin wounds with a suture.
Male sterilisation: vasectomy is not immediately effective
You are not immediately infertile after a vasectomy. It takes some time and several ejaculations for all the sperm to be flushed out of the vas deferens and for the vasectomy to be fully effective. The time until you are considered infertile varies from man to man. However, there are a few guidelines:
At least 16 ejaculations and 3 months to wait after the procedure
After you have had at least 16 ejaculations within three months of the procedure, the remaining active sperm should have been flushed out of the vas deferens.
Safety through sperm analysis
To check the effectiveness of the vasectomy, you should have a sperm analysis carried out after three months. This will determine whether sperm are still present in the ejaculate. You are only considered infertile if no more sperm are detected in the samples.
Vasectomy is no protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Vasectomy is a permanent and effective form of contraception. Please note, however, that it does not offer any protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vasectomy only affects the release of sperm and has no effect on other microbial or viral pathogens that cause sexually transmitted diseases. It does not change the physiological conditions in your genital tract.
STIs can be transmitted in a variety of ways, including unprotected sex, contact with infected genital tissue or bodily fluids. Vasectomy does not affect the likelihood of STI transmission if unprotected sex occurs with an infected person.
Protection against sexually transmitted infections requires, for example, the use of barrier methods such as condoms. Only these measures can prevent or reduce the transmission of STIs.
Male sterilisation in Weert (Netherlands)
If you, as a man, want to take the issue of contraception into your own hands and are sure that you no longer want to father a child, then the Vasectomy an interesting contraceptive option for you. We are here for you at our Acura clinic in Weert! We will inform you in detail, advise you discreetly and carry out the procedure routinely. Simply contact us if you would like to arrange a no-obligation consultation!
© Photo "Who wouldnt want this forever. an affectionate young couple embracing in bed at home." by Emil Lime/peopleimages.com | stock.adobe.com
© Graphic "Man vasectomy image" by Double Brain | stock.adobe.com