How will getting a vasectomy affect my sex life?

Q. What is a vasectomy? Will having one affect my sex life?

A. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that is done on men as a form of sterilisation. It is when the tubes that carry sperm are cut or sealed to permanently prevent pregnancy.

The procedure is now performed under local anaesthetic, in the doctor's rooms. You are awake but do not feel pain and it lasts anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes.

MORE THAN 99% EFFECTIVE

The impact of a vasectomy on one's sex life is positive, the most obvious being that, when the constant worry of getting pregnant is removed from your partner, sex tends to be much more enjoyable. A vasectomy is more than 99% effective and is a good option for those who do not want to get pregnant.

Your partner will still need to use contraception such as condoms, female birth control pills, etc, for at least 8 to 12 weeks or 20 ejaculations or so after the procedure because sperm will still be in the tubes leading to the penis. The recommendation is to have semen analysis tests to make sure that all the sperm have cleared.

SEX DRIVE UNAFFECTED

Regarding sexual pleasure and its impact, having sex immediately after the surgery could reopen the incisions and allow bacteria to enter the wound and may cause bruising, mild pain and blood in your ejaculation.

A vasectomy doesn't affect sexual pleasure and one still needs to use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections. Your sex drive, ability to be aroused, have erections, or ejaculate remain unaffected by having a vasectomy.

• Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, Disa Clinic, safersex.co.za.

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