Vasectomies have long been considered a good method of birth control for couples who do not wish to have any more children. Vasectomies are minimally invasive surgeries, carry few risks, and are permanent. However, a slim risk of pregnancy still exists for couples even after a vasectomy.
The Procedure
The vas deferentia are the tubes that lead from the testicles through the urethra to the outside of the body. During a vasectomy, a small incision is made in the scrotum and each vas deferens is cut and closed shut. This interrupts the path of sperm from the testicles to the outside of the body, and is a very effective means of preventing pregnancy.
When Is it Safe?
Because sperm can live within the male reproductive tract for several weeks, additional forms of birth control are necessary during this time. Usually a trip to the physician two months after the procedure (and a recommended 20 ejaculations) will confirm the absence of sperm cells in the semen. Until this occurs, the odds of pregnancy are slim but real.
Success Rate
Overall, the success rate of vasectomies long-term is around 99 percent, indicating that approximately one out of every 100 ends up in pregnancy.
Failure
Most of the women who became pregnant after their partner's vasectomy did so within the first few months after the procedure. After 72 months, the risk of pregnancy declines dramatically.
Comparison to Tubal Ligation
The surgical equivalent of a male vasectomy in women is a tubal ligation. In this procedure, the fallopian tubes (which are the tubes that connect the ovaries with the uterus and carry the eggs) are cut and tied. The success of tubal ligation over the long term is similar to that of a vasectomy.
Comparisons
Of all forms of birth control, aside from abstinence, vasectomies are considered the most effective and permanent.
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