MALE STERILISATION

THE MARIE STOPES VASECTOMY.

WHAT IS A MARIE STOPES VASECTOMY (MSV)?

The Marie Stopes Vasectomy (MSV) is an irreversible and voluntary permanent surgical contraception procedure which is performed on a man using local anesthetic.

HOW DOES THE MSV WORK?

The MSV involves the surgical cutting and tying or sealing of the vas deferentia thus preventing sperm from entering the fluid ejaculated during orgasm.

HOW RELIABLE IS THE MSV?

The MSV is over 99% effective.

ADVANTAGES:

• It is a permanent form of contraception for A man who does not want any more children.
• It is lifelong, safe and very effective.
• Sex can be enjoyed without the worry of pregnancy.
• Sex is not interrupted for contraception.
• It is a safe and simple and the procedure itself takes about 15 minutes.
• The procedure can be carried out even if the man is HIV+.

Please note: A MSV will not offer immediate protection against pregnancy. Some sperm will be present in the seminal fluid and another form of contraception will be needed until the sperm is expelled. This takes between 15 and 20 ejaculations.

WHEN IS IT SUITABLE FOR A MAN TO HAVE A VASECTOMY?

A man can have a MSV at almost any time provided:

·         He clearly understands it is an irreversible permanent method of contraception (family planning), not without risk and that there is a small chance it can fail.

·         He does not want any more children, or if he has none, he has decided that he will never want any.

·         He has made an informed, voluntary choice.

·         There are no medical reasons why he shouldn’t have it done.

AREAS OF CONCERN:

The usual minor risks apply that are associated with minor surgery such as:

1. Bruising
2. Mild infection
3. Temporary mild pain and discomfort

WHEN IS IT UNSUITABLE FOR A MAN TO HAVE A MSV?

·         When he has any local or acute systemic infection.

·         If he has any abnormalities of the scrotum (balls).

·         If he has an inguinal hernia.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE THAT WILL BE FOLLOWED?
A MSV is a permanent, irreversible surgical procedure.

·         There are certain risks as well as benefits in undergoing a MSV. Counselling should reassure the man that complications are rare but is important they know what these could be. They include:

 Infection

 Bleeding

 procedure failure.

·         The entire visit is handled on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

·         The procedure is done with a local anesthetic.

·         The doctor locates the vas deferens (the tube that carries the sperm) between 2 fingers and injects it with local anesthetic. A tiny cut is made in the scrotum and the vas deferens is lifted to the surface of the skin. It is then tied and cut .The procedure is repeated on the other side.

·         A MSV will not affect the man’s sexual function or satisfaction.

·         The client should rest for the remainder of the day and not indulge in sex, strenuous activity or exercise for 48 hours (this is important to reduce the risk of any complications).