Permanent Methods of Birth Control

Question 1

Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)

Answer 1

surgical procedure performed on adult males; should be considered a permanent, irreversible method; performed in a doctor’s office under a local anesthetic; about a 30 min procedure; the vas deferens are cut, tied and/or cauterized to maximize prevention of sperm from traveling through the vas deferens

Question 2

Male Sterilization: Vasectomy*

Answer 2

after a vasectomy, the testicles continue to produce sperm, but they die and are reabsorbed by the body; sperm can no longer mix with the fluids; when a male ejaculates, only semen leaves the penis-there is no sperm; since sperm compromise about 1%-5% of the ejaculate, there’ll be no visible difference in the amount of fluid that is ejaculated

Question 3

Vasectomy*

Answer 3

male hormone levels are not affected; male may retain some viable sperm in the vas deferens for days or weeks following a vasectomy; takes about 15-20 ejaculations to get rid of sperm; a lab test must confirm zero sperm in the semen before stopping birth control; this method doesn’t offer any protection against STIs

Question 4

Vasectomy (Possible Post Operative Problems)

Answer 4

Hematoma-post operative bleeding, infection, epididymitis, sperm granuloma- a mass that develops as a result of the body’s immune reaction to sperm leaking from the cut end of the vas; failure

Question 5

Care after a Vasectomy

Answer 5

support the scrotum for at least 48 hours; keep activity level to a minimum-avoid any strenuous activity for about 7 days; use an ice pack to control pain and swelling- for the first 48 hrs after the procedure, ice scrotum area for about 20 min every hr; don’t take any blood thinning medications for about 7 days; don’t swim or bathe for 2-3 days; refrain from sexual activity for at least 7 days; call the doctor if there are any signs of infection

Question 6

Female Sterilization: Tubal Ligation

Answer 6

surgical procedure done in sterile operating room performed on adult females; vasectomy done in doctor’s office, not as intense; risks are much higher for female than female because of anesthesia; should be considered a permanent, irreversible method; sterilization by laparoscopy is a common procedure used to perform tubal ligation; fallopian tubes are cut, tied and/or cauterized to maximize prevention of fertilization

Question 7

Tubal Ligation

Answer 7

after tubal ligation, any ovulated eggs will degenerate in the fallopian tube; there’s no change in hormones; menstrual periods will continue; no changes in intercourse or sexual response; this method doesn’t offer any protection against STIs

Question 8

Tubal Ligation (Possible Serious Complications)

Answer 8

Internal bleeding, infection, accidental burning of tissue, injury to intestines or bladder, pneumonia, blood clots, heart failure, heart attack, death

Question 9

Transcervical Sterilization

Answer 9

Hysteroscopic Sterilization (or non-surgical permanent sterilization) is the “plugging up” of the fallopian tubes without the use of incisions; two methods available in US- Essure and Adiana; permanent, irreversible procedure; done in outpatient setting - local anesthetic/sedation

Question 10

Hysteroscopic

Answer 10

visual examination of the uterus and uterine lining using an endoscope inserted through the vagina

Question 11

Transcervical Sterilization Cont.

Answer 11

about a 20 min procedure; 3 months following insertion, scar tissue will grow around either the micro-insert or the rice-sized insert; the scar tissue will completely block the fallopian tubes; after the procedure, you must use another method of birth control for at least 3 months; a test called a hysterosalipingogram (HSG) is performed 3 months after the procedure to confirm whether or not the fallopian tubes are completely blocked; if completely blocked, the female can stop using the other method of birth control