What is male sterilization? Is it true that after the procedure, one cannot perform heavy work as usual?

Male Sterilization (Vasectomy)
The tying and cutting of the vas deferens in men has been practiced for over 150 years. In Thailand, it has been done for over 60 years. Currently, the method of sterilization has been developed to have a very small incision, called non-scalpel vasectomy and vas injection with occlusive agent. In addition to developing sterilization techniques, there have been studies on the long-term safety of those who have undergone sterilization, which found that they are healthier than those who have not been sterilized.

Effectiveness of Male Sterilization
Male sterilization is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a general failure rate of only 0.15% in the first year. Since sterilization is a permanent method of contraception, it is suitable only for couples who have enough children. If you are not sure, you should not undergo sterilization because reversing it, although not very difficult, is time-consuming, costly, and not very successful.

Male Sterilization (vasectomy) is the process of blocking both vas deferens using various methods, preventing sperm from mixing with the egg. Currently, there are two popular techniques for male sterilization:

1. Traditional Male Sterilization Method (conventional technique) involves palpating and grasping the vas deferens at the top of the scrotum, finding the thinnest part of the scrotal skin to cover the vas deferens, and injecting 1% lidocaine (Xylocaine) anesthesia. Then, an incision is made to tie and cut the vas deferens on both sides, checking for bleeding. If there is bleeding, it is stopped, and the incision is sutured closed (the incision may be made on both sides of the scrotum or a single incision in the middle).
2. Non-Scalpel Vasectomy Technique uses two specially developed instruments. After injecting anesthesia, a vas deference fixing clamp is used to grasp the scrotum covering the vas deferens, and dissecting forceps are used to puncture the skin to reach the vas deferens, which is then pulled out for tying and cutting. This method results in a very small puncture wound that does not require suturing.

Post-Vasectomy Advice

1. You can go home.
2. Rest for about 2 days, engage in light work, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous work for 1 week.
3. Avoid getting the vasectomy wound wet for 7 days. If the wound gets wet, clean it to prevent infection.
4. If stitches need to be removed, an appointment will be made for the service recipient to have them removed 7 days after the vasectomy.
5. Avoid sexual intercourse for the first 10 days after the vasectomy, as it may cause the stitches at the end of the vas deferens near the testicles to come loose due to increased pressure, leading to vasectomy failure.
6. Male sterilization does not result in immediate sterility; other contraceptive methods, such as condoms, should be used during the first 3 months after the vasectomy or until no sperm is detected in the semen.

Complications

1. Lower abdominal discomfort may occur during the vasectomy due to pulling the vas deferens for tying and cutting.
2. Swelling and pain at the surgical site due to blood in the skin layers around the incision. Symptoms will resolve on their own within 1 week. If the pain is severe, take pain relievers.
3. Infection at the surgical site is very rare.
4. Blood clots and hematoma in the scrotum may occur if the incision is not sutured and bleeding is not controlled properly.
5. Psychological complications, such as anxiety about sexual dysfunction, should be addressed with proper counseling before the vasectomy.

Symptoms That Require a Doctor’s Visit

1. Fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (especially in the first 3 days).
2. Excessive bleeding, inflammation, infection, or pus at the surgical site.
3. Severe swelling and pain in the scrotum.
4. Suspected pregnancy of the wife.

Tips and Things to Know About Male Sterilization:

Is it true that men cannot perform heavy work normally after sterilization?
Answer: Most men are confused that male sterilization involves removing the testicles, making it impossible to perform heavy work normally and causing a decline in sexual performance. Research from the past to the present has found that male sterilization is a safe method and does not adversely affect the functioning of various systems in the body.

Some men have sexual intercourse a few days after sterilization to test whether their organs are still functional, resulting in residual sperm in the vas deferens, leading to pregnancy despite having undergone sterilization.

Source:

1. Reproductive Health Division, Department of Health. Family Planning Service Manual for Health Personnel (Online) 2019, Source: http://www.hpc11.go.th/intranet/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2125.0;attach=3050 (October 15, 2019)
2. Tatsanai Khantayaporn et al. 2015. “Male Sterilization.” Life Has Choices: Hundreds of Ways to Find Solutions.: 100.
3. Listen from “Guy Ratchanon” Does a man feel the same after sterilization? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFsdGVCNmFA (October 15, 2019)