Male Sterilization

Family Health International has provided convincing evidence of the long-term safety of male sterilization, or vasectomy.  Our studies have increased understanding of vasectomy effectiveness and explored new techniques to further improve effectiveness and acceptability. Publication and distribution of FHI's findings have led to changes in training and service delivery practices. 

 

Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception in which the vasa deferentia — the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis — are blocked.  Ligation (tying) and excision (cutting) of a small length of vas deferens is the most common method of occlusion in many developing countries. In the United States and other industrialized countries, cautery (burning) or metal clips are often used more frequently. Vasectomy has typically been associated with about one pregnancy per 100 users during the first year, though its effectiveness can depend on the type of surgical procedure used.