Vasectomy is a means of male contraception increasingly used in France. On the occasion of its world day, focus on this still little-known method.
- From the age of majority, any man can have recourse to vasectomy in France.
- This operation also exists for women, it is tubal ligation.
In France, 9,240 men had a vasectomy in 2018, five times more than in 2010, when there were only 1,880. This contraceptive method is an operation in which the vas deferens are cut, which allow the passage of sperm from the testicles. Once this surgical act has been carried out, the man can therefore no longer have children.
Vasovasostomy is the reverse operation, which consists of reconnecting these same vas deferens. Men who change their minds can therefore have recourse to it.
Four months between the first consultation and the intervention
This method of permanent contraception was legalized in July 2001 by the law n° 2001-588 of July 4, 2001. The intervention and the procedures are defined in section 26 of this text: “lhe tubal or vas deferens ligation for contraceptive purposes cannot be performed on a minor. It can only be practiced if the adult person concerned has expressed a free, motivated and deliberate will in consideration of clear and complete information on its consequences. This surgical procedure can only be performed in a health facility and after consultation with a doctor”.
During the first consultation, the practitioner must inform the patient of the medical risks incurred and the consequences of the intervention orally, then give him a written information file. A reflection period of four months must be respected after this first medical consultation so that the patient matures his decision. During the second consultation, he must provide written confirmation of his desire to undergo this intervention.
No change after surgery
The surgery itself is quite quick, about ten minutes, performed under local anesthesia. After the operation, there may be some complications such as pain – which will be relieved by treatment – or hematomas which disappear within a few days. Often, doctors recommend avoiding physical exertion, shock and sexual intercourse for a week after the operation.
It is important to note that vasectomy has no effect on physical appearance, nor does it affect the quality of erection or ejaculation. It also does not affect sexual desire, nor psychological and emotional behavior. Be careful though: after surgery, sterility is not immediate! Generally, sperm are still present during ejaculations for several weeks. It is then imperative to keep another means of contraception during sexual activity.
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