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Vasectomy and vasovasostomy

Description

An in-depth report on vasectomy as a method of male birth control and reversal surgeries.


Highlights

Follow-Up Sperm Testing

About a quarter of men who have a vasectomy fail to return for follow-up semen analysis, indicates a 2006 study in BJU International . A follow-up test for live sperm is essential for confirming vasectomy success. It can take several months after a vasectomy to clear all remaining sperm. Until your doctor informs you that you are sterile, continue to use birth control.

Vasclip

The Vasclip implant procedure appears to work as well as standard vasectomy and has fewer post-surgical complications, according to a 2006 study in Urology . Compared to standard vasectomy, the Vasclip was less likely to cause infection or swelling due to sperm leakage (sperm granuloma).

Investigational Hormonal Contraceptives

Investigational Non-Hormonal Contraceptives

The intra vas device (IVD) is a non-hormonal male contraceptive that uses tiny silicone plugs to block sperm from passing through the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm out from the testes). In 2006, the FDA granted approval to expand trials of the IVD. Clinical trials of 90 men are due to be conducted in two U.S. cities. In an earlier trial of 30 men, the IVD effectively stopped or drastically lowered sperm production in all of the participants. Researchers are still working on making the IVD reversible.


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