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Vasectomy - Picture Summary

This leaflet gives a brief summary of vasectomy. A leaflet giving more detailed information about vasectomy is also available.


Some key points

  • Vasectomy is permanent - it is very difficult to undo.
  • There is a small failure rate - rarely, the cut ends grow back together (about 1 in 2000).
  • Sex is not affected. Almost all semen is made 'upstream' in the seminal vesicle and prostate.
  • The operation is easier than female sterilisation, and more effective.
  • About 8 weeks after the operation you will need to produce 2 semen tests about 3-6 weeks apart. If these are clear of sperm you will be given the 'all clear'.
  • You will need to use other forms of contraception, such as condoms, until you get the 'all clear'.

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: June 2006

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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