Male sterilisation is a well-known contraception method which 5,500 men undergo annually in Denmark (2015 numbers).
By sterilisation, sperm cells produced in the testicles are prevented from entering the semen (ejaculate) by a blockage of vas deferens. Sterilisation prevents fertilization by intercourse.
The sterilisation procedure is performed in a hospital or a urology clinic and is reimbursed (DKK 5,261 in 2015). The reversal procedure is not covered by Danish reimbursement schemes.
This survey should clarify the level of interest for a new method compared to traditional male sterilisation as described below. One of 4 questions in the survey relates to your choice of method if they were both available.
| Traditional male sterilisation (vasectomy) |
New male sterilisation method (under development) |
- By surgery, two surgical incisions, one on each side of the scrotum, is made to locate the vas deferens.
- The vas deferens is cut or burned with laser to block the passage. When vas deferens is cut, the two ends will be sewed together and a section of the vas deferens removed. Most often, one end of the vas deferens is "wrapped" in the membrane surrounding vas deferens. The same applies when vas deferens is cut by laser and the ends are fastened.
- The procedure that may vary by clinic will leave a tiny scar on each side of the scrotum.
- The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia and will not require sick leave or hospitalization.
- Complications are rare. In some cases, one can experience scrotum pains the first days after surgery. There may be bleeding or other discomfort from the wounds. The most common side effect is transient blood accumulation and swelling in the scrotum.
- Sterilisation should be considered a permanent birth control procedure meaning that reversal will include yet another surgical procedure to reconnect the vas deferens.
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- A thin, flexible plastic tubing (a scope) is inserted to urethra to find the vas deferens in each side.
- A device is placed in the vas deferens to block the passage.
- The procedure will include cleaning to make the urethral opening sterile. Following this, a numbing gel will be introduced and the scope will be carefully inserted into the urethra. During the procedure, salt water may be added via a thin channel of the scope for a clear view to place the device in vas deferens.
- The procedure will be performed under local anesthesia using a numbing gel and will not require sick leave or hospitalization.
- Complications will be rare. In some cases, one can experience a mild burning in the urethra when the numbing gel is introduced and a little discomfort as the scope is inserted to the long and "bending" urethra. The most common side effect is expected to be a mild burning when passing urine the first few days after the procedure.
- The new method is reversible and would require a repetition of the procedure for extracting the device from vas deferens in each side.
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