Vasectomy - Effectiveness
A highly effective procedure, the failure rate of vasectomy is less than 1%
As of date, vasectomy is the most effective long term contraceptive option in a man and is considered as a much safer method of family planning. The failure rates of vasectomy have been reported to be less than 1%. Simply, one could say that it is 99% effective, which is far higher than use of condoms where the effectiveness is roughly about 88%.
One important factor, which influences the failure rate, is the length of the vas deferens removed. Longer the segment removed, lesser are the chances of the cut ends joining together (called recannalisation) and failure. Removal of longer section of vas however is associated with reduced chances of successful reversal (if the patient wishes to have a child in the future).
If any sperms are found in the ejaculate, 3 months following the surgery, the procedure should be repeated.
Having had a traditional bi-lateral vasectomy myself over 29 years ago, I can tell you that it is a very easily done procedure with minimal pain. I had my surgery done in very early afternoon and was working already that evening due to the fact that I had to as I was a dairy farmer and had cows to be milked. Other than the milking and routine chores, I did take it easy for several days and tried to ice my scrotum area whenever possible. I had a very quick recovery, went for sperm check in two months and was given the "all clear" for safe sex. Best decision my wife and I did during our entire marriage. Forgot to mention that we had two children and our family was complete before having the vasectomy. I am writing this for educational purposes hoping that it will encourage men contemplating vasectomy to go ahead with it.