Male sterilisation

What it is

A minor operation to block or cut the tubes carrying sperm.

How it works

There are no sperm present in the semen.

Advantages

Permanent method of contraception.

Disadvantages

Does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In a small number of men the tubes may rejoin.

How effective is it?

Over 99% effective. This means that fewer than 1 in every 100 women whose partners have been sterilised will become pregnant each year.

Can anyone use this method?

This method is usually only chosen by men who are not intending to have any (further) children. For this reason it is rarely performed on young men.