Question

Is tubectomy and vasectomy the same technique?

Answer 1

Vasectomy is a technique used in males and tubectomy in females. These techniques are permanent contraception methods to help to prevent pregnancy. They are also known as sterilization techniques.

Complete Answer:
- Vasectomy is a surgical method for male sterilization or permanent contraception. During the procedure, the vas deferens are cut, seperated and tied to prevent sperm entry into the urethra. This prevents fertilization of a female egg through sexual intercourse.
- The procedure is considered to be a permanent method of contraception and is not easily reversed. The long-term outcome of a vasectomy might affect men both emotionally and physically.
- It sometimes has an ill effect on the body. When the vasectomy is complete, sperms can’t exit out but are still produced.These sperms are broken down and absorbed by the body. The fluid content of sperm is absorbed by the membranes in the epididymis, and solid content by the macrophages.
- Sperm is matured in the epididymis for a month before leaving the testicles. After vasectomy, the membranes of epididymis increase in size to absorb more fluid. This triggers the immune system causing more macrophages being recruited to break down and reabsorb more solid content. Within one year after vasectomy, 60-70% percent of men who have vasectomized, develop anti-sperm antibodies.
- In tubectomy, the tubes are slightly cut and tied or artificial clips are placed so that the egg is unable to travel to the uterus. This would require either cutting open the abdomen or laparoscopic methods to reach the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long structures. It opens at the uterus at one end and the ovaries at another end. The success rate is as high as 99 percent and is permanent.
- Both of these techniques, vasectomy and tubectomy, function to prevent pregnancy and hence, both of them are the same techniques.

Note: This may cause a person’s chances for biological parenthood to be more or less permanently reduced to almost zero. So, this technique is not often encouraged for young single childless men.