Essentially, it is a permanent form of male contraception that eliminates the possibility of pregnancy.
While medical professionals typically find the procedure straightforward, the challenge significantly increases when performing it on oneself.
This was exactly the route taken by a surgeon in Taiwan, opting to personally carry out the procedure instead of seeking assistance from another medical professional.
Dr. Chen Weinong shared the video of his self-administered procedure on Instagram and Facebook for ‘educational purposes’, accompanied by a firm ‘do not try this at home’ warning.
He captioned his video: “A very special experience, there will be no next time.”
The now-viral video showcases Dr. Weinong reclining in a surgical chair, utilizing instruments like a surgical clamp to execute the operation.
He completed the procedure by stitching himself up, with the entire operation lasting approximately 15 minutes.
Performing it himself presented an advantage, as a typical vasectomy takes around 30 minutes, according to NHS data.
Nevertheless, attempting this at home is strongly discouraged.
“It was a strange feeling to touch and suture my own urethra,” he reflected on social media following his self-performed surgery.
The Daily Mail reports that Dr. Weinong experienced some pain and discomfort post-operation, but felt fine by the following morning.
During the procedure, a qualified urologist was present to step in if necessary.
Post-surgery symptoms can include blood in semen, scrotal bruising, infection at the surgical site, mild pain or discomfort, and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.
However, they note: “For most men, a vasectomy doesn’t cause any noticeable side effects, and serious complications are rare.”
It is crucial to be absolutely sure before undergoing a vasectomy, as reversing the procedure may not always be possible.
While reversal surgery is an option, the Mayo Clinic explains that it is more complex and might not always succeed.