Vasectomy practice in Togo: Interview with Dr Bingo Kignomon M'Bortché, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Head of Medical Division, ATBEF

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Extract from the article: World Contraception Day was celebrated on September 26, 2024. The theme chosen for the celebration is: “A choice for everyone. The freedom to plan, the power to choose”. Access to contraception is a human right.Contraception remains the flagship acti

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«Vasectomy is safe, with no side effects and no long-term health consequences»

World Contraception Day was celebrated on September 26, 2024. The theme chosen for the celebration is: “A choice for everyone. The freedom to plan, the power to choose”. Access to contraception is a human right.Contraception remains the flagship activity of the Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF). A pioneer in this field in Togo, the fixed and mobile service points and the network of Community Health Workers contribute almost 20% of the national Couple Year Protection (CAP). ATBEF offers a full range of contraceptive methods for both sexes. Five years ago, ATBEF introduced vasectomy to its family planning service package, once again breaking new ground in the field. What is this contraceptive method? What are its advantages? Answers withDr Bingo M'Bortché, Gynecologist, Head of ATBEF's Medical Division.

Health-Education: What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a birth control method for men. It consists in isolating the vas deferens from the scrotum, then ligating or severing them under local anaesthetic. There are two vas deferens, which carry sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory ducts. Vasectomy is a simple procedure that can be adopted by men who no longer wish to have children.

Is vasectomy legal in Togo?

Vasectomy is legal in Togo, as is tubal ligation as a method of birth control. It is offered to adult men who no longer wish to have children. To benefit from this method, the man must have had time to reflect and give his consent by signing a consent form.

What is the current state of vasectomy in Togo?

Vasectomy is offered in Togo. It has been introduced at the Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF) since May 2012. Since its introduction at ATBEF, an average of 5 clients have benefited from this method every month at ATBEF since its introduction.

How is a vasectomy performed?

There are two types of vasectomy: standard vasectomy and vasectomy without scalpel. In Togo, vasectomy without scalpel is the preferred option. It can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Standard vasectomy: the skin is incised over each deferent or only over the median raphe, and the deferent is removed from the bursa under local anaesthetic.

Scalpel-free vasectomy: Scalpel-free vasectomy is a simple technique in which the vas deferens are isolated using appropriate forceps under local anaesthetic.The anaesthetic is applied to the bursa. The appropriate forceps are used to make a small opening. Through this opening, the two vas deferens are pulled out one after the other with appropriate forceps, enabling them to be sectioned. The procedure takes an average of 15 minutes.

Is vasectomy reversible?

Vasectomy is an irreversible procedure.It is therefore proposed to men who no longer wish to have children.

What are the advantages of vasectomy?

Vasectomy is safe, with no side effects and no long-term health consequences. It allows the man to commit to the well-being of his family. It helps avoid unwanted pregnancies and too many pregnancies.

Are there any side effects to vasectomy?

As a surgical procedure, vasectomy has no side effects. However, there are a few rare complications, such as pain and hematoma in the bursa.

Does vasectomy affect erection or ejaculation?

Vasectomy does not affect erection.Erection depends on the brain, the structure of the penis and testosterone, the hormone produced by the testicles. The vas deferens are not involved in the erection process.

Interview by William O.