Vasectomy—How and why

Abstract

Extract

Some twenty years ago, just before the dawn of the present era of artificial breeding, the writer was discussing with Mr. Roland Perry—the then owner of New Zealand's most famous Southdown foundation sire, “Ford Christian”—ways and means of securing the maximum number of progeny. At that time the recognized method was hand service of ewes picked out by aproned teaser rams. This method had its risks and limitations. The apron might slip and mesalliance occur, but in any case the ram quickly became exasperated by his unsuccessful efforts and refused to work. Conversation turned to what was then an extremely topical and controversial subject—viz., the official adoption in Germany of compulsory sterilization by vasoligation of what were regarded as undesirable human types. This method is applicable to both sexes, is permanent and foolproof, but by leaving the gonads intact causes no interference with normal sexual appetite and intercourse. The question arose as to whether vasoligation (Steinach's operation) in the ram should not produce the ideal teaser. The upshot was that Mr. Perry agreed to supply a number of cull rams for experimental surgery, and the first tentative essays were made in evolving an operative technique.