PIP: The summary of facts regarding vasectomy emphasizes that for practical purposes the operation is irreversible, although reanastamosis has been successful in a majority of the small number of cases with which the author is familiar. No change in libido follows. Degeneration of tubules or hypertrophy of Leydig cells has not been observed. Criteria for operation include: a desirable family size of 3 children, the youngest child at least 3 years old, the man aged about 35 and mentally stable although health of the wife or economic factors may indicate earlier operation, and consideration of hereditary disease in either partner. A written consent by both husband and wife is desirable. Under local anesthesia a section of each vas is removed, the cut ends tied with nonabsorbable thread, the ends allowed to retract so that a gap remains, and when all bleeding stops the skin closed. The patient remains ambulatory with a T-bandage which is worn for a week. Skin stitches are removed after 24 hours. Hematoma or infection are rare but require treatment when they do occur. Continence or other contraceptive measures are recommended for 3 months although spermatoza have usually disappeared from the ejaculate in 6-8 weeks. No permanent after-effects have been noted. All patients questioned have recommended the operation to others. Family physicians are urged to recommend this method of contraception.