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VASECTOMY
What is the operation like?
The surgeon gives one or two injections of local anaesthetic into the skin of the scrotum, but not into the testicles themselves. This
stings briefly and numbs the area but leaves the patient alert.
The surgeon will be assisted throughout by a nurse and a Healthcare assistant. The operation is a very safe, and a permanent form of sterilisation.
Can I drive home afterwards?
In theory you will be able to drive home, however it is better that you have a lift as driving may pull on the stitches.
How long will the operation take?
The operation usually takes about 30 minutes. The surgeon will take some time beforehand to ask a few questions about your general health, whether you have read and understand this leaflet and whether you have read the consent form. He will explain the operation to you and examine you before the operation. During this time you will also be asked if you have any questions.
When can I go back to work?
We recommend one day of complete rest, followed by two days of partial rest; a little longer if you have a manual job. We also recommend avoidance of contact sports for two weeks.
Is there much pain after the operation?
No. Most men experience a few days of mild discomfort such as aching or ‘pulling’ which is helped by Aspirin or Paracetamol. You will
find that wearing tight underpants or scrotal support helps. There is usually some bruising of the scrotum and occasionally a lot of swelling (one in twenty) which settles on its own but takes a week or two – this can often be helped, believe it or not, by placing a bag of ice pack over the bruised area!
Will my sex life be affected?
With proper counselling it is more likely that it will improve with the removal of worry about pregnancy. Sex, orgasm and ejaculation will
be the same. If you do not want a vasectomy and are merely having it because you think you should or your wife/partner wants you to,
you may feel resentment which can influence your sex life. Vasectomy will not solve relationship problems, only contraceptive ones.
When is the operation effective?
Because there is still some sperm in the tube above the place where the surgeon cut, it will usually take between twenty and thirty ejaculations to clear the sperm. You should provide one post-operative semen specimen at 16 weeks to check that it is clear (semen
bottle, form and instructions will be provided). Very rarely the tubes grow back together again but this is usually within three months and the test identifies the problem. Because of this you must use some other form of contraception until your sample has been cleared, at which point you will be notified by letter of the result of your sperm semen test and appropriate action to be taken (5-10% of men fail to return their specimens and therefore are unable to be confirmed as sterile).
What happens to sperm after Vasectomy?
The sperm continue to be produced but the passage to the penis is blocked so they are reabsorbed into the body without any ill effects (as happens if you are abstinent).
When I orgasm will I still ejaculate?
Yes. The sperm are only 5% of the seminal fluid and the rest is produced as normal. You can only tell if the vasectomy has been done
by looking under the microscope.
When can I have sex again?
Normally a week, but remember to use contraception until your sample has been cleared.
What about complications?
In a few cases a small blood vessel may continue to bleed causing swelling (1 in 20) or rarely there may be an infection (1 in 100) which can be cleared up by antibiotics. If you are concerned you can always see your GP for any treatment that may be necessary.
Suppose I change my mind?
The chances of having the procedure reversed are not good. If you have any doubt DO NOT HAVE IT DONE. Vasectomy must be considered as a permanent method of contraception.
Is vasectomy anything like castration?
No. Castration means removal of the testes and therefore the hormones.
Are there men who should not have vasectomies?
Yes. Men who only feel masculine when they can cause pregnancies. Men who might want children in later life. If in doubt, DON’T!!
Important
Please shave your scrotum before the operation (or use bikini line Immac for sensitive skin and remember to test for possible reaction first).
And finally....
There are a very small percentage of men whose anatomy prevents them from having vasectomies under local anaesthetic. This may not be apparent until you are examined by the surgeon performing the operation.
Some facts and figures:
1 in 20 men swell post-op and require up to a week off work.
1 in 10 men may see blood in their semen the first few times they ejaculate.
1 in 50 men will have significant bruising and or mild infection/inflammation of the testicles.
1 in 250 men may fail their initial andrology/Semen sample test.
1 in 2000 may fail their second Andrology/Semen sample test (Usually because of the re-joining of the tubes).
It is therefore not a perfect operation with a lifetime guarantee, but it is the best and safest method of sterilisation we have.