Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a simple, highly effective and safe operation for male sterilisation.

It should be considered by couples who have completed their family and have made the decision of permanent contraception.

Unexpected future circumstances such as a new partner, or survival of exsiting children must be considered carefully. If there is any possibility the man may want to father more children in the future he is not suitable for a vasectomy.

What is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from travelling out of the testes into the semen. Semen is the fluid that is ejaculated during sexual intercourse. Pregnancy will not occur if there are no sperm.

Male sperm are made in the testicles (balls) and are carried along the tubes (vas deferens) located in the scrotum in ejaculate (cum).

The vasectomy procedure does not affect the ability to produce semen and will not change a man's sexual function or male characteristics. The male sex hormone testosterone will continue to be produced by the testes and will be unaffected as the testosterone is released directly into the bloodstream.

Men find that their sex life is not affected and the only difference is that the semen will not contain sperm. Some men report that their sex life improves when there is no longer a fear of pregnancy.

How effective is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception. The failure rate is less than 1%. There is a very small risk of contraceptive failure due to the tubes rejoining naturally and this is most likely to occur within the first 2 months following the procedure.

There will be sperm present in the vas tubes after the operation and it may take as many as 16 ejaculations to clear.

A follow up semen sample is sent to the laboratory 2 months after the operation and will detect the presence of sperm at that time.

What is involved in the vasectomy operation?

Vasectomy is a simple operation and can be done using local anaesthetic (awake) or intravenous sedation (twilight sedation).

A small (1-2cm) incision is made in the upper part of the scrotum (sac). The vas deferens which lies just under the skin is grasped, divided and separated to prevent rejoining and then dropped back into the sac. There are 2 vas tubes and both sides are cut and tied through the same skin incision. Usually the sac is closed without stitiches.

There may be some initial bruising and discomfrot for about a week or two but at the end of the month there should be no sign that the operation has been done.

Sperm will continue to be made in the testicles but production slows down and the body processes them.

What can I expect?

The operation takes about 20-30 minutes to perform but you need to allow for at least 2 hours at the clinic.

When the anaesthetic wears off there may be some pain and some bruising in the groin or scrotum. Tight fitting supportive underpants, cold packs and pain killing medication should relieve this discomfort.

Rest is recommended for at least three days.

Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting that puts pressure on the groin or scrotum for one week. Normal day-to-day activity is not harmful but if work is physically strenuous sick leave may be required.

Are there any side effects or serious complications?

Serious side effects are rare.

Slight soreness, swelling and bruising is likely immediately after the operation and this lasts for s few days.

A small number of men expereince bleeding or infection after a vasectomy. Rest, scrotal support, pain relief and antibiotics resolve most problems.

Some men develop antibodies to their own sperm after the operation and this does not affect any other part of the body,cause any disease or discomfort. These antibodies may be one of the reasons men cannot father a child following a vasectomy reversal operation.

Occasioanlly sperm can leak from the ends of the cut tubes and produce small hard lumps (granuloma) at the site of the operation and over time this can lead to rejoining of the tubes.

How do I arrange a vasectomy at Gynaecare?

You will need to make an appointment for consultation with one of the doctors on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday. At this time you will have the procedure fully explained to you, have an explanation of the anaesthetic options available and your anatomical suitability will be checked.

You will be given information to take home on preparation and post operative care.

After the consultation an appointment can be made for the operation to be performed on a Thursday afternoon.

You will need to arrange a time when you are ble to rest for at least three days afterwards.

Appointments are usually available within the next week or so.

Vasectomy operation at Gynaecare can be performed using: IV sedation or local anaesthetic. IV sedation is administered by an IV sedation medical practitioner. General pre-operative instructions for vasectomy The evening before the operation, using a standard safety razor and soapy water or depilatory cream, hold the penis up and shave the hair underneath and the front part of the scrotum. Also shave a little of the hair on the upper and inner thighs and the sides of the penis. It is not necessary to shave the pubic hair, just trim a little with scissors. On the morning of the operation, take a shower and wash the pubic area (penis, scrotum, top of legs) thoroughly with soap and make sure that no hair has been left in the unshaved area. Bring either an athletic support or supportive jockey underpants to wear after the operation. IV sedation procedures Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your appointment. You will be at the clinic for 2 to 2 ½ hours. Payment is required on the day of your appointment. You MUST have someone take you home. It is essential to have the following 3 days to rest. A medical certificate will be available to you. You must not drive, operate machinery, sit for exams, sign legal documents or drink alcohol for 24 hours after the operation. Local anaesthetic procedures Nothing to eat or drink for 2 hours prior to your appointment. You will be at the clinic for 1 to 1 ½ hours. Payment is required on the day of your appointment. It is preferable for someone to accompany you home. It is essential to have the following 2 days to rest. A medical certificate will be available to you. After a vasectomy Rest at home for three days. No sport or heavy lifting for a week. A sperm count will be arranged after two months to ensure that the vasectomy has been successful.