What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy, also known as male sterilisation, is when the tubes carrying the sperm from the testicles to the penis are cut. Undergoing this procedure is regarded as irreversible meaning that you will no longer be capable of having children. The procedure does not work immediately, therefore, you will have to use alternative contraception until you receive the ‘all clear'. This can take at least 12 weeks post-surgery.
What does the operation involve?
We understand that surgery can be daunting, but don’t worry, our specialist medical staff will be there to answer any questions or worries you may have before, during and after surgery.
You will need two injections of local anaesthetic; this will numb the skin so that you do not feel any pain. When your surgeon picks up each tube, however, you may feel slight discomfort resulting in lightheadedness and feeling sick but these sensations will be very brief.
There are two types of vasectomy:
• Scalpel vasectomy (conventional).
• Non-scalpel vasectomy.
A scalpel vasectomy:
• First, a local anaesthetic is used to numb your scrotum.
• Two incisions are then made to reach the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis.
• Each tube is then cut open and part of the tube is removed.
• The ends of the tube are then sealed back together via heat or through tying them.
• The incisions are then stitched up.
Non-scalpel vasectomy:
• As with a scalpel vasectomy, the first stage is to numb the scrotum using a local anaesthetic.
• Puncture holes are then made in the scrotum to reach the tubes (this does not involve a scalpel or incisions).
• The ends of the tube are then sealed in the same way as the conventional procedure.
A vasectomy is the most effective method of male sterilisation, however, late failure as a result of the vasectomy tube endings joining back together, occurs in 1 in 2000 men.
Almost all patients will experience mild bruising and swelling with additional clear yellow fluid secreting from the wound. Some patients also experience blood in their semen for the first few times they ejaculate.
1 in 10 patients experience epididymo-orchitis, which is an infection in one or both testicles.
There is no evidence that a vasectomy procedure causes long term risks such as testicular cancer, prostate cancer etc.
However, chronic testicular pain post-surgery occurs in 5% of males.
After the operation, you will likely experience discomfort and swelling. You may experience bleeding for the initial few days.
We usually provide you with scrotal support making the post-operative period less painful. You will be advised to also take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen which will also reduce the pain for the initial few days.
The inserted stitched will not need to be removed and they will disappear after 2-3 weeks.
Any antibiotics you may need will be arranged by the hospital pharmacy.
12 weeks after your surgery, you will be asked for a semen sample which will be examined under a microscope. If there is no sperm present then you will be given the ‘all clear'.
Having a vasectomy will not affect your sex drive or sexual pleasure.
While a vasectomy is a safe form of contraception, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
