Vasectomy – FAQs
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The whole operation takes about 15 minutes.
Local anaesthetic is infiltrated just under the skin around the vas deferens (not in the testicles as some people wrongly assume).
There may be some slight discomfort initially, though the rest of the procedure is painless.
No. They are self-dissolving and take up to 8-10 weeks to dissolve.
We recommend that you should take at least two days off work. If your job is strenuous you must avoid heavy lifting for at least a week.
You will not become sterile immediately after the operation, as you will still be producing sperm from the reservoir above the “cut”. As soon as you feel comfortable, you should start ejaculating frequently in order to empty the reservoir which can take up to 16 weeks and sometimes longer. You will therefore need to take two sperm tests on the 16th and 18th week after the operation to conclusively determine that no more sperm is being produced.
Once the operation has been performed you will not be required to stay overnight and will be able to go straight home. It is however important that someone accompanies you and will be able to transport you from the clinic.
As soon as you feel comfortable, but you must continue with your contraception methods until you hear from the clinic that your operation has been successful.
No – in fact, many patients report that sexual performance is enhanced, as the fear of pregnancy is removed.
No, there is very little change in the colour of the semen as sperm forms very little part of it.
Vasectomy is the best method of contraception among all the methods, but none of the methods are infallible. There is a very slight chance of failure due to accessory vas on the recanalization of the cut tube, resulting in the flow of sperm and a second operation may be required.
Yes – however, the success of a vasectomy reversal cannot be guaranteed and the cost of such an operation is high. Unless you are 100% certain of having a vasectomy we advise against it.
Yes we can offer our patients this option but the preferred method is the “sutureless vasectomy”. The surgeon can provide greater clarity on these two vasectomy methods at the consultation.