What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure. It is done under local anaesthetic which numbs the area. A small opening is made in the scrotum, and the tubes which take the sperm from the testis (vas deferens) are cut and sealed.
We use a no-scalpel technique meaning sutures are not normally required to close the skin.
Following a vasectomy when a person ejaculates their semen will not contain any sperm and therefore cannot cause pregnancy. It is a safe and effective operation performed under local anaesthetic.
It does take time to clear the sperm in the tubes, so it is not immediately effective.
What are the advantages of a Vasectomy?
- Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception. Only around 1 in 2000 fail as a permanent form of contraception making it ideal for anyone who does not want any more children.
- It is safer and more effective than female sterilisation.
- There is no evidence of any long-term health risk.
- It does not affect the person or their partners ability to enjoy sexual intercourse.
What are the disadvantages of a Vasectomy?
- It should be considered permanent and irreversible.
- It does not protect against STIs.
- There will be some discomfort/pain during the recovery periods.
- Vasectomy is not immediately effective as it takes time to clear sperm already in the tubes. This takes approximately 24 ejaculations and 3-4 months.
Vasectomy Information
Initially you will be offered a face-to-face appointment to discuss the procedure and make sure it is right for you. During this appointment you will also be examined to make sure the tubes (vas deferens) we cut and seal during the procedure are easy to feel.
You are welcome to attend this appointment with your partner. Once the decision is made to go ahead with the vasectomy, we will ask you to sign a consent form and you will be offered a further appointment for the vasectomy itself.
It is important you arrange for someone to bring you to this appointment and do not drive yourself. You should not work on the day or the day after the procedure.
It is also important to bring some tight-fitting underwear on the day to put on after the procedure to minimise any bruising or swelling.
What do I need to do on the day of my procedure?
On the day of your procedure have a light meal 2 hours before the operation.
Please have a bath or shower, remove all jewellery, and trim the hair on the scrotum.
You will need to bring some tight-fitting underwear to put on after the procedure.
You will need someone to drive you to your appointment.
After the Operation
You should not work the day of the operation or the day after.
You should not drive home nor for the rest of the day following the operation.
You should rest as much as possible for 48hrs following the procedure.
You can wash after 24hrs (ideally shower rather than bath).
You can return to work after 2-3 days but should avoid heavy lifting for 4-5 days and you may need to make arrangements with your employer.
You can start gentle exercise after 1 week.
You should abstain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for 1 week. You may notice your first few ejaculations contain some blood. This is normal and should settle.
You must continue to use contraception until we give you the all clear.
Sperm Testing
After the operation there are still sperm in the semen. We ask that you do a sperm count after 4 months to check these have cleared. You may be required to do further tests until sperm are absent. We consider one negative sperm count as successful.
What are the risks of the procedure?
Early failure occurs when the tube does not seal properly and occurs approximately 1 in 200 time. This is picked up at the first sperm count.
Late failure occurs when the tubes rejoin and may occur even after a previous negative sperm sample. This is rare (approximately 1in 2000).
Discomfort. It is likely you will have some discomfort for the first week. Simple painkillers should be effective but if there are problems then please contact us or ask your doctor to contact us. Some men get bruising of the scrotum or even of the penis. This should settle down over a week but if you have marked swelling or pain, please contact your doctor or our surgery for advice. About 2 in 100 men may experience long term persistent testicular pain.
Infection. This is rare but should be treated quickly. The signs are redness of the skin and discharge from the wound. It normally occurs in the first 4-5 days and will need treatment with antibiotics. If you have and concerns please call us for advice, contact your GP or if in out of hours call 111.
If you wish to schedule an appointment, please call Crewkerne Health Centre after 11am on 01460 72435