Vasectomy

What is a Vasectomy ?

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at making a man sterile (unable to father children) by dividing the tubes (vas deferens ) that carry the sperm from the testes.

This is a permanent form of contraception. It is more reliable and safer than tubal ligation (a permanent form of birth control for women) . Surgery can be performed to reverse vasectomy but the results are not guaranteed.

How is it performed ?

It may be performed either under general anaesthesia or with local anaesthetic.

The skin is split in the scrotum and the vas deferens is delivered to the skin surface. The vas deferens is divided and the ends cauterized and then a layer of tissue is placed between the two ends. Stitches are then used to close the skin split.

How will I be following the surgery?

After your vasectomy you will notice swelling and mild bruising of the scrotum, with a variable degree of discomfort or pain.

This is to be expected and will naturally resolve over the next 7-10 days.

You may require pain killers such as Panadol or Panadeine, which may be purchased without a prescription.

You will receive a prescription for antibiotics, please start the course the same day as the vasectomy.

•  Please avoid Aspirin or Disprin.
•  Tramadol is a strong prescription pain killer for use initial 48hrs.

What is the expected recovery?

•  Avoid strenuous activity/sport for the first week.

Generally 1-3 days off work after vasectomy is sufficient, but this will vary with individual
circumstances. Rest at home with your legs on a sofa as this will reduce scrotal swelling and discomfort.

Should you require a medical certificate, please either let me know before you leave hospital, or
telephone my secretary.

You may resume sexual activity when comfortable, but please remember you are not considered infertile until you have achieved a zero sperm count.

How do I look after the wound?

In order to promote a smooth post operative recovery please keep the scrotal area clean, dry and well supported.

You should shower normally, but do not soak in the bath, dab the scrotum dry with a clean towel, and insert a non adherent dressing such as Melolin inside supportive/elastic underwear.

It is beneficial to wear the dressing and briefs at night as well for the first few days.

The small plastic (Tegaderm) sticker dressing can be completely removed the day after your vasectomy.

The skin sutures are soluble and will simply fall out after 10-14 days, by which time the skin will be firmly healed. If the sutures don't fall out they will need removal by either your GP or myself.

As the swelling subsides you may feel a small lump at the vasectomy site - this is where the ends of the vas tube have been tied off, and is not a cause for concern.

Wound infection is uncommon after vasectomy, especially if local hygiene and antibiotics are carefully attended.

However, should you notice redness, swelling and/or wound drainage of yellow fluid, please contact either myself or your local doctor.

How do I perform the post vasectomy sperm count

You are advised to provide a semen sample for sperm count test after you have recorded at least 15 ejaculations from the time of your vasectomy. A pathology request form and specimen container should be taken with you when you leave Day Surgery.

Collect the ENTIRE sample by means of masturbation. Other methods, such as interruption of intercourse or use of condoms are not suitable as there can be a loss of the first portion of the specimen.

Collect the specimen in the specially provided container. DO NOT expose the container to extremes of temperature before or after specimen collection. Keep at room temperature, generally 20oC.

Deliver the specimen to the Collection Centre as soon as convenient (on the same day).

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the sperm count test done, otherwise you will not have confirmation of sterility and this could result in an unwanted pregnancy.

In the intervening period you are advised to take alternative fertility control measures.

I will check your sperm count result and notify you of the outcome by mail.

In some cases a second sperm count test may be needed to achieve a zero sperm count.