Vasectomy- Frequently Asked Questions

There are many contraception options that are short acting, such as condoms and the pill or long acting such as the coil, the implant, and the depo injection. You should only consider a vasectomy if you are 100% certain to not have anymore children.

Vasectomy is a safe and straightforward procedure. It is minimally invasive and is more than 99% effective. It’s the most reliable of all contraceptive methods.

It takes no longer than 10-15 minutes and the benefits are permanent.

The lifetime failure rate of vasectomy is 1 in 2000 (0.05%).

During vasectomy, the sperm tubes called Vas Deferens are disrupted on each side. The sperm stored in the tube above the disruption may still contain sperm cells. This means that there is still a chance of pregnancy straight after vasectomy. You need to empty this part with at least 20 ejaculations and a sperm test in 12 weeks is needed to ensure you are all clear!

The testes continue to produce sperm cells and these go through their natural lifecycle. The body will then get rid of old sperm cells.

No. The testicles produce testosterone, and this is then transported in the body through the blood.

No. There is no proven link that having a vasectomy increases your risk or gives you testicular or prostate cancer.

No. As with cancer fears, there is not a link between vasectomy and heart problems.

Yes, this is not for everyone.

You shouldn’t have a vasectomy if:

· You are having problems with erectile dysfunction, sexual fears or are unhappy in your marriage as you are most likely going to regret a vasectomy.

· You have chronic testicular pain.

· You have poorly controlled diabetes (hba1c is > 69)

You are not likely to notice the anaesthetic wearing off, because the numb area is small, about the size of a dime, and there is nothing there that hurts. The small opening we made in the skin is closed, has no stitches, and usually does not hurt at all.

Yes, we require that you have someone else drive you home since you don’t know exactly how you will feel. Rarely a patient will feel lightheaded or faint, which would be hazardous while driving, both for you and for others.

Some patients will notice a mild ache in the testicles or the lower abdomen appearing later in the day or the next day. This ache, if it occurs, is usually mild and may be felt from time to time over the first few days, perhaps with activities such as getting up or moving quickly. It should not feel acute or severe. It will go away by itself. Anti-inflammatory medications can be of benefit, if needed.

No. There is no evidence supporting this after having a vasectomy.

Yes. The ejaculation that you produce will look normal to you, the only difference is that this will not contain sperm cells.