Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure intended to provide permanent contraception. It works by interrupting the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering the ejaculate. Sperm makes up only a very small proportion of ejaculate volume, so most men notice no change in volume following vasectomy.
Is Vasectomy permanent ?
Yes. Vasectomy should be regarded as a permanent form of contraception. While reversal procedures and sperm retrieval techniques exist, they are not always successful and can be expensive. Patients should only proceed if they are certain they do not wish to father children in the future.
Does Vasectomy work immediately ?
No. Vasectomy does not produce immediate sterility.
Another form of contraception must be used until sterility is confirmed by post-vasectomy semen analysis, usually performed approximately three months after the procedure.
How effective is Vasectomy
Once sterility is confirmed by semen testing, vasectomy is greater than 99.5% effective.
The risk of pregnancy after confirmation of zero sperm or rare non-motile sperm is approximately 1 in 2,000.
Repeat vasectomy is required in less than 1% of cases.
Is the procedure painful ?
A no-scalpel vasectomy is performed using local anaesthetic. Most patients describe discomfort rather than pain during the procedure. Advanced local anaesthetic techniques are used, and Entonox® (laughing gas) is available if required to assist with relaxation.
How long does the procedure take ?
The procedure itself typically takes 20–30 minutes. Patients are usually able to walk out of the practice shortly afterwards and drive home the same day.
What is a no scalpel vasectomy ?
The no-scalpel technique uses a minimally invasive approach to access the vas deferens, reducing tissue trauma and complication rates.
The open-ended technique leaves one end of the vas unsealed, which has been shown to reduce the risk of post-vasectomy pain. Additional measures such as fascial interposition and radio-frequency closure are used to reduce failure rates.
Are there any risks of complications ?
All surgical procedures carry risks. Potential complications include:
Bleeding or haematoma
Infection
Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
Early failure (detected on semen testing)
Late failure (rare reconnection of the vas)
The overall risk of significant complications is low.
Chronic scrotal pain affecting quality of life occurs in approximately 1% of men.
Few require further surgery.
Will Vasectomy affect sexual function or testosterone levels ?
No. Vasectomy does not affect testosterone production, erections, libido, or ejaculation.
Sexual function is unchanged once recovery is complete.
When can I return to normal activities?
Most patients return to light activities within a few days.
Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately one week.
Ejaculation should be avoided for about one week following the procedure.
Do I need a referral or to fast before the procedure
No referral is required. Fasting is not required before a vasectomy performed under local anaesthetic.
What Follow up is required ?
A post-vasectomy semen test is required approximately three months after the procedure to confirm sterility. Contraception must be continued until Dr Elvy has confirmed an appropriate semen test result.
