What is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy Both the tubes (each one is called a vas deferens) that carry the sperm up from the testicles, to where they are mixed to form the semen, are cut or blocked. You will still climax and produce fluid; the difference is that there are no sperm in the semen.

What is the operation like?

You will be given an anaesthetic, probably a general anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic can also be used: this is an injection that only numbs the area being operated on. A small cut is made in the skin, either in the middle or on each side of the scrotum, which is the bag that holds the testicles, The sperm-carrying tubes can be reached easily as they are only just below the skin. A small piece of each tube is removed, or the tubes are cut and the ends closed. The cuts in the scrotum are small and the skin is closed with dissolvable stitches. The whole operation takes about 10 minutes. It is usually done in Berwick Infirmary and you will be in hospital for about half a day.

What happens next?

There is likely to be some bruising and this could be uncomfortable for a few days. Tight-fitting underpants will support the scrotum and should be worn day and night for at least a week. Take no heavy exercise for a week or so. Occasionally there may be bleeding or major swelling, so see the doctor if anything worries you.

 

When can I have intercourse?

You can have intercourse as soon as it is comfortable. But at first you must use another method of family planning. This is because sperm are left in the tubes that lead to the penis. The rate at which the sperm are used up varies from man to man After 2-3 months you will have a semen test to see if the sperm have gone: you will be given instructions about this when you are in hospital. Vasectomy is only reliable as family planning after two clear semen tests (no sperm seen). Your testes will produce male hormone just as they did before. Your sex drive, ability to have an erection, and climax won't be affected. The only difference will be that there are no sperm in the semen when you climax. The appearance of the fluid and the feelings of climaxing should be just the same.

Are there any problems?

Reports in 1988 and 1990 suggested that men who have had a vasectomy might be at an increased risk of developing kidney stones, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. However, these reports need further confirmation. There are scientific reasons and outside factors which mean that the link may be coincidental, rather than due to cause and effect. More research is needed, but medical opinion remains unchanged that vasectomy is a recommended family planning choice.