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 About the Surgery

Vasectomy is a surgical operation performed in men as a safe and effective method of contraception. It should be considered a permanent form of contraception.

 Aim of Surgery

Permanent and effective birth control.
Effectiveness of vasectomy is greater than 99 %. (Less than two men out of 1000 will father a child despite having this procedure)
The procedure does not work immediately in preventing pregnancy, as it takes about three months for the remaining sperm to be cleared out of tubes. During this period, another form of contraception must be used.
A semen specimen MUST be given to be examined under a microscope before you can have unprotected sex.

 How Long is Surgery

15-30 minutes

 Anaesthetic

Local or General Anaesthetic.

 Incision/Cut

Two small 1-2 cm incisions in the upper part of each scrotum (Refer to diagram).

 Description of Surgery

The male reproductive tract is made up of the testes, a system of ducts and other glands opening into the ducts. Sperm is produced and stored in the testes, and transported out during ejaculation by muscular contractions through the vas deferens. Surgery involves the vas deferens being cut (Vas-ectomy) and a small piece removed, with the ends being tied off, cauterized with heat or clipped.

 Complications of Surgery

(In general, serious complications of vasectomy are extremely rare)

Wound infection - treated and usually responds well to antibiotics

Bruising/Blood clot (hematoma) - usually resolves without any treatment

Failure - although very effective, no contraception method is 100 percent reliable. In the first few months after a vasectomy, preformed sperm is still clearing out from the ducts and therefore still present in the semen after surgery. Patients need to use another form of contraception for this period. All patients are required to have TWO negative semen analysis 12 weeks after surgery to check sperm no longer appear in the semen.

NOTE:
Vasectomy does not protect you against STDs

Vasectomy does not affect your ability to achieve an erection, to have an orgasm or to ejaculate.

Vasectomy does not increase your risk of testicular or prostate cancer

 Duration of Hospital Stay

Home the same day of surgery.