Vasectomy
Male Sterilisation.
The Procedure
Vasectomy is one of the many forms of contraception available. Consideration needs to be given to the best method for you and your partner.
Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception /sterilization. You and your partner should have carefully discussed other forms of contraception. Careful thought should be given as to whether you may wish to have more children in the future.
Vasectomy should be considered for practical purposes to be IRREVERSIBLE, however microsurgical reconnection of the end of the vas is possible. Vasectomy reversal is known to be less successful with the passage of time from the original vasectomy surgery. Sperm banking can be arranged prior to your vasectomy if you wish.
The operation is generally performed under a general anaesthetic. It may be performed under local anaesthesia under certain circumstances. One or more small incisions are made in the scrotum. The vas is cut and a small segment is removed. The cuts in the skin are closed with self dissolving sutures.
There may be some bruising and swelling of the scrotum after the operation.
Most procedures have a potential for side-effects and these are outlined in the procedure information sheet and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons information which you will receive in Dr Rasiah’s rooms.
There is a remote possibility of spontaneous regeneration and/or reconnection of the vas which can potentially lead to pregnancy.
Prolonged discomfort may occasionally be felt in one or more testes.
After vasectomy it will take at least 3months and 30 ejaculations for the remaining sperm to be eliminated from your vas. Occasionally, tiny numbers of residual sperm may appear on this test. Unfortunately, this will require repeat testing 4-6 weeks later until the test confirms all the sperm have been eliminated.
As a result of this you would need to CONTINUE WITH YOUR USUAL CONTRACEPTIVE until your sterility is confirmed by a semen analysis which shows that there are no sperm remaining.
