An affordable and permanent method of family planning for men.
Is a vasectomy right for me?
You must be sure you do not want to father a child under any circumstances. It is important you talk to your partner and make this decision together.
It may not be right for you if you are very young, your relationship is not stable, you are under a lot of stress, or you are having the vasectomy just to please your partner.
Is a Vasectomy Safe?
Yes, it is safe, but as with all surgery complications such as bruising, bleeding, infection, and scarring are possible. Serious complications are very rare. Less than 1 in 100 cases has even a minor problem.
What are the risks again?
Most men feel sore and tender for a few days after the operation, and will usually experience some bruising and swelling on or around their scrotum.
However, in some cases, a vasectomy can cause more serious problems, some of which are outlined below.
Haematoma – a haematoma is when blood collects and clots in the tissue surrounding a broken blood vessel. Following a vasectomy, you may develop a haematoma inside your scrotum.
Haematomas are mostly small (pea-sized), but can occasionally be large (filling the scrotum) and, rarely, they can be very large. This can cause your scrotum to become very swollen and painful. In severe cases, you may need further surgery to treat the blood clot.
Sperm granulomas – when the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles are cut, sperm can sometimes leak from them. In rare cases, sperm can collect in the surrounding tissue, forming hard lumps that are known as sperm granulomas.
Your groin or scrotum may become painful and swollen either immediately or a few months after the procedure. The lumps are not usually painful and can often be treated using anti-inflammatory medication, which your GP will prescribe. If the granulomas are particularly large or painful, they may have to be surgically removed.
Infection – after a vasectomy, you may be at risk of developing an infection as a result of bacteria entering through the cuts made in your scrotum. Therefore, after the operation, it is important to keep your genital area clean and dry to keep the risk of infection as low as you can.
Long-term testicle pain – some men get pain in one or both of their testicles after a vasectomy. It can happen immediately, a few months or a few years after the operation. It may be occasional or quite frequent, and vary from a constant dull ache to episodes of sharp, intense pain. For most men, however, any pain is quite mild and they do not need further help for it.
Long-term testicular pain affects around one in 10 men after vasectomy. The pain is usually the result of a pinched nerve or scarring that occurred during the operation. You may be advised to undergo further surgery to repair the damage and to help minimise further pain.
Testicles feeling full – after a vasectomy, some men may develop the sensation that their testicles are “fuller” than normal. This is usually caused by the epididymis becoming filled with stored sperm. The epididymis is the long, coiled tube that rests on the back of each testicle. It helps to transport and store sperm.
Any such feelings should pass naturally within a few weeks. However, speak to your GP if you are still experiencing fullness after this time.
Fertility – in a very small number of vasectomy cases, the vas deferens reconnects over a period of time. This means that the vasectomy will no longer be an effective form of contraception. However, it is rare for this to happen.
Does a Vasectomy have a failure rate?
It is estimated that after a vasectomy there is less than a 1 in 2000 chance of pregnancy.
Do I need a referral?
No. However it is desirable that you talk it over with your GP who is familiar with your medical history. If you wish to see us directly we will ask your permission to contact your doctor to ensure that there is no medical reason that would make it unsafe or unwise to have a vasectomy.
How long will the Vasectomy take?
Usually the procedure takes no longer than 30 to 40 minutes, however you can expect to be in the surgery for approximately 60 minutes. You should not drive immediately after the procedure.
Is it painful?
Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin of the scrotum with some mild discomfort. Once the local starts working you should feel no pain. Afterwards you may feel some discomfort for a number of days and you may want to take some paracetamol.
When can I return to work?
You should take 48 hours off after your vasectomy. If your job requires heavy lifting then you should take one week off to recover. We will provide your employer with a certificate at your request.
Will Vasectomy change me as a man?
The only thing that will change is that you will not make your partner pregnant. Your body will continue to make hormones that make you a man. You will have the same amount of semen. Vasectomy will not change your beard, your muscles, your libido, your erections or ejaculations. It is said that without the worry of pregnancy, and the hassle of other birth control methods, sex is more relaxed and pleasurable than before.
Will I be sterile straight away?
No. After a vasectomy there are always some live sperm left in your system. It takes approximately 20 ejaculations to clear them. You and your partner must use a reliable form of birth control until a semen sample has been tested 16 weeks after your operation, and confirmed free of sperm. It is vital that you wait for the results of the sperm test before stopping your method of family planning.
Can I have sex immediately?
It is advisable to wait one week, but remember to use a reliable form of contraception until you have received a letter confirming that you are sterile.
Will Vasectomy cause any medical problems?
World experts have conducted a number of studies on vasectomy which conclude that vasectomised men are no more likely than other men to develop heart disease, cancer or other illnesses.
What if I have a medical problem or had previous surgery?
If you you are on anticoagulants such as warfarin, apixiban, dagabatran, have a bleeding disorder or you have had surgery for undescended testicle(s), torsion of testicle or previous reversal of vasectomy, this procedure is best carried out in a hospital environment.
Will it protect me from getting an STI or AIDS?
No. It will only prevent you from making your partner pregnant. If you or your partner has an STI the best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a condom.
Can a Vasectomy be reversed?
Vasectomies should be considered permanent. Reversal procedures are complex, expensive and carried out in specialist centres. Success rates are low and unpredictable. If this issue is on your mind then a decision to proceed is probably best postponed, or perhaps is not right for you.
How much does it cost?
Private Patients – €600 which includes initial consultation and procedure.
GMS Patients – Free to patients with Full Medical Cards in the Southeast – Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny & South Tipperary. Please note there is limited funding for this service!
Semen analysis – The Rotunda Hospital – €50
How do I book an appointment?
To make an appointment telephone Enniscorthy Medical Centre on 053 92 39512 or complete the on-line Contact Form
Downloads:
Arrangements for Your Vasectomy