We understand this is an important decision for you and your family so we have addressed some of the most common concerns thus providing you with a clearer understanding of the procedure and all it entails.
A No-Scalpel Vasectomy is a safe and uncomplicated procedure. It is the most reliable form of contraception available today. It is a minor surgical procedure with a very low risk of side effects and patients return to normal activities after a couple of days. It is performed under local anaesthetic.
During this minor procedure the tube that carries sperm from your testes to mix with your semen is divided. This tube is called the Vas Deferens. A very small opening is made in the skin (2 to 3 mm) and the tube is visualized and divided via this opening. The ends of the divided tube are sealed. The opening is so small that no scalpel is required and no sutures are needed to seal this wound. It will heal in 24 to 36 hours. Once this Vas Deferens is divided it will prevents any further sperm becoming part of your semen. This prevents conception resulting from intercourse.
No scalpel vasectomy is a far superior method than the traditional vasectomy technique.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes to perform but we ask you to allow an hour door to door to ensure time for a short rest and post-procedure instructions to be explained to you.
Vasectomy does not alter your hormones, sex drive or ejaculate.
Whilst you will be able to drive home if necessary it is advised that you arrange for someone to give you a lift home where possible to maximise your comfort.
There is minimal discomfort in administering local anaesthetic at the beginning of your vasectomy. This mild stinging lasts about 10 to 20 seconds and then you will have no pain. There can be very mild discomfort following the procedure for about 2 days and this is easily relieved using rest, supportive underwear and over the counter simple painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
You and your partner will need to use alternative contraception until you are given the all-clear following the submission and analysis of semen samples at 20 weeks and 24 weeks post-operatively. Instructions on semen analysis sampling will be provided to you by Vasectomy Kerry at the time of your procedure.
While possible, vasectomy reversal can be very complex with variable success. The decision to proceed with your vasectomy must be informed and considered carefully. Vasectomy should be considered a permanent life-long contraceptive choice.
A vasectomy is successful in providing permanent contraception for you in 99.9% of cases. Recanalisation is where the vas deferens manages to "grow back" and reverse the vasectomy making a man potentially fertile again. This can occur in the initial months in 1 in 300 vasectomies. In the rare event of this occurring it will be identified by the semen analysis you carry out after your vasectomy. Your vasectomy is considered effective only once it has been demonstrated by semen analysis that you have no moving sperm in your semen. Recanalisation may occur later than this time in 1 in 4000 vasectomies.
It is not necessary for your partner to accompany you to the initial visit but they are more than welcome if they so wish. We do strongly encourage you to discuss the procedure and its implications with your spouse or partner both in advance of the initial visit and also prior to attending for your vasectomy.
You may experience mild discomfort in the first 24 hours. We advise men to rest up at home with their feet up to minimise post-operative discomfort which should be very mild anyway. Any discomfort should be readily managed with simple over the counter painkillers like paracetamol and nurofen, rest and good supportive underwear. Should you experience pain greater than this please contact the surgery and we will take care of you. The day following the procedure it is reasonable to walk around but to minimise any unnecessary physical activity. In the day afterwards normal physical activities can be gradually resumed.
Depending on the type of job you do if it is sedentary there is no reason not to return to work the following day but it is preferable if possible to take a couple of days off after the procedure to minimise activity. If your job is particularly physical it is strongly recommended that you do not return to work for 2-3 days following the procedure.
Most men will comfortably resume sexual intercourse after 3 days.
Depending on the type of exercise, running and non-contact sports can be resumed within the week but it is advisable to wear good supporting underwear initially. Contact sports can be resumed usually by the end of the second post-operative week.
You need to provide the first sample at 20 weeks and the second sample at 24 weeks. Vasectomy Kerry will provide you with all the relevant information and appropriate containers to facilitate this. We will write to you confirming the presence of two consecutive clear semen samples once we have received the results of these from the laboratory.
Vasectomies do not prevent against the contraction of STDs and condoms need to be worn if you are concerned regarding this.
The initial consultantion with Dr Moloney is €100 and the vasectomy procedure is €500. Included in the cost of the vasectomy is the two semen analysis samples and a follow up consultation if required.
