What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a sterilisation operation performed on men. The
purpose of this is to make them incapable of fathering further
children. A vasectomy is a safe and effective method of
contraception, but is permanent and irreversible.
All vasectomy procedures are carried out under local anesthesia.
Local anaesthetic is injected under the skin surface on either side
of the scrotum to freeze the area. This can be a little
uncomfortable for a few seconds. A small cut is made in the skin
and the vas (the tube carrying sperm from the testicles to the
penis) is pulled out through the skin. A portion of the vas is
removed and the ends sealed using a small diathermy needle
(electrical). A stitch may then be inserted on either side.
After the procedure
There will be some discomfort for the following 48 hours. Most
men have some bruising and swelling. If you are employed we
recommend you arrange to take the next day off work. The scrotum
should be kept well supported by keeping off your feet as much as
possible and wearing tight fitting underpants. The area can be
bathed the following day. Adding salt to bath water can help
healing. The stitches should dissolve themselves.
Specimens
20 and 24 weeks after your vasectomy you will need to send the
clinic a specimen of your semen. The clinic will give you specimen
containers after your vasectomy. These should be posted in the
envelope supplied. Specimens can be collected either by incomplete
intercourse and withdrawal or by masturbation directly into the
container. If these specimens show sperm to be present, a further 2
containers will be sent to you. It is important to continue using
contraception until you are informed of the success of your
vasectomy.
What is the success rate
If the semen you send us shows no sperm the vasectomy has been
successful. If motile (live) sperm are present, the procedure has
not been successful. This occurs in less than 1 in 100 cases. At
this point, the procedure can be repeated. Once we have received 2
consecutive samples which do not have any sperm present, we will
send you a letter confirming that your vasectomy is complete
(successful) and further contraception is no longer required. The
failure rate following this is 1 in 1000. This reduces to 1 in 5000
once 10 years have passed.
What do I do if I wish to have a
vasectomy
It is possible for you to make an appointment at Sandyford to
discuss and arrange your vasectomy. You do not need to be referred
by your GP. This first appointment is a counselling appointment to
talk about the vasectomy. Our clinic contact number is 0141 211
8654.
At the counselling appointment
It may be helpful if your partner attends with you but this is
not necessary. During this appointment all aspects of the procedure
will be discussed including the failure rate and known
complications. If you decide to go ahead you will be asked to sign
a consent form. This appointment usually lasts 10-15 minutes.
Appointments are available Monday - Friday afternoons (except
Tuesday). If you wish to proceed to a vasectomy operation, you will
be given an operation date at the time of the counselling
appointment.
Operation times
The following operating lists are available:
- Tuesday 9-11.45am
- Wednesday 9-11.45 am
- Friday 9-11.45 am
If you have any queries or problems either before or after your
vasectomy you can contact us at the clinic on 0141 211 8646.
Body Mass Index
Please note we have a BMI cut-off limit of 35 and under for
vasectomy procedures at Sandyford. If you are unsure of your BMI
(body mass index) please contact us on 0141 211 8654 stating your
weight and height.