Vasectomy Procedure
In this video we explain consent and talk about the procedure and the treatment for those who have elected to have a vasectomy with First Choice will have. Our priority is to ensure that you feel at ease, well-informed, and confident during every step of the entire process.
Having a Vasectomy
Preparing for Your Operation
It is advised to take a shower or bath on the day of the procedure. Shaving the testicles is necessary to minimise the risk of infection (if you prefer, the medical staff can handle this at the surgery). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to address any last-minute questions. Ensure that you wear snug-fitting underwear on the day of your vasectomy, as this offers support post-procedure and decreases the chances of bleeding and discomfort following the vasectomy.
The Operation
Operation:
The procedure does not involve slicing the skin, so no scalpel is required. Instead, a tiny 3 to 4mm circular incision is made in the scrotal area. The keyhole is so small that it does not require stitches. It is also much smaller than the 10 to 15mm incisions made by scalpels during other methods.
An instrument called a haemostat is used to enter the scrotum. It can gently remove the tissue between skin layers and vas deferens. Although it may not sound like a vasectomy related instrument, using the haemostat reduces the likelihood of infections and bruises that can be caused by other methods.
Once the vas has been located, it is gently lifted through the keyhole and sealed.
Two tubes must be sealed. While it is possible to access both via a single incision in most cases, some patients may require one incision to each side of their scrotum. The confirmation of this aspect cannot be provided until the day the procedure takes place.
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Duration
In general, the procedure takes under 25 minutes to complete, and we recommend arranging for someone to drive you home in order to minimise the risk of post-operative complications.
Recovery
Discomfort after the operation is very minimal. There will be some bruising and discomfort after the procedure for about three days. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help.
The recuperation period is generally swift. Individuals with desk jobs and minimal physical demands can often resume work within hours. However, those with more labour intensive occupations might need to wait 2-3 days before returning to work. A popular choice is to schedule the procedure on a Friday, allowing the weekend for recovery time.
You may resume non-contact sports within a week if you wear a jockstrap for support. Running and engaging in contact sports can be resumed after a two-week period.
Normal sexual activity can resume when comfortable after the keyhole site heals. Birth control precautions should still be taken until a semen analysis test reveals that in the ejaculate. It is advisable that this test is taken sixteen weeks following your procedure.
Unprotected sex can lead to an unplanned pregnancy. So it is important to take precautions before you go.
Rest: You are advised to rest after the procedure. The next day, office work can resume.
For at least one week following the operation, it is important not to do any heavy lifting or vigorous physical activity.
It may be necessary for you to take 2-3 days off depending on your job.
This is not due to the severity of the surgery, but rather the mobility of your scrotum. It is therefore subject to friction and requires rest to allow the blood vessels and tissues to heal.
It is essential to rest. Neglecting to rest can lead to bleeding, infection, pain, swelling, and even death.
Unprotected sex can lead to an unplanned pregnancy. So it is important to take precautions before you go.
Although vasectomy is permanent and very reliable, there is a small chance that the two ends of the tube will fuse, or grow back together. Sperm testing minimises the likelihood of unsuccessful vasectomy causing pregnancy. This is estimated to occur in 1 out 3000 vasectomies.
You should be sure that you are 100% certain your family is complete.
Some situations may require additional discussion with your GP prior to proceeding with a vasectomy. This includes being under 30, the situation where vasectomy is considered before fatherhood, and certain prescription medicines including blood thinners. All ongoing sexual problems, recurring epididymitis or testicular pain, as well as any other issues that may arise, will need to be discussed at the consultation stage.
Some patients considering a vasectomy have existing minor problems such as Varicocele or Hydrocele. These issues will not always make vasectomy an unsuitable choice, but should be discussed with your GP in order to help advise the safest option to proceed with
Possible Complications
Like any operation, there are always complications. These include:
Wound infection and slow wound healing are two things that may require advice and treatment. Please contact us if you have any questions.
In approximately 1% of cases, blood may accumulate around the testicle, resulting in a scrotal hematoma, which resembles a bruise. A Haematoma can cause swelling and pain and usually starts soon after surgery. The chance of a Haematoma forming may be slightly higher where vigorous exercise has been undertaken a little too soon after surgery, so it is important to follow advice and rest after your vasectomy. Although significant haematomas are rare, and most haematomas diminish smoothly in size with time,it is important to contact us if you notice swelling.
Epididimitis is a condition that occurs when the epididimis behind the testicle becomes inflamed. This may cause mild pain and may benefit from treatment with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Sperm granulomas may form at the site where the tube (Vas Deferens) has been blocked. These small lumps form at the end the vas, especially on the side that still contains sperm. They are usually harmless and do not pose any problem. If they become painful or tender, it might be necessary to have them treated or possibly removed surgically. The likelihood of needing surgery of this kind is extremely low, and most sperm granulomas cause no significant discomfort.
Persistent pain is a rare complication of vasectomy in which men experience persistent pain at the testicle, or at the site of the vasectomy. Although rare, it is important to discuss with your GP whether vasectomy is the best option for you in advance of your surgery, in order to minimise the chance of complications. A range of treatment options are available to help with pain or discomfort after vasectomy.
Medical Cover
Irish Life Health: Members can now claim up to €360 back on a vasectomy procedure, on a number of plans.
Tax Relief: You are eligible to claim relief for healthcare expenses incurred. This may include your personal medical costs, those of a family member, or any individual, as long as you were the one who covered the expenses.
Relief cannot be claimed for any amounts that you have already obtained or are expected to receive from:
any policy of insurance
a public or local authority, for example, the Health Service Executive (HSE)
any other source, such as a compensation payment.
You generally receive tax relief for health expenses at your standard rate of tax (20%). We can arrange the necessary documentation you may need to claim this.