Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Permanent contraception for men cutting off supply of sperm to the penis.
A vasectomy is a 20 minute operation to cut and seal off the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis.
Having a vasectomy means you will not be able to father any more children.
Your particular life circumstances might mean that a vasectomy is a good contraception option for you. You might be considering a vasectomy if:
It is a highly effective form of contraception: only around 1 in 2,000 men who have the operation impregnate a woman.
You’ll meet your consultant in one of our private consultation rooms.
During this time you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests such as scans or blood tests are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
We understand that having any operation, even one as relatively straightforward as a vasectomy, can cause anxiety. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there to reassure you throughout.
You’ll have a local anaesthetic for the 20 minute procedure. This means you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain.
Your experienced consultant surgeon will make a small cut on each side of your scrotum to expose the vasa deferentia, these are the tubes that carry the sperm from your testicles to the penis. Your surgeon will cut the tubes to remove a small section of each.
The ends of the tube are sealed or tied before the cuts in the scrotum are closed with dissolvable stitches.
You’ll be able to go home soon after the operation is over. However, as you’ll be feeling drowsy after the local anaesthetic and a bit uncomfortable, you’ll need a friend or relative to pick you up, it is sensible to have someone to drive you home.
You’ll have some minor discomfort, swelling and bruising around the scrotum for a few days. If you’re in pain you can use over the counter medicines such as paracetamol. It’s likely that you’ll have blood in your semen for the first few ejaculations.
It’s a good idea to wear tight underwear day and night as your scrotum recovers. You can shower or bathe but make sure you dry your genitals gently but thoroughly.
You’ll probably feel fine for work after a day or two but don’t do any heavy lifting or sports for the first week.
Your semen will need to be tested because sperm can remain in the tubes for several months. You will need to take a semen sample 8 to 12 weeks after surgery and another 2 or 3 weeks after that. Your nurse will tell you the dates and give you bottles for the samples.
While you can have sex again as soon as things feel comfortable, it’s important that you carry on using contraception until tests confirm there is no sperm in your semen and your surgeon has confirmed that the vasectomy has been successful.
On rare occasions, complications following a vasectomy can occur.
Please call us straight away if you experience any of these symptoms listed below:
Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
Even after your treatment we’re still here when you need us.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.
A guide price for vasectomy surgery is from £528.
An initial consultation with a Consultant Urological surgeon is from £200 and does not include the cost of any diagnostic tests, scans or treatment.
To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 info@sussexpremierhealth.com