1. What is a Vasectomy?
The ‘vas’ are tubes carrying the sperm from the testis and in a Vas-ectomy the tubes are cut and the ends are tied. In the method used at this surgery a central portion of the tube is removed. The skin incisions are very small usually 2-3mm and local anaesthetic injection is used to numb the skin.

2. What are the possible complications?
Usually very minor. More commonly seen is infection as the scrotum is close to the anus –usually settles with antibiotics. 

Bleeding - Uncommon although can sometimes occur. The scrotum is like a bag and tends to collect the blood, usually it settles down by itself but rarely might need to be let out. This is seen in 2-3/1000 patients only. 

Recanalisation - Here the vas ends join up by themselves. World wide literature mentions 2-3/1000 but in our method used here, we have not had this problem. This cannot be predicted. This can unfortunately happen at any time. It is to be noted that alternative procedures like Tubal ligation in women have more serious complications.

3. What happens to the sperm after the operation?
After a few months to years, the sperm “factory” shuts down due to lack of demand. However, the fluid during ejaculation is produced as normal as prostate gland secretions etc make up part of the seminal fluid.

4. When can we stop using contraception?
There are sperm beyond where the cut is made and the average couple takes 3 MONTHS to use up the sperm. We normally check for sperm in the seminal fluid after 3 months and TWO NEGATIVE SAMPLES TWO WEEKS APART is usually recommended before we give the all clear. Until then the usual method of contraception for the couple is used.

5. What if I do not get a negative test?
This happens if you need more time to use up the sperm. Usually the test becomes normal with a delay of another month or so. Sometimes it might indicate a double vas (an abnormality where there are two vas tubes on one side). This cannot be detected during the operation and the procedure is simply repeated. It only happens in 1-2/2000 patients. Of course, as mentioned above rejoining of the tubes can cause a failure of the test.

6. Can I work after the procedure?
50% of patients go back to work the next day, although we recommend 24 - 48 hrs off work. We would advise to avoid lifting, exercise (anything which raises your Blood Pressure as it can cause some bruising) for 48 hours. There is naturally some discomfort after the procedure, most patients describe a “heavy” feeling in the scrotum for a few days.

7. What happens during the operation?
We give you a set of tablets (one sleeping pill plus two painkillers) to take 45 minutes before the operation and it relaxes the muscles in the scrotal area. These tablet also “relax the mind”, which means that it is illegal for you to drive, so you will need to arrange transport. It is also wise to avoid signing legal documents etc, on the day. The local anaesthetic injection, that is given just underneath the skin, stings for a few seconds, but after that the area is numb. You will feel the surgeons hand’s on your scrotum but will not feel for sharp pain. The tablets are given at the first consultation. Please bring firm underwear to wear home. You need to avoid alcohol for the first day as this can increase your tendency to bleed.

8. Why does the doctor see me before the operation and what happens after the operation?
After a discussion about the procedure, the scrotum is examined to make sure there is no abnormalities. The vas is examined to see if it is unusually short in which case rarely it is not suitable for an operation under local anaesthetic. Please phone Dr Paul on mobile should you have any concerns after the surgery. No routine appt. is usually necessary. After 48 hours, the wound is water-tight and patients can have a shower as usual.

9. What does the operation cost me?
We charge $420.00 This includes the initial consultation and the operation.

10. Are vasectomies done regularly at your clinic?
Yes. Dr Sharad Paul performs vasectomies as well as in Waihi, where he provides a service for the Coromandal region. He has performed over 3000 in total and would currently perform about 150 per year.

11. Is ability to have an erection or sex affected?
No. There is no change to sex drive or performance.

12. Do the labs charge for tests for sperms?
No. These tests are free of charge.

13. How long does the operation take?
It usually takes about 20 minutes, this includes the time for setting up the of instruments and waiting for the local anaesthetic to work etc.

14. What happens if I change my mind after the procedure?
We usually consider the Vasectomy as a permanent procedure. This is why we prefer to see both partners in the initial consultation. The vasectomy is reversible (meaning the tubes can be rejoined) but often the quality of sperm has deteriorated and hence fertility cannot be guaranteed. We therefore, only recommend Vasectomy as a permanent procedure although in extreme cases a reversal can be attempted.

15. When can a couple have sex after the operation?
There is no definite schedule except that it is best avoided for 3 days after the procedure as it can cause bruising. It will also depend on when the discomfort after the operation has abated.

16. How will I know when my sperm check is due after the operation?
As mentioned above, we wait three months before organising the test. We will remind you when the test is due. We will mail you a laboratory request form, instructions & a list of local labs. The test can be done at any of the labs where blood tests are done normally. It is therefore very important for us to know if you change you address after the operation.

17. Is there any link between Vasectomy & prostate cancer later on?
This has been looked at after there was an initial report in 1994 which was published in the JAMA (journal of American Medical Association). This claim was unable to be proven & there is no information or evidence to date of any link between vasectomies & the development of prostatic cancer.

Please call for an appointment or a free information sheet on Ph: 828 6438 or send an email to doctor@sharadpaul.co.nz