Cheshire Cosmetic

Vasectomy

What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a safe, effective and permanent form of contraception for men. It is becoming increasingly popular and more than 65 000 men each year, chose this form of family planning in the UK.
It works by division and tie of the 2 tubes (vas deferens) which carry sperm from testicles to the semen producing gland just behind the penis. This means that semen is still produced during ejaculation, but there is no sperm present.

This is a permanent treatment, therefore it should only be considered if your family is complete or you do not want to have children. Reversal surgery is possible but carries a very low success rate.
We are pleased to offer the ‘no-scalpel technique’, performed exclusively by our specialist Dr Dave Perry, who has over 15 years experience in this field, having performed over 1000 procedures.

What does vasectomy involve?

• Pre-treatment counselling to assess suitability and informed consent
• Change of clothes into theatre gown
• Preparation / cleaning of the scrotal skin including shaving if necessary
• Injection of local anaesthetic into the groin using a fine needle
• Small incision made over each of the two sperm carrying tubes (vas deferens)
• Each vas deferens tube is located, divided, then tied and sealed
• The sealed tubes are replaced in the scrotum and the wound closed with a dissolving suture
• The appointment lasts 1 hour but the procedure takes 15 minutes to perform

Vasectomy aftercare

• Relax at home for at least 24 hours
• Avoid any strenuous activity and lifting for 2 weeks
• Avoid sports and gym exercises for at least 2 weeks
• Wear supportive underwear whilst there is any discomfort
• Wash and shower the area gently for 1 week
• Any discomfort can be controlled with simple painkillers (eg. paracetamol) and should resolve with 1-2 weeks
• Results are not immediate and must be guaranteed following 2 semen samples at 12 and 16 weeks post vasectomy

Possible side effects / complications of vasectomy

• Slight swelling of the area in the first 48 hours is COMMON
• Occasional oozing of the wound can occur and is COMMON
• Bleeding and bruising can occur but is LESS COMMON
• Infection of the wound is RARE and must be treated immediately
• Failure of the vasectomy is VERY RARE (<1 in 2000 cases)
• Male hormones and libido are NEVER affected by vasectomy

How much does vasectomy cost?