Dr Krishna Kanhaiya, a GP at Wordsley Green Health Centre, is a principal trainer in vasectomy.
He has the relevant qualifications and skills to deliver the community no scalpel vasectomy service.
Why choose a Vasectomy?
People ask for vasectomy when they are sure that their family' is complete or they do not want children. It is one of the most effective forms of contraception. However, it should always be considered permanent and so requires very careful thought beforehand. It should be recognised that personal circumstances can change, and that vasectomy reversal operations are not very successful.
Who can have a Vasectomy?
Any man can have a Vasectomy regardless of age, or whether they are married, single, divorced, widowed, childless or with a family. If you have a permanent partner, their consent is not legally necessary, but it is recommended that your decision is discussed with her and that she agrees with it.
How effective is a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is over 99.9% effective, but occasionally the operation fails if one or both tubes rejoin, or there may be a double tube on one side.
Am I suitable for a Vasectomy?
Anyone can have a vasectomy, but some medical conditions may make the procedure more difficult. In particular, you must let your GP and the surgeon know: if you have had any operations in the genital area, including hernias; if you have any known abnormality of the urogenital system, e.g. kidneys and bladder; and, if you have had any metallic implants from injuries such as a broken arm or leg.
There can be sperm in the ejaculated fluid for many months after the operation (rarely up to 18 months), so you must continue to use contraception until post-operative sperm tests have been carried out and you have at least one satisfactory sperm analysis test showing no more live or ‘motile’ sperm. You will be given further information about this after the operation and before you go home.
Non Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)
How is the procedure done?
Sperm makes up approximately 5% of the fluid ejaculated at orgasm. The purpose of the operation is to stop the sperm being ejaculated by sealing the tubes (the vas deferens) which carry the sperm from the testicle to the fluid. The fluid originates in glands at the base of the penis and the quantity produced is unaffected by the operation.
You will be given a small injection of local anaesthetic into the skin of the scrotum. A tiny opening (rarely, 2 may be needed) is made and a piece of the tube leading from each testicle is sealed and cut so that sperm can no longer get through.
The operation takes about 10 minutes, with perhaps 10 minutes before and after for preparation and finishing.
Before your operation
You should shave your scrotum as instructed by the clinic. This should be done at least one day before the operation.
Immediately before coming in for the operation, please wash the genital area thoroughly with soap and hot water.
Eat a light meal before arriving at the surgery.
Your wife or partner is welcome to attend with you for any part or all of the consultation and/or operation.
Afterwards
Here is some important information relating to post operative care following your operation.
Following a local anaesthetic you can leave the surgery after a short rest. You should not drive home, but arrange for someone to collect you, or use a taxi. You are likely to experience some discomfort during the first few days and occasionally some swelling develops. It is sensible to plan to relax at home for a few days before undertaking work or exercise. We also advise that you avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or driving long distances for 1-2 weeks. To minimise swelling and discomfort, it is advisable to wear tight fitting underpants, swimming trunks or a jock strap (bring with you on day of your operation) you should continue to wear these day and night for about 1 week.
1-2 hours after the operation, when the local anaesthetic wears off, you will normally have some discomfort of mild pain. It is ok for you to take your usual painkillers such as Paracetamol, lbuprofen, or Co-codamol, in the normal dosages (these are all available from the chemist without needing a prescription). Place an ice pack on the scrotum for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first day to reduce swelling and discomfort. Remember to place a tea towel (or similar) between the ice pack and skin. Some swelling and bruising of the scrotum and testicles is normal but if it is severe during the first few hours after the operation you should contact in the first instance the doctor who had performed your operation. If you are unable to contact him please contact a doctor through your own surgery. Where the tubes have been cauterised and cut some scar tissue will form. This may be felt as a slightly lumpy, sometimes tender, area just above the testicle. This is quite normal, but if you do become concerned about any unusual lumps see your GP. There are no stitches to remove, there is only a small cut that will heal itself although may gape open a little after a few days. You need only to seek medical advice if it is persistent, excessively smelly or inflamed.
More information can be obtained on the web at: www.bansv.org.