Dr Walters Vasectomy Centre

		Frequently asked questions What is a vasectomy? How is the interruption to the flow of sperm achieved? How does the operation prevent pregnancy? What happens to the sperm produced by the testicles? Does the operation affect the man's sex organs or libido? What happens to sexual enjoyment? After sterilisation does a man experience a normal ejaculation? Does the operation require time off work? Is there any risk of pregnancy after vasectomy? Is there pain with the procedure - does it hurt? Is a general anaesthetic required? What does Dr Walters use in the absence of a general anaesthetic? Does Dr Walters use a particular technique? Who should not have a vasectomy? Are there circumstances when the operation should be deferred? Is a referral from our own local doctor required? Is semen storage an option available to me prior to the operation? When can sexual activity be resumed following the operation? Can the procedure be reversed? top What is a vasectomy? A vasectomy is an operation that creates a blockage or obstruction to the delivery of sperm to the penis. Small incisions, one on each side in the skin of the scrotum, enable the narrow tubes, the vas deferens, to be brought to the surface to be divided. In the majority of cases stitches are not required and are not used. top How is the interruption to the flow of sperm achieved? Dr Walters divides the vas deferens (vas). He then seals by cautery the end of the vas leading to the penis. The end of the vas coming from the testicle is left open (open-ended method) to minimise the occurrence of back pressure near the testicle. The two ends of the vas are then separated from each other using a layer of scrotal tissue to bury the end going to the penis and in so doing interposes a fascial layer between the ends to minimise the risk of the two ends coming together and rejoining spontaneously in the process of healing and resolution. top How does the operation prevent pregnancy? Sperm, required to fertilise an ovum to achieve pregnancy, have to travel through the tubes to enter the semen. Dividing the tubes as described above, prevents the passage of sperm and therefore the seminal fluid ejaculated carries no sperm. top What happens to the sperm produced by the testicles? Following vasectomy the sperm, which cannot proceed beyond the blockage in the duct, are absorbed by the cells lining the ducts and other cells in the soft tissue in the area of the divided vas deferens. The body copes with this absorption very adequately and is a natural normal process. top Does the operation affect the man's sex organs or libido? No. Neither the penis nor the testicles are affected with respect to sexual performance. The testicles continue to produce male hormones and sperm. The prostate gland, located at the base of the bladder and above the blockage created at operation, produces the seminal fluid ejaculated at orgasm. top What happens to sexual enjoyment? Sexual enjoyment is not impaired and since the fear of unwanted pregnancy is removed many find that sexual relations and spontaneity are improved after sterilisation. top After sterilisation does a man experience a normal ejaculation? Yes. He still produces the normal amount of seminal fluid but it contains no sperm. top Does the operation require time off work? Dr Walters recommends two days off work and the avoidance of sport and unnecessary walking for two weeks. top Is there any risk of pregnancy after vasectomy? Yes. It takes time for sperm present in the semen BEFORE the operation to be expelled. Contraception must be continued until tests show that sperm are no longer present in the semen. A semen examination is ESSENTIAL to confirm sterility. top Is there pain with the procedure - does it hurt? The procedure, as developed by Dr Walters is pain free. Occasionally the groin and scrotum may ache during the days following the operation usually related to physical activity, particularly walking top Is a general anaesthetic required? No. For the vast majority of patients a general anaesthetic is not required, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs and risks associated with anaesthetics. top What does Dr Walters use in the absence of a general anaesthetic? Dr Walters uses intravenous sedation and local anaesthetic. The sedative is slowly and progressively administered, according to the response of the individual patient, to achieve a light sleep. The sleep induced is the same as the sleep you enjoy each night. top Does Dr Walters use a particular technique? Dr Walters has developed a technique based on the open-ended principle. He leaves open the divided end of the duct (vas deferens) coming from the testicle. This technique has been designed to help ensure a trouble-free post-operative period. top Who should not have a vasectomy? Dr Walters advises against having a vasectomy in the hope or expectation that the operation will improve a failing relationship or sexual performance unless the prime reason for the couple's disharmony is anxiety about inadequate contraception. top Are there circumstances when the operation should be deferred? Yes. Dr Walters advises patients to defer having the operation until they are at least in their late twenties or when they have a baby less than 12 months old. However despite the foregoing he respects an informed serious request from a patient for the procedure. top Is a referral from our own local doctor required? No. A referral from a general practitioner is not necessary for attendance at Dr Walters Vasectomy Centres, although your own local doctor is often involved in the counselling process leading up to a vasectomy. top Is semen storage an option available to me prior to the operation? Dr Walters recommends semen storage as a back up insurance against unforeseen lifestyle changes that may occur. Semen storage is available as a deposit in a sperm bank. top When can sexual activity be resumed following the operation? Generally sexual activity does not create any problems after the first few days of post-operative rest. top Can the procedure be reversed? Reversal by microsurgical re-anastomosis or rejoining of the divided ends of the vas deferens, called vaso-vasostomy, is technically feasible and successful in many cases.