FAQ

Why a vasectomy for me?

You have completed your family
You would like to enjoy sex without the fear of an unplanned pregnancy
You and your partner find it preferential to other forms of contraception
You want permanent contraception
You want a cost-effective contraceptive option long term

What does No-Scalpel Vasectomy mean?

A No-Scalpel Vasectomy is a safe and uncomplicated procedure. It is the most reliable form of contraception available today. It is a minor surgical procedure with a very low risk of side effects and patients return to normal activities after a couple of days. It is performed under local anaesthetic.

During this minor procedure the tube that carries sperm from your testes to mix with your semen is divided. This tube is called the Vas Deferens. A very small opening is made in the skin (2 to 3 mm) and the tube is visualized and divided via this opening. The ends of the divided tube are sealed. The opening is so small that no scalpel is required and one external dissolvable suture (stitch) is al that is required to seal this wound. It will heal in 24 to 36 hours. Once this Vas Deferens is divided it will prevents any further sperm becoming part of your semen. This prevents conception resulting from intercourse.

Why is No-Scalpel Vasectomy better?

There is minimal discomfort
There are ten times fewer complications that conventional vasectomy
It is often a faster procedure
There is a 40 to 50% quicker recovery than conventional vasectomy

What do I need to do before and after?

What to do before the procedure

It is necessary to shave the hair off the scrotum and the base of the penis. This is best performed one or two days before the procedure. Shaving is best done using a scissors to remove the bulk of the hair and a disposable razor to trim off the remainder. It may not be possible to proceed with the procedure on the day if this is not adequately performed in advance of the procedure. It reduces the risk of infection occurring.
Eat as normal.
Shower as normal on the morning of the procedure.
It is desirable though not mandatory to allow someone to accompany you in order to drive you home.
We strongly recommend that you bring supportive underwear, preferably neat-fitting briefs, to wear immediately following your vasectomy and also for the first 2 to 3 days, this provides essential scrotal support.

After the procedure

Rest at home for 24 hours after your vasectomy
In the first 48 hours mild discomfort can be expected which is however easily managed with good supporting underwear and over the counter painkillers, specifically Paracetamol and Nurofen at the recommended dosages.
On the day after the procedure it is recommended to have a bath or a shower.
While the majority of patients may return to work the day after the procedure it would be more beneficial for your recovery if very physical work was avoided for 2 to 3 days.
Bruising on the scrotum is quite normal in the days following your vasectomy and this will gradually reduce over a period of a week.
Non-contact sports can be resumed a week after your vasectomy. Contact sports may be resumed two weeks after the procedure in most instances.
Sexual activity may be resumed usually after 2 or 3 days. It is important to continue to use alternative contraception until you have been given the all clear by us following 2 clear semen samples.

How long will my vasectomy take?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes to perform but we ask you to allow an hour door to door to ensure time for a short rest and post-procedure instructions to be explained to you.

Will it affect my sex drive or performance?

Studies have been done to explore this question. These studies have including tens of thousands of participants There is no evidence that vasectomy will alter sexual performance, ejaculation or lead to a change in sex drive.

Can I drive home?

Whilst you will be able to drive home if necessary it is advised that you arrange for someone to give you a lift home where possible to maximise your comfort.

Will my vasectomy be painful?

There is minimal discomfort in administering local anaesthetic at the beginning of your vasectomy. This mild stinging lasts about 10 to 15seconds and then you will have no pain. There can be very mild discomfort following the procedure for about 2 days and this is easily relieved using rest, supportive underwear and over the counter simple painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen.

How long do I need to use alternative contraception after my vasectomy?

You and your partner will need to use alternative contraception until you are given the all-clear following the submission and analysis of a semen sample 16 weeks post-operatively. Instructions on semen analysis sampling will be provided to you by vasectomy Cork at the time of your procedure.

Can my vasectomy be reversed?

While possible, vasectomy reversal can be very complex with variable success. The decision to proceed with your vasectomy must be informed and considered carefully. Vasectomy should be considered a permanent life-long contraceptive choice.

Can my vasectomy fail to work?

A vasectomy is successful in providing permanent contraception for you in 99.9% of cases.
Recanalisation is where the vas deferens manages to "grow back" and reverse the vasectomy making a man potentially fertile again. This can occur in the initial months in 1 in 400 vasectomies. In the rare event of this occurring it will be identified by the semen analysis you carry out after your vasectomy. Your vasectomy is considered effective only once it has been demonstrated by semen analysis that you have no moving sperm in your semen.
Recanalisation may occur later than this time in 1 in 4000 vasectomies.

What should I expect in the days after the procedure?

You may experience mild discomfort in the first 24 hours we advise men to rest up at home with their feet up to minimise and post-operative discomfort which should be very mild anyway. Any discomfort should be readily managed with simple over the counter painkillers like paracetamol and nurofen, rest and good supportive underwear. Should you experience pain greater than this please contact the surgery and we will take care of you.
The day following the procedure it is reasonable to walk around but to minimise any unnecessary physical activity. In the day afterwards normal physical activities can be gradually resumed.

How soon can I return to work?

Depending on the type of job you do if it is sedentary there is no reason not to return to work the following day but it is preferable if possible to take a couple of days off after the procedure to minimise activity. If your job is particularly physical it is strongly recommended that you do not return to work for 2-3 days following the procedure

How soon after can I have intercourse?

Most men will comfortably resume sexual intercourse after 3 days.

How soon after my Vasectomy can I exercise?

Depending on the type of exercise, running and non-contact sports can be resumed within the week but it is advisable to wear good supporting underwear initially. Contact sports can be resumed usually by the end of the second post-operative week.

How soon after my vasectomy do I submit a semen sample?

You need to provide a semen sample at 16 weeks post vasectomy. Vasectomy Cork will provide you with all the relevant information and appropriate container to facilitate this. We will contact you confirming the presence of a clear semen sample once we have received the results of this from the laboratory. This can take approximately 10 days.

How do I contact the clinic to arrange an appointment?

Once you fill out the pre-operative online questionnaire we will contact you to arrange an appointment for you to undego the procedure.

If you feel you need further information phone number of the clinic is 021-4374997.

Can I have a vasectomy if I have a medical card?

A LIMITED NUMBER OF VASECTOMIES ARE FUNDED BY THE GMS SYSTEM. PLEASE RING RECEPTION TO DISCUSS BOOKING OPTIONS. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU MAY REGISTER AND PAY PRIVATELY.