Vasectomy

A Vasectomy is the surgical interruption of the two tubes (vas
deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the ejaculatory
ducts (where the sperm is stored before leaving the body during
orgasm). This prevents sperm from being ejaculated, thus preventing
pregnancy.

DESCRIPTION

Vasectomy is usually performed under local anaesthetic, with
the operation taking about 20 minutes to perform.

It involves making one or two small cuts in the skin of the
scrotum, cutting the vas deferens tube and removing a small piece
from the tube if necessary. (The vas deferens is the tube through
which the sperm and other components of semen move through to form
the ejaculate.) The cut ends are then tied and the incision is sewn
up. This procedure is then repeated on the other side.

Another technique, referred to as the no-scalpel Vasectomy,
involves feeling for the vas deferens tube under the skin of the
scrotum and holding it in place with a small clamp. An instrument
is then used to make a small puncture in the skin and stretch the
opening so the vas deferens tube can be cut and tied.

Vasectomy is unsuccessful in fewer than two in every 1000
cases.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Some herbs are not recommended in the weeks before and after
surgery due to the direct effects they may have on the body and/or
the possibility that they may interact with other medications. You
should tell your Surgeon and/or Doctor well before surgery if you
are taking ANY supplements. The American Society of
anesthesiologists recommends that people stop taking herbal
medicines at least two to three weeks before surgery. Ask your
Surgeon and/or Doctor for advice.

POST OPERATIVE NOTES

POST OPERATIVE CARE 

• You will probably feel sore for a few days.
• You should rest for at least a day after the surgery.
• You should recover completely within 1 week.
• Complications such as swelling, bruising, inflammation and
  infection may occur, although they are relatively uncommon and
  almost never serious.
• You can resume sexual activity within a few days after a
  Vasectomy, but contraception should be used until your semen is
  free of sperm. Your semen can be tested for the presence of sperm
  after you have had 10-20 post-Vasectomy ejaculations.
• You should avoid strenuous activity for 3-5 days after the
  surgery.

Reversing Vasectomy is difficult, expensive and often unsuccessful.
It is therefore important that men are counselled about the
implications of having a Vasectomy.

It is important to remember that Vasectomy does not protect
against sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

1. If you are in any pain ask your Pharmacist for a suitable pain
   tablet.
2. Your Pharmacy stocks a full range of wound dressings.
3. A cold pack or athletic support may help relieve the pain. If
   you need a cold pack or athletic support, ask your Pharmacist for
   advice.