Vasectomy

Vasectomy

This is a procedure for male sterilization. Where the two tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are surgically disconnected. This operation is done as a day case and takes ½ hour. Majority of cases can be done under local anesthesia. Through an incision 1 cm long over each side of the scrotum, a small section of the vas is removed and the cut ends tied. The skin incisions are then closed with self-absorbable stitches. Unlike female sterilization which is immediately effective, in vasectomy there is still the need for back-up contraception because it takes about 2 months to clear the rest of the sperms within the vas. This is verified by sending a sperm sample anytime after 2 months post-surgery. Only when the sperm count is zero is it safe to have sex without contraception

Complications include:

  • scrotal haematoma (blood clot). This may need surgical evacuation if it is large.
  • infection. The wound may get infected, resulting in increasing pain and swelling. If so, 2 to 3 weeks of antibiotics are needed.
  • sperm granuloma. This is a pea-sized lump that forms if sperm leaks out from the vas. Majority of sperm granulomas are asymptomatic but may need to be excised if they become painful.