How It Works

​

Before your procedure

A few things we would recommend prior to having your vasectomy:

• Have someone to drive you to/from our Dublin clinic (or take a taxi).

• If you are taking aspirin or aspirin-containing medications or blood thinners, please let us know in advance. You should also avoid ibuprofen/Nurofen and other anti- inflammatories two days before vasectomy. Paracetamol is fine at any time.

• Please wash the scrotum and groin area well the night before or the day of your vasectomy.

• Please shave or trim away the hair from the front of the scrotum.

• Wear a clean pair of snug-fitting underwear that give support to the scrotum. You could wear bike shorts or a Speedo if that’s easier for you.

• Eat plenty on the day of your procedure – do NOT fast.

 

At the Clinic

You should plan to spend between 60 to 90 minutes at the clinic. Your partner is welcome to accompany you. Again, you should be driven home by someone else for your safety and comfort.

 

Anatomy

Before describing the vasectomy procedure in detail, we will first discuss the male anatomy.

 

Each testicle - or testis – is an oval gland that sits in the scrotum. It produces sperm, which travels through the tubules within the testicle out to the epididymis, which sits on top of the testicle. From there, the sperm travels through another long tube out of the scrotum, through the prostate (where semen is added to enable sperm to travel easier) and out of the penis. The tube that carries sperm out of the testicle is called the vas deferens. In a vasectomy, we interrupt both vasa (left and right), thus preventing sperm from exiting altogether.The testes also produce the male hormone testosterone. It leaves the area via blood vessels, so this function is not affected by vasectomy in any way. Likewise, the nerves and blood flow that control erections are not in any way involved in a vasectomy. Crucially, sperm can be stored at various junctures along this path for several weeks, which is the reason why alternative contraception must be used after vasectomy, until a test of success after 12 weeks confirms that any and all residual sperm is gone.

 

The Vasectomy Technique

Vasectomy technique has advanced, becoming less and less invasive. Now we use no scalpel incision at all and no skin stitches. We administer local anaesthetic - without any needles, using a high powered spray device - to numb the skin and the areas involved. After this, while you will feel movements and some pressure, there should be no pain.

 

The Surgical Procedure

If you do not want to know all the details of the procedure; you may skip over this section. Others may want to know more – we are happy to address all questions at the initial consultation.

​

You will lie down on the exam couch. We often use a hot water bottle to help heat and relax the scrotum. Dr Keane will examine your genitals. He will clean the scrotum with a warm antiseptic liquid. To begin, he finds the vas deferens or tube on each side and administers local anesthetic. This numbs the superficial skin and both tubes. He then holds the right tube at the front of the scrotum and makes a tiny puncture opening in the skin to expose the tube, which is then brought out through the opening. The central part of the tube is blocked by electrocautery, which creates firm scar tissue. The tube is then separated and stretched apart. This method has proven to have a very high success rate. The left tube is then put back in place and then the right vas is located and held where it can be reached through the same central opening. The right tube is sealed and separated, just like on the left. The right vas is then put back inside. The opening is closed with the same electrocautery device and then packed with plasters and you’re done - no stitches involved!

​

After Care

No stitches are needed after the vasectomy. After a few minutes you get dressed and go home. To prevent complications you must go directly home from the clinic after your vasectomy and rest until the next day. You should wear tight underwear for a few days to keep the plaster in place for at least 24 hours. For the next 7 days you can return to office or light work, however you must avoid strenuous exercise and swimming.