Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy is a form of permanent contraception that involves tying the tubes that takes sperms from the testes to the outside world. It is usually performed under local anaesthetic. It is a safe and reliable means of contraception that is usually straight forward but has a small risk of failure (early and late) and a chance that the patient will have post-operative scrotal discomfort that may last some time. Having undergone the procedure, it must be born in mind that there is a time lag between surgery and infertility, lasting a period of 10 - 12 weeks. Infertility is confirmed by obtaining two clear semen specimens that are arranged at 10 and 12 weeks post-operatively.  Should a specimen contain scanty spermatozoa, an additional specimen would be required to confirm infertility.

Although vasectomy must be considered a permanent and irreversible procedure, in some instances, due to family or social reasons, vasectomy reversal (vaso-vasostomy) may be considered and performed. The reliability of this procedure is approximately 2 in 3 patients but depnds upon a number of factors including, the time elapsed since the vasectomy and the age of the patient.  This will be discussed at the time of the outpatient consultation.