Frequently asked questions
While it may sound like a relatively simple, quick operation, we know this is a very sensitive area, so you’re bound to have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common queries people have when they’re thinking about a vasectomy:
How long will I be ‘out of action’?
You should speak to your doctor but, as a general rule, it’s advisable to avoid any sexual activity for at least a week following a vasectomy. It’s also important to be aware of the fact that you'll need to use contraception for eight to 12 weeks after the operation. This is because your tubes will still contain some sperm and it can take a while to fully clear them out.
How can I tell if the vasectomy has been successful?
After around 12 weeks, you'll need to have a semen test. Your doctor will take a semen sample to see if it contains any sperm. In some cases, this test might be repeated to confirm that all the remaining sperm has gone.
It’s advisable to continue using contraception until you’ve received the results of these tests and confirmed that your semen is sperm-free.
Will having a vasectomy affect my sex drive or performance?
The simple answer to this is no. A vasectomy won’t change your sex drive or your ability to have and enjoy sexual intercourse. Your testicles will keep producing testosterone – the male sex hormone – after a successful vasectomy, so your sex drive and ability to get an erection won't be affected.
Your body will also continue to produce semen, so you’ll ejaculate as you did before. The only difference now is that there won’t be any sperm present in the semen. The testicles will keep producing sperm, but with nowhere to go, it’ll get harmlessly absorbed back into your body.
Does a vasectomy make me more or less likely to get cancer?
If you’ve had a vasectomy, this won’t prevent you from getting prostate cancer or testicular cancer. However, there isn’t evidence to suggest that it increases your risk either. A vasectomy also won't protect you against getting an STI, so there may be times that you need to consider using a condom.
Are there any other unusual symptoms or side-effects?
It’s possible for a vasectomy to cause long-term pain in the testicles, which could need follow up surgery. It can also cause blood to collect within the scrotum (haematoma) and, as with any surgery, the area can become infected.
In some cases, inflammation can occur as a result of sperm escaping from the tubes, and this can cause a small mass or lump (sperm granuloma) on the testicles. And finally, in some very rare cases, it’s possible for the tubes to naturally repair and reconnect.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
While it is possible to have a vasectomy reversed, it doesn’t always work. That’s why a vasectomy is considered as a permanent procedure and should never be entered into lightly.
However, if your circumstances have changed or you’re experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort, you may want to look into getting the procedure reversed. While the vasectomy involves cutting or sealing the tubes that deliver sperm to the semen, a reversal operation is a more complex procedure where those tubes need to be reconstructed so they can transfer sperm again.
How can I get a vasectomy reversal?
A vasectomy reversal isn’t usually available on the NHS, or through private healthcare cover. There may be rare exceptions, if there’s been a complication for example, but you’re likely to have to cover the cost yourself.
So, you’ll need to contact a private clinic and arrange an initial consultation, in which a doctor will discuss your circumstances and answer any queries you may have. They’ll also do some tests and examinations, as well as talk you through the potential risks and the chances of success.
What’s the success rate for vasectomy reversal?
A vasectomy reversal operation is deemed successful if, after testing, there’s sperm in your semen again. The chances of the operation being successful will depend on your individual circumstances, including how long it’s been since the original vasectomy.
It’s also important to note that a successful reversal still doesn’t guarantee that you and your partner will be able to conceive. This depends on various factors, including the length of time since your vasectomy.
It's thought that the chances of conceiving after a reversal are as follows:
- 75% if your vasectomy reversal is within three years of the original vasectomy.
- 50-55% for a vasectomy reversal between three and eight years after the vasectomy.
- Around 30% to 40% if the reversal is after nine years, up to 19 years (after which it becomes increasingly unlikely).2
Age will also play a part in these statistics, as we become less fertile as we get older. And there are plenty of other factors that can also affect your fertility, which should be considered when deciding whether or not to get a vasectomy or have reversal surgery.
For more information, check out our article where we’ve answered common questions about male fertility.
References
- Vasectomy (male sterilisation) – NHS
- Vasectomy – Patient Info