Vasectomy? You CAN Change Your Mind Afterward

Vasectomy is a relatively safe procedure for all men that do not wish to have (more) children. But what if they change their mind afterward?

What is vasectomy?

A vasectomy is an ambulatory surgical procedure for men which can provide permanent protection from unwanted pregnancy. The procedure includes cutting and tying the spermatic duct that leads the seamen from the testicles to the ejaculatory channel, i.e. secant. The procedure takes between 30 minutes and an hour and is done under local anesthesia, with no need for hospitalization. It is a very elegant and practically painless procedure. The surgeon makes an approximately 1.5 cm long incision on the upper side of the scrotal sack and finds the spermatic duct. He cuts out a few millimeters and ties, i.e. cauterizes the ends. Vasectomy is legal for men above the age of 35 and only in special cases for younger ones. Vasectomy does not affect the libido or potency, since it does not change the hormonal balance in the body. Sterilization should never be equated with castration.

Is vasectomy safe?

Like every other surgical procedure, vasectomy carries the risk of post-operative complications, which are quite rare though. They can include pain, swelling, hematoma (accumulation of blood under the cut; happens in less than 1 per cent of cases), spermatic granuloma (accumulation and eventually inflammation of seamen in the operated area) and spontaneous reanastomosis (in case the spermatic ducts are not tied or if the ties slip off). These complications usually occur soon after the procedure. Because of possible bleeding, it is recommended that patients not use medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Acisal, …), garlic and various vitamin E supplements. If pain occurs after the vasectomy, it can be relieved with paracetamol-based pain-killers (Lekadol, Panadon, …). Because of gauze, bandages and potential compresses it is recommended the patient wear very tight underpants. If the operated area starts to swell up, cold compresses are to be used in 20 minute intervals for at least the first couple of hours after the procedure. Showering is ok, but bathing is not recommended during the first week after the surgery.

And if I change my mind afterward?

The development of microsurgery techniques made amazing advances in the last couple of years, so today it is possible to overcome infertility due to vasectomy, which used to be regarded as permanent. The procedure to surgically reconnect the disconnected parts of the spermatic duct is called vasovasostomy or spermatic duct reanastomosis. It is a relatively short surgical procedure that usually takes less than three hours. The reverse vasectomy procedure is done ambulatory. After the procedure the patient receives light pain-killers and antibiotics so he is able to return to work in a couple of days. It is recommended that the patient wear a scrotal supporter for two weeks after surgery, and to avoid ejaculating or carrying heavy loads. Success rate of reanastomosis is significantly lower if more time has passed since vasectomy and sperm antibodies have already formed. Men that decide for vasectomy are therefore still advised to save their frozen seamen in a sperm bank.

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