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 6-8 weeks.  Infertility is confirmed by obtaining two clear semen specimens that are arranged by your general practitioner at six and eight weeks.

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 1 in 3 patients.