Vasectomy Flashcards
1
Q
Explain the procedure of vasectomy
A
- surgical procedure to cut or block the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles (vas deferens)
- prevents sperm from reaching the prostate and being mixed with semen
- Locate the vas deferens
- local anaestitic injection - “numbing shot” into the testicle, this will be the most painful part
- small incision into the testicle - only a few mm
- cut/cauterise the vas deferens
- stitches?
- takes about half an hour to do both sides
- the incisions will heal in a few days
2
Q
Counselling for post vasectomy?
A
- avoid stenuous activity for a week
- don’t have sex for a week
- don’t shower for 24 hours
- little or no scarring
- look out for signs of infection - fever, redness, pus, heat etc
- may need pain relief for the next few days - panadol + nurofen (pain should go away after a few days)
I will give you a pamphlet!!!!!
3
Q
Is reversal of vasectomy possible?
A
- yes - for most men
- the success of this depends on the man’s age, and how many years since his vasectomy
4
Q
What kind of doctors perform vasectomies?
A
- general surgeons
- urologists
- vasectomists
- some general practitioners
5
Q
What are some side effects/complications of the procedure?
A
Side effects right after surgery can include:
- Bleeding or a blood clot (hematoma) inside the scrotum
- Blood in your semen
- Bruising of your scrotum
- Infection of the surgery site
- Mild pain or discomfort
- Swelling
Delayed complications can include:
- Chronic pain (rare)
- Fluid buildup in the testicle, which can cause a dull ache that gets worse with ejaculation
- Inflammation caused by leaking sperm (granuloma)
- Pregnancy, in the event that your vasectomy fails (rare)
- An abnormal cyst (spermatocele) that develops in the small, coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm (epididymis)
- A fluid-filled sac (hydrocele) surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the scrotum
6
Q
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