Almost invariably men will feel the experience was quick and considerably better than expected. The anaesthetic will remove all sensation of discomfort, but you may feel the anaesthetic being given. At Stock Surgery we invest in extra fine equipment to minimise the discomfort of the anaesthetic instillation. The anaesthetic is given over the period of a few seconds and is typically no worse than having a blood test done.

The anaesthetic wears off after about an hour. If at that point there is any discomfort, simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen would be sufficient for relief. It is important to take it particularly easy in the first 2 days, mainly sitting with feet up. It would be fine to do your office job during this time. You should avoid anything energetic or strenuous in the first week and only mild exertion during the second week. Some people develop particular discomfort at day 4 or 5 due to an inflammatory reaction and this is best treated by rest, massage of the inguinal canal and ibuprofen taken regularly.

There are 3 things required for sex

Libido – wanting sex

Erectile function

Ejaculation

These require a combination of thoughts/ emotion, blood supply, nerve supply and testosterone. The only thing that can be affected by a vasectomy is thoughts/ emotion. Vasectomy can give a sense of liberation with sex no longer linked to pregnancy, causing positive thought and emotion and a positive influence on libido and sexual function.

A In cutting and sealing the tube from each testicle, the new sperms made can no longer reach and mix in the semen. The existing sperms are slowly removed with each ejaculation until there are no sperms left to mix. Because sperms are microscopic, you will not be able to see a difference with the volume or appearance of your ejaculate even when there are zero sperms within it. The new sperms stuck in the testicular half of the cut tube get easily reabsorbed by the immune system as they are microscopic quantities

Vasectomy should be considered as a permanent contraceptive. The reversal operation is often unsuccessful and so there is a real risk for regret if the permanence is not properly considered prior to vasectomy. Regret may be more likely in younger men, those without children and those in an unhappy relationship. Deeper consideration should be made if your partner is presently pregnant or if your youngest is under 6 months because unborn children and infants have a higher mortality rate. Regret is mainly associated with a subsequent change in circumstances such as a new relationship or loss of a child.

Provided you are old enough to consent, have capacity to consent, have not been coerced and have considered in depth the facts relating to permanence and complications, you will be eligible for vasectomy. Having no children  or being in your 20s is not a barrier to this but you will need to have thought particularly carefully about your decision so that you avoid feeling regret later on

A It is well recognised that occasionally men will suffer chronic pain after a vasectomy. This is defined as a long term pain or discomfort in the scrotal/ groin area that is not part of the recovery process, occurs at some point following vasectomy and is of sufficient severity for the patient to seek a doctor’s opinion. The chance of this is poorly understood as the term ‘long term’ and ‘pain’ are not defined and it can be difficult to distinguish between this and other causes such as a pre-existing intermittent pain or a new problem that doesn’t relate to the vasectomy. The reported rate probably depends on exactly the definition used. In Britain we think the rate is somewhere between 0.14% and 0.33% whilst in the USA the published figure is 1-2%. In Britain it is felt that a pain that truly relates to the vasectomy will usually have an onset by 3 months and certainly by 6 months post vasectomy. It will be long term if it has continued for 6 months. There are treatments for it;  ultimately and rarely an operation might be offered to cases resistant to these treatments.