Why and when is a vasectomy performed?

Written in association with: Mr Sarb Sandhu
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

A vasectomy is a procedure that is performed on men who wish to prevent sperm ejaculation, and may be the perfect surgical procedure to undergo for men who do not wish to have any more children.

 

In our latest article, trusted and extremely well-regarded London-based consultant urologist, Mr Sarb Sandhu, details why and when a vasectomy may be performed, and reveals the potential side effects associated with a vasectomy.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is when you remove or obstruct the progress of the sperm from the testicles. A vasectomy prevents the sperm from being ejaculated.

 

Why and when is it necessary?

It is simply a lifestyle choice, and either a couple, or a man himself, can decide that they do not wish to have any more children. If this is the case, they would then have a vasectomy, which will stop them from releasing sperm during sexual intercourse. 

 

Who is the ideal candidate?

Ideally, the ideal candidate for a vasectomy will have a partner who is still fertile.

 

Are there any risks or potential complications involved?

The main risks are bleeding, pain, and infection. In almost three per cent of men, the pain could be chronic. Up to two and a half per cent of men will continue to produce dead sperm for up to three years, and the same percentage of men may develop a cyst.

 

How should patients prepare for a vasectomy?

I always advise my patients to have paracetamol on them for afterwards and at home. I also advise them to bring and to wear speedos immediately after their vasectomy.  

 

Is there any recovery time involved?

Some patients recover fully within 48 to 72 hours, while others require longer. Some patients can suffer from an infection. It is vital that patients take time off and rest in the immediate days after the operation.

 

It is important to stress that patients cannot use a vasectomy as a form of contraception, until the patient has done a semen analysis, which will usually be 14 weeks after the operation, which will show and confirm that no sperm is being ejaculated.

 

Mr Sarb Sandhu is a mightily experienced and skilled consultant urologist who is an expert in performing vasectomies. Visit his Top Doctors profile today to book an appointment with him.

By Mr Sarb Sandhu
Urology

Mr Sarb Sandhu is a leading consultant urologist who specialises in bladder cancer, bladder problems and prostate cancer alongside vasectomy, vasovasostomy (VV) and prostate treatment. He privately practises at The New Victoria Hospital, Parkside Hospital and Kingston General Hospital Private Health, alongside the BMI Syon Clinic. His NHS base is Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. 

Mr Sandhu, who also specialises in circumcision, kidney stones and laparoscopic surgery alongside uro-oncology and laser surgery for the prostate, is currently the Chief of Surgery and Planned Care Division at Kingston General Hospital and St George's Hospital. 

Mr Sandhu completed his training at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, London, where he was awarded an BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry with Basic Medical Sciences and MBBS. Following this, he undertook higher surgical training in the North Thames Region and the Royal Marsden Hospital. He has gained international training experience in America, Egypt and Belgium, and has two fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons. Furthermore, Mr Sandhu has an MD in research into prostate cancer.  

Mr Sandhu's clinical work is a significant point of reference in his field, having been published in various peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He has also presented his work at international conferences and is a member of many boards and associations, including the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), European Association of Urological Surgeons (EAUS) and British Medical Association (BMA). He is also a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). 

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