FAQs

You must not perform heavy physical exertion for at least 72 hours after the operation. If your job does not require any exertion, you can return sooner. You can return to sedentary jobs (office, computer, etc.) after 24 hours. It is important to rest on the day of the operation. Watch video

The only thing that will change is that you will not be able to have any more children. Your body will continue to produce male hormones. You will have the same amount of semen. The vasectomy will not change your beard, muscles, sexual behaviour, erections, orgasms or voice. Some men say that without the fear of unwanted pregnancies and the inconvenience of other contraceptive methods, sex is more relaxed and fun than before. Watch video

It is best to not ejaculate during the first 4 days. This is to prevent pressure on the obstructed end of the vas deferens. Watch video

No. More than 50,000 men who have been operated on have been studied to find out the frequency of the 54 most common male diseases and none are increased in vasectomised men. Vasectomised men do not have a higher rate of testicle or prostate cancer than men who have not undergone the operation. Vasectomised men cannot have erection issues related to the operation. Watch video

It should be considered permanent and only men who are seeking permanent sterilisation should be operated on… however, life is long and many things can happen. Vasectomies are reversible, with around 80% of success in the first 10-15 years, but vasovasostomy (the surgical procedure to reverse a vasectomy) is an expensive procedure, lasting 2 to 4 hours and can require rest for a week. Also, throughout your life, TESE (testicular sperm extraction) can be performed and your sperm can be frozen and inserted into your partner through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Watch video

The latter is more delicate and skilled than the former. It uses two specially designed instruments to extract the vas deferens through a minimal opening in the centre of the scrotum. In contrast to the traditional vasectomy, no stitches are required with the no scalpel technique. This reduces potential complications (post-op pain, bruising, infection, etc.) and recovery is quicker. Which technique is “older” and what is the advantage of the “no needle no scalpel” technique? A. We used to use a scalpel or knife to cut the skin and all the layers of tissue to reach the vas deferens, the tube that transports sperm. In order to do so, we had to cut blood vessels. With the no scalpel technique, we make a small opening and pull it enough to extract the vas deferens and block it. When pulling a small opening, we push the blood vessels to one side instead of cutting them. This produces less bleeding in around 90% of cases. And remember, bleeding is the main painful complication of a vasectomy. No needle anaesthesia (MadaJet) uses air pressure to push the anaesthetic solution through the skin quickly and easily. Instead of feeling the prick of a needle, you feel a sensation similar to snapping a rubber band against your skin. This method anaesthetises the area faster (in a matter of seconds) and more intensely (more deeply).Some men do not feel anything during the operation, and others only feel a slight pressure or pulling, as a result of the greater effectiveness of the anaesthesia. Watch video

Several techniques are used to block the vas deferens during a vasectomy. We combine three methods to ensure proper occlusion of the ducts. First, we cauterise (burn) the inside of one end of the duct, which goes towards the abdomen, then the cauterised end is buried in the duct sheath using a small titanium clip that remains in place, and then the testicular segment end is cut, which remains open. This open-ended technique provides certain advantages. It reduces pressure on the testicles and also the discomfort associated with epididymal congestion that sometimes occurs temporarily in less than 5% of men in the weeks after the vasectomy. It also reduces the aforementioned chronic pain syndrome. Watch video

No. After the vasectomy, there are live sperm in the vas deferens from the operation end (abdominal) to the other end, at a prostatic level. 20 to 30 ejaculations are necessary in order to empty it. You must use another form of birth control until a semen analysis results in “0” or you achieve azoospermia. Watch video

Most patients notice sensitive testicles after the operation. It is common to feel a small bump on either side of the scrotum (spermatic granuloma), like a pea in the area of the vas deferens that has been obstructed. This small lump decreases in size and is normally undetectable after one year. The risk of epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) is 6/1000. The risk of bleeding and bruising is very rare, around 4/1000. There is a rare, long-term complication, post-vasectomy chronic pain syndrome; around 1/10,000 vasectomies may require an operation to fix this. Nevertheless, we believe that the obstruction method we use decreases this rate even further. Watch video

You will continue to produce sperm throughout your life (that is why it is reversible!). After the vasectomy, sperm remains in the testicles, epididymis and the section of the vas deferens up to the block, they are destroyed and subsequently reabsorbed. This destruction mechanism is natural and always works to destroy poor quality sperm. You will continue to produce “young” sperm and destroy “old” sperm. Watch video

No. Nevertheless, each patient must be considered on a case-by-case basis… a young man with no children and who believes that a vasectomy is easily reversed should not be operated on. We evaluate each case individually during the consultation prior to the operation. Nothing is set in stone. Watch video

There is no problem in drinking moderately after the operation, a glass of wine or a beer, for example. Depending on the post-op medication prescribed, this may vary. If you took Diazepam as a sedative before the operation, you should wait for at least 8 hours. Watch video

Yes, you can drive. Although it is better for someone to drive you. Just as we recommend only having liquids for breakfast before the operation, afterwards, it is important to eat a sandwich or something similar and wait 15 minutes before leaving the clinic. We have patients who come from far away from Barcelona or even from abroad, who return home immediately after the operation. You can also fly. You should not leave by motorbike or bike. You should also refrain from driving if you have taken a sedative such as Diazepam before the operation. Watch video

The titanium clips in the sheath of each vas deferens (one on the left and another on the right) remain in place throughout your life. They will be covered by several layers of scar tissue and you will not be able to feel them directly. Once healed, you may feel a small pea-sized lump on either side. Titanium does not oxidise and cannot be rejected. The clips do not set off the alarms when passing through airport security. Watch video

Lifting more than 25 kg is not recommended during the first week after the operation. Be careful when putting children in car seats. Mind their feet! Watch video

It is advisable. Localised cold decreases inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, if there is no discomfort, it can be omitted. But if you notice any inflammation at all, it will help. Put ice (or a bag of frozen peas, etc.) on the scrotum for no more than 15-20 minutes 2 or 3 times per day for the first two days. Do not apply the bag directly, wrap it in a cloth. Avoid physical exertion. Watch video

I would not have an issue with this, but generally, medical centre policy advises against it and, in some cases, prohibits it… we can talk about this during the first visit. Watch video

No. The likelihood that a vasectomy that has reached azoospermia (no sperm) in an analysis would reroute is extremely rare. Once the sperm analysis is negative, there is no need to use birth control ever again. Watch video

The vas deferens does not hold the testicles in place. Testicles have 7 layers of tissue that surround and protect them. Some of these layers are muscular (which make them ascend due to cold or fear…). Your testicles will remain in the same place after the operation. Watch video

No. Your testicles will continue to work in the same way as before the operation, i.e., they will produce sperm and sexual hormones. The vasectomy only affects the “path” that the sperm travel along, and not the tissues or blood vessels in the area. Many studies have proven that sexual function is not altered by a vasectomy. Watch video

Nothing. They are inevitable and do not represent any risk, although they should not be taken advantage of… Remember that you should not ejaculate during the first 4-5 days after the operation. Watch video