Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure performed on men, resulting in permanent contraception. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, are cut or tied off. This prevents the release of sperm cells into the semen and thus the possibility of causing a pregnancy.

Can sterilization be undone?

While it is possible to reverse a vasectomy, it is important to know that reversibility is not guaranteed and that successful recovery surgery is not always possible.

During recovery surgery, the surgeon tries to reconnect the cut or blocked ends of the vas deferens. The success of this procedure can vary and is influenced by a variety of factors, including the time since the original vasectomy, the technique used in the vasectomy, the man's age, and other factors.

Any recovery surgery will be performed by a urologist. The chance that you will then be fertile again and will be able to conceive a child is approximately 50%. Your partner's age and fertility also influence this. It is essential to understand that a vasectomy is considered a permanent form of contraception. If someone is considering reversing a vasectomy to become fertile again, it is wise to seek thorough advice from a qualified urologist or fertility specialist. In addition, it is important to carefully discuss the possible risks, success rates and alternative options before deciding on recovery surgery.

What happens to my sperm production?

After sterilization, the body continues to produce sperm cells, but they can no longer reach the seminal vesicles and the prostate because the vas deferens have been cut. The sperm cells are absorbed naturally by the body. As a result, there is still seminal fluid, but it no longer contains sperm cells. Ejaculation after a vasectomy therefore consists mainly of prostate fluid and seminal fluid, but it no longer contains fertile sperm cells.

Who is eligible for a vasectomy?

Any man who is sure that he does not want to have children (anymore) can be sterilized. It doesn't matter how old you are. Not even if you already have children. Some doctors do believe that it may be wiser for young men without children to (still) refrain from sterilization. There is something to be said for this, given the permanent nature of the procedure.

Generally, all adult men are considered suitable candidates for a vasectomy if they are certain that they no longer want to have children or do not want to have children. If you are at increased risk of complications during the procedure. Is it important to talk to a doctor and discuss your medical history to determine if a vasectomy is right for you.

Here are some general considerations:

Age and maturity
‍Men are usually advised to wait until they reach a certain age, often between the ages of 25 or 30. This gives them time to mature and think carefully about this decision.
If you are under 30 and/or have fewer than 2 children, you are more likely to regret the procedure.

Assurance of the decision
A vasectomy is considered a permanent form of contraception. We at de Herenkliniek want to be as sure as possible that men are sure of their decision and understand that in most cases the procedure cannot be easily undone.
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Good Health
At the Men's Clinic, men must be in good health to undergo a vasectomy. Special health problems or abnormal scrotum/scrotal anatomy may result in a patient being referred to a hospital or specialist clinic for the procedure.

Information and Counseling
We encourage our patients to consult with their partner or other family members before deciding to have a vasectomy.

Does sex change after the procedure?

Generally, sexual activity does not change after a vasectomy. The physical sensations during sex remain the same because the procedure only affects the vas deferens and does not affect hormone production. However, ejaculation after a vasectomy no longer contains sperm cells, but still consists of prostate fluid and seminal fluid.

Does sterilization affect my manhood?

A vasectomy generally does not affect your virility in terms of a man's sexual identity or physical characteristics. A vasectomy is a form of contraception in which the vas deferens are cut or tied off to prevent the passage of sperm cells. It does not affect hormone levels, sexual desire, erectile function, or other characteristics that might be considered “masculinity.” The ability to get an erection, experience ejaculation, and be sexually active generally remains unchanged after a vasectomy. The only significant change is that the sperm no longer contains sperm cells, which means that the man is no longer able to conceive a woman.

What do I notice about the sterilization itself?

Sterilisation is a procedure performed under a local anaesthetic. This means that the only sharp pain one feels during the procedure is putting the anaesthetic shot. After that, the patient basically only feels that the doctor is busy with the procedure but no more pain.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration of a vasectomy may vary, but overall, it is a relatively short procedure. The procedure itself usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes. However, the process may take longer if extra time is needed in preparation, such as giving an additional local anaesthetic. The procedure can also take longer if the procedure to be performed is more complex than expected.

Is a vasectomy painful?

Generally, a vasectomy is considered a procedure with relatively little experience of pain, mainly because it is performed under a local anaesthetic. Most men experience only mild discomfort, such as mild pulling or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum during surgery. Some men also report mild pressure or a pulling sensation, but severe pain is uncommon. After the vasectomy, men may experience pain, swelling and bruising (hematomas) in the area of the procedure. This discomfort can usually be alleviated with pain relievers and following the doctor's instructions.

How does the sterilization procedure work?

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that is usually performed at the Men's Clinic as an outpatient procedure. Here is a general description of how a vasectomy works:
- Preparation: The doctor will inform the patient about the procedure in advance, and you may be asked to take certain precautions, such as shaving the scrotum. The patient receives local anaesthesia to numb the area.
- Access to vas deferens: The doctor makes small incisions on both sides of the scrotum. Through these incisions, the doctor can reach the vas deferens. Cutting or blocking of vas deferens: The vas deferens are located, cut or blocked and sometimes a small part is removed. This interrupts the passage of sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens.
- Closing incisions: The incisions are then closed with sutures or dissolved sutures.

The link below shows how a vasectomy is performed, as it is generally performed at the Men's Clinic.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gbm2WYCvhk&ab_channel=ZUrology

Does sex change after the procedure?

Generally, sexual activity does not change after a vasectomy. The physical sensations during sex remain the same because the procedure only affects the vas deferens and does not affect hormone production. However, ejaculation after a vasectomy no longer contains sperm cells, but still consists of prostate fluid and seminal fluid.

How do I prepare for a vasectomy?

The following points are important to prepare for the procedure:

- Trim the hair on your scrotum the day before surgery. Preferably cut with scissors or clippers. If you shave regularly, that is also allowed, as long as no wounds are made to the skin.
- Arrange transport from the hospital to home; we do not recommend driving yourself.
- Bring a pair of tight underwear.
- You can eat and drink as usual before the procedure.

Can I drive home myself after sterilization?

Because a local anaesthetic is used, it may be helpful to arrange someone to take you home after the procedure.

What happens to my sperm production?

After a vasectomy, the body continues to produce sperm cells, but these can no longer reach the seminal vesicles and the prostate because the vas deferens have been cut. The sperm cells are absorbed naturally by the body. As a result, there is still seminal fluid, but it no longer contains sperm cells. Ejaculation after a vasectomy therefore consists mainly of prostate fluid and seminal fluid, but it no longer contains fertile sperm cells.

How reliable is sterilization?

A vasectomy is generally very reliable as a permanent form of contraception. The procedure has a high success rate in preventing pregnancy. Over time, after the vasectomy, there should be no more sperm cells in the semen and the chance of pregnancy during sexual activity should be almost nil, although there are rare exceptions.
However, the effect of sterility is not achieved immediately after the procedure, and it takes some time or several ejaculations for all sperm cells that were in the reproductive system before the vasectomy to disappear. It is therefore important to carry out a follow-up test to confirm that there are no more sperm cells before you can fully rely on sterility.

What is the recovery time after a vasectomy?

Recovery time after a vasectomy may vary from person to person, but generally men experience some degree of discomfort and swelling for a few days to a few weeks after the procedure.

What can I expect after the procedure?

- Immediately after surgery: It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising right after surgery. You may also receive instructions to support the scrotum with tight underwear or a special bandage.
- The first few days: Rest is important in the first few days after the vasectomy. Avoid intense physical activities and may take pain relievers as prescribed by your doctor. Ice applications can also help reduce swelling.
- One week after surgery: Most men can return to light activity after about a week, but still avoid strenuous exercise and exercise.
- Two weeks after surgery: Most men recover completely within two weeks of the vasectomy. During this period, any stitches may be removed, if used.
- Follow-up appointment: Our doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment to check for any complications and to ensure that recovery is going well.

During this recovery period, it is important to follow our doctor's instructions carefully, including taking any prescription medications, avoiding strenuous exercise, and keeping the scrotum clean. It's normal to experience some swelling, tenderness, and bruising, but if you notice severe pain, fever, or other signs of infection, contact our doctor immediately.

How long after the procedure can I have sex again?

After a vasectomy, you can usually have sex again as soon as you feel comfortable enough and any discomfort or swelling has been sufficiently reduced. This may vary from man to man, but it is generally recommended that you wait a few days to a week before resuming sexual activity.
‍However, take note! You are not infertile immediately after the procedure and you will only have to hand in your seed for testing 12 weeks after the procedure. Until then, you or your partner will have to use another form of contraception.

How reliable is sterilization?

A vasectomy is generally very reliable as a permanent form of contraception. The procedure has a high success rate in preventing pregnancy. Over time, after the vasectomy, there should be no more sperm cells in the semen and the chance of pregnancy during sexual activity should be almost nil, although there are rare exceptions.
However, the effect of sterility is not achieved immediately after the procedure, and it takes some time or several ejaculations for all sperm cells that were in the reproductive system before the vasectomy to disappear. It is therefore important to carry out a follow-up test to confirm that there are no more sperm cells before you can fully rely on sterility.

Do I still have to come for a check-up?

In the case of conventional recovery, you no longer need to come to a check-up to control the procedure itself. If you experience a complication, you may be asked to come for a check-up. However, you must have your semen tested 12 weeks after the procedure to check whether the vasectomy has been successful. Only then can the vasectomy be considered safe contraception.

How effective is a vasectomy for preventing pregnancy?

A vasectomy is generally very effective in preventing pregnancy. It is a permanent form of contraception that is intended to block the passage of sperm cells from the testicles to the sperm. In most cases, after a successful vasectomy, men become infertile, which means that their ejaculate no longer contains sperm cells.

The success rate of a vasectomy is usually high, with a failure rate of less than 1% for couples who become pregnant after the procedure. However, it may take some time for all sperm cells to disappear from the ejaculate. Men are usually advised to use alternative forms of contraception until a negative sperm test is confirmed after the procedure.

In very rare cases, a connection between 1 of the vas deferens may re-establish after the vasectomy and you can thus become fertile again. So while vasectomy is one of the safest forms of contraception, rare cases have been described where men became fertile again after a vasectomy.

When will I be infertile after the procedure?

Twelve weeks after the procedure, you must have a sperm test performed. If it is negative (i.e. no live sperm cells are found in it), the vasectomy is successful and you can have sex safely with your partner without the risk of pregnancy.

Is sterilization at the Men's Clinic always successful?

No, unfortunately, there are cases where the doctor decides not to help you at the Men's Clinic before the procedure and refers you to the hospital for sterilization. This may be, for example, because you have an abnormal anatomy or that the vas deferens cannot be located before the procedure. In these cases, you will always receive a full refund and we will assist you in finding a clinic where the surgery can be performed.
It may also happen that during the procedure, a situation occurs where the doctor decides not to continue the procedure at the Men's Clinic. The incisions will then be professionally stitched and in this situation, too, you will receive the full situation and a referral to the hospital.

Why choose the Men's Clinic?

An appointment within 2 weeks
At the Men's Clinic, we want you to be helped quickly and not have to wait months before you can undergo this procedure, which means that you or your partner are stuck on other contraceptives for a longer period of time.

Professional Expertise
‍The presence of experienced medical professionals who perform the procedure on a regular basis.
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‍Transparency
Clear, understandable information about the procedure, preparation, aftercare and possible risks.
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‍Aftercare and follow-up
‍Good and comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure that the recovery process runs smoothly.
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‍Patient focus
‍A focus on patient comfort and needs, with empathy and respectful treatment throughout the process.
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‍Hygiene and Safety
Our clinic meets high standards of hygiene and sterility, and implements strict safety protocols to ensure patient well-being.