Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)2024-04-07T15:04:25-04:00
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SPERM AFTER VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:22:10-04:00

You will continue to produce sperm throughout your life. After vasectomy, sperm remain in the testicles and are destroyed, made liquid and reabsorbed into your bloodstream a few days after they are produced. This mechanism for destroying old sperm already exists in your body and serves to destroy those of poor quality. This will be a cycle of producing young sperm and destroying old ones.

IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO HAVE A VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:23:05-04:00

The minimum age varies from doctor to doctor. Dr. Nélisse does not perform a vasectomy on a patient under 25 years of age without children. Dr. Caouette does not perform vasectomies on patients under the age of 25 and 25-30 without children. He accepts patients 25-30 years old with children and all patients over 30 years old.

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER MY VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:23:36-04:00

There is no problem with drinking alcohol in moderation after vasectomy. However, if you must take medication after the procedure, make sure that alcohol does not interfere with it.

IS THERE A LIMIT TO HOW FAR I CAN DRIVE AFTER THE VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:25:01-04:00

No. We have had patients from as far away as the Gaspé or Abitibi who have returned by driving their car. If you have a long drive ahead of you, it would be best to have someone with you in case discomfort occurs.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TITANIUM STAPLES AND WILL I FEEL THEM?2022-09-23T12:25:21-04:00

The titanium staples (one on the left and one on the right) stay with you for life. They will be wrapped in several layers of scar tissue and you will not be able to feel them directly. Once the whole thing has healed, you will feel a small rubbery ball on each side (about the size of a pea). Titanium does not rust, does not cause rejection and does not ring in airport metal detectors.

CAN I LIFT MY CHILDREN AFTER THE VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:25:49-04:00

As described in the “After Vasectomy” section, you should not lift anything heavier than 20 pounds for 5 days after surgery. Be especially careful not to place and secure your child over 20 pounds in the car seat yourself. This requires a great deal of effort in a twisted position, which may cause swelling.

IS ICE MANDATORY?2022-09-23T12:26:14-04:00

Not really. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain if there is any, but it does not make it heal faster. Many patients don’t use it because they feel very little discomfort. But if you have swelling, ice is a good choice. Apply it to the scrotum for about 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day for 1-2 days. Wrap the ice with a damp washcloth (not ice directly on the skin). The most important thing is to avoid straining to avoid problems.

CAN MY SPOUSE ATTEND THE PROCEDURE?2022-09-23T12:26:41-04:00

Yes. The room is big enough to accommodate her. She can sit back and cheer you on from afar, or even watch the surgery if she feels like it.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVEN’T HAD 20 EJACULATIONS BEFORE THE SPERMOGRAM?2022-09-23T12:27:03-04:00

No problem. Spermatozoa die after some time (2-3 months). The spermogram will show us dead sperm, but no new live sperm. You can therefore consider yourself sterile and no further spermograms will be necessary.

CAN I TRAVEL AFTER THE VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:27:29-04:00

It is best to avoid traveling 1-2 weeks after the procedure. Indeed, although rare, complications are always possible. You will probably prefer to see the doctor who operated on you. In addition, you should avoid loads of more than 20 lbs for 5 days (suitcases!!!) and not swim for 3 days.

WHY NOT DO SPERMOGRAMS EVERY YEAR TO BE SURE?2022-09-23T12:27:45-04:00

Firstly, because late recanalization is very rare (see section “After vasectomy”). Secondly, because when the ducts reconnect, sperm begin to pass immediately. The likelihood that your annual sperm count will be within a few days is slim. Your partner has a much better chance of getting pregnant before you are caught with a positive spermogram. You can have a negative spermogram the day before and a positive one the day after. However, with less than a one in a thousand chance of failure, vasectomy is still much more effective than the birth control pill, condoms or even tubal ligation. In conclusion, if your spermogram 2-3 months after your vasectomy shows that you are sterile, you will no longer need any other method of contraception and you can sleep soundly.

WHY DO I HAVE TO WEAR TIGHT UNDERWEAR DAY AND NIGHT FOR 5 DAYS?2022-09-23T12:27:59-04:00

The less the testicles move, the better they heal.

WHAT RETAINS THE TESTICLES IF YOU CUT THE DUCTS?2022-09-23T12:28:47-04:00

Several membranes, sheaths, blood vessels and nerves hold the testicles. Therefore, there will be no difference after the vasectomy.

WILL MY TESTOSTERONE LEVEL CHANGE AFTER THE VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:29:19-04:00

No. The testicles continue to function normally after the vasectomy. During the operation, only the ducts carrying the sperm are touched, not the blood vessels and nerves. Hormones, such as testosterone, are transported through blood vessels. So there will be no difference.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A NOCTURNAL ERECTION WITHIN 5 DAYS OF THE VASECTOMY?2022-09-23T12:29:32-04:00

No problem. They are unavoidable and do not carry any risk after the vasectomy.

Go to Top