An open-ended vasectomy is one of the safest vasectomy techniques with reduced damage to microtubule congestion and is easier to reverse…
The topic of contraception, especially for men, can be a difficult subject to discuss but the fact is, by taking contraception from a women’s domain to an option for men, gives men the power and a say in unwanted pregnancies. Vasectomies are perfect for men who do not want to have children, already have a family and would not like to extend it or would like to engage in sexual activity without the worry of pregnancy. At Metrocentre in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast we help our patients develop an understanding of their own health through education and give them control over their own contraceptive options by offering safe and comfortable procedures.
The vasectomy procedure involves interrupting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate. The vas deferens are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the glands at the base of the bladder called the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland. The vas deferens tissue is precious and limited in length so deciding who should operate on it should be carefully considered before undertaking a vasectomy. Dr. Lekich performs microsurgical vasectomy reversals and the microsurgery techniques inspire his unique vasectomy approach.
What are post-operation complications?
At Metrocentre we have a low complications rate associated with our open-ended vasectomy procedure which gives men a more comfortable recovery as traditional vasectomies are more likely to cause congestion and inflammation in the microtubules called the epdidymis. Side effects associated with these traditional procedures are post vasectomy congestion pain syndrome. This pain usually starts within one month or as late as one year after the procedure. It is caused by congestion of the epididiymal tubules and the pressure in the vas deferens after it has been suddenly ‘closed off’. The testicles continue to produce 10-15 million sperm a day and this build-up of sperm can cause mild to chronic pain. This syndrome is usually treated using anti-inflammatories, a vasectomy reversal or reverting to an open ended vasectomy which may alleviate the pain at the source. At Metrocentre, with advanced vasectomy reversal techniques we can help alleviate the congestion and pain associated with traditional vasectomy procedures.
Vasectomy procedures use three main techniques…
Traditional Vasectomy…this procedure has been around since the early 1950’s and uses either a scalpel or sharp forceps to access the vas tubes. These tubes are cut, removed and then either burnt, tied or stapled to seal the tubes. This technique takes around ten minutes to perform. There is a higher risk of developing post-operation problems such as post vasectomy congestion pain syndrome which can cause chronic scrotal pain and sensitivity.
No Scalpel Vasectomy/ “Quick Snip vasectomy”…this technique focuses on how the vas tubes are accessed once the skin is opened using sharp forceps to tear the skin apart. This is a quick vasectomy procedure and is often done in 10-15 minutes and uses a single incision to access both sides of the scrotum.
Open-ended Vasectomy… this procedure involves two incisions to access the vas tube, carefully placed to optimise the position of the vasectomy on both sides. The vas is then cut and the tube leading to the testicles is left open and unsealed. The tubes are separated by layers of tissue and the tissues reconstructed within the scrotum by fine suturing. After this procedure the sperm will continue to be produced but the fluid will travel from the testicles, up the vas deferens to be reabsorbed into the body under the skin. This technique is much more natural than tying off the vas deferens. This enables a safety valve release of sperm that eventually slows and closes however is not sudden and the cascade of inflammation in the important microtubels can be avoided. The advantages are:
- Sperm will not build up or clog in the epididymal tubules. The remaining sperm will be reabsorbed into the body under the skin
- There is a lower risk of inflammation, blow outs or scarring in the epididymal tubules
- Lowers the risk of post-operative congestion pain
Once the sperm is flushed out and reabsorbed into the body you will be able to have sex without the risk of an unwanted pregnancy, this takes roughly three months. Allowing the testicles to remain functional means testosterone production will be unaffected and so too your ability to have an erection.
At Metrocentre we focus on the open-ended vasectomy, Owen 3 Layer vasectomy reversals and men suffering from pain and congestion from traditional vasectomies…
One of the greatest concerns for men considering undergoing any vasectomy is the function and size of their penis post-operation. After a vasectomy you will still be able to ejaculate and have a normal, if not better sex life. Without the stress of possible pregnancy and the absence of other contraceptives it has been reported that most men’s (and women’s) sex drives increase. The only difference you will experience is that your ejaculation will be infertile. The procedure does not affect your hormonal balance either because your testicles will still continue to produce sperm.
During post-surgery we suggest our patients avoid strenuous work and sexual activity for the first three to five days after the procedure. It is also incredibly important to remember that you must continue to take contraceptive measures for at least three months post-operation to allow your body to flush out your remaining sperm. We will arrange your follow up test and give you the clearance to have unprotected sex.
