This part of the site is designed to
empower you to ask the necessary questions
when going for your initial vasectomy
appointment. The statements below are
as evidence based as possible, but sometimes
statements will reflect the webmasters
own opinion.
| Vasectomy Issue |
Why asking? |
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| No Scalpel Approach |
No Scalpel Vasectomies have a scientifcally
proven lower incidence of post vasectomy
pain and bruising. |
| Experience of Surgeon |
A surgeon should have performed
at least 40 procedures before doing
vasectomies on his own. |
| Clips |
Clips have shown an inferior outcome
compared with other methods and are
discouraged in the new RCOG guidelines.
The new vasclip has only got a very
small
trial behind the FDA Approval. |
| Type of local anaestetic |
A mixture of long and short acting
local anaestetics can provide quick,
but also prolonged pain relief. |
| Price |
The cheapest is not always the
best, nor is the most expensive.
Corporate places will often charge
a lot more. You also may not be
able to choose your surgeon. Insist
to speak to the surgeon before the
procedure. Ensure you are comfortable.
Ask questions and do not be shy.
An average price between the cheapest
and most expensive vasectomy may
be an indicator for a good service.
The average UK price for a vasectomy
in 2002 was £332, (~$480).
You may find an extremely cheap
procedure for £150 (~$230)
or a very expensive procedure for
over £1100 (~$1600) Also check
what is included: Is there a charge
if you change your mind or is the
initial consultation really free?
How about follow up? Are semen samples
included? |
| Audit, Patient Satisfaction
and Paperwork |
A good service will provide you
with a clear and honest leaflet.
A good doctor will give you time
to ask questions, listen to your
concerns and give you a chance to
change your mind. You should be
provided with oral and written instructions
what to do before and after your
vasectomy. The consent form is a
contract between doctor and patient
and you should be provided with
a copy of what you have signed.
Good services audit their performance
and will provide you with patient
satisfaction questionnaire after
your vasectomy. |
| Semen Samples |
Every service works differently,
many use local hospitals, where
you are required to produce a semen
sample mostly in the morning at
certain days. This can sometimes
mean you loose some time at work.
There are private labs, which do
mailed semen samples, which means
minimum interruption to your lifestyle.
Some services offer this. Enquire
about it! |
| Pain |
It is difficult to assess pain.
The best tip here is: ask a friend.
If they have been satisfied it is
more likely you have been satisfied.
Within the initial appointment ask
your doctor how he can achieve minimal
discomfort. I think it is a good
sign if your doctor responds thorougly
and gives adequate and empathetic
answers. |
| Local vs General
Anaestetic |
Good doctors achieve great pain
relief under local anaesthetic.
There is rarely a reason for a general
anaesthetic in vasectomy except
for reasons of an abnormal anatomy,
testicular illness or exquisitly
painful testicles. The RCOG (Royal
College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
advises to avoid a general anaestetic.
A general anaestetic is also more
expensive and there is always a
danger of illness or even death
following general anaesthetic |
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