FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is no simple yes or no answer to this one. Yes, there is an operation that can reconnect the tube ends that were separated during a vasectomy. However, the success rate of that procedure varies greatly.

If success is indicated by a pregnancy, then success rates go from less than 30% all the way up to 80%. That spread depends on the surgeon who does the vasovasostomy (vasectomy reversal), of the type of vasectomy originally undergone, the time between the vasectomy and the vasovasostomy (a longer period reducing the chances of success), and many other factors.

Perhaps the most important point to make here is that if you are concerned about the reversibility of a vasectomy, maybe you are not ready for that procedure. You should go into it considering that it is permanent.

Generally no. Dr. Bercier has perfected his technique in order to be able to do the procedure alone. No nurse is present. However, residents or medical students could be attending the procedure, for learning purposes, with your express consent. Also, if you wish for your partner to be present, that is possible as long as she is comfortable being there. Please note that your partner would play no role whatsoever in the procedure.

No, it isn’t necessary to apply ice. Tens of thousands of vasectomies have been done using the technique used by Dr. Bercier, and ice has not been shown to hasten healing in any significant way. However, if you find it helps you to better manage your post-vasectomy pain, there is no risk in applying cold or ice. The fact remains that most men do not particularly enjoy applying an ice-pack to their scrotum.

Tylenol is suggested as the first line.  If you feel pain despite taking Tylenol after 2 days, you can take an anti-inflammatory drug as well.

NO! Studies show no significant difference in this regard before and after vasectomy.

NO! Following a 2014 meta-analysis, the American Urological Association confirms that vasectomies are not a risk factor for prostate cancer.

As with any surgery, there can be complications, sometimes very quickly after the vasectomy, like a hemorrhage or an infection. Based on large-scale studies, the chance of getting a hematoma (blood clot in the scrotum) is approximately 1/1000.  The possibility of  infection is less than 2%.  Another rare complication is post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS). Its definition can be very vague.  It can be as common as 10% after 2 weeks to 1/1000 one (1) year after the vasectomy.

Anesthesia lasts about 1 hour.