Frequently Asked Questions

Although it is possible to perform a vasectomy, it is important to know that reversing one is not guaranteed and that a successful reversal operation is not always possible.

During a reversal operation, the surgeon attempts to reconnect the severed or blocked vas deferens. The success of this procedure can vary and is influenced by various factors, including the time since the original vasectomy, the technique used during the vasectomy, the man's age, and other factors.

Any reversal operation is performed by a urologist. The chance that you will be fertile again and be able to conceive a child afterward is approximately 50%. Your partner's age and fertility also play a role. It is essential to understand that a vasectomy is perceived as a permanent form of contraception. If someone has undergone a vasectomy, to regain fertility it is advisable to seek thorough advice from a urologist or fertility specialist. Additionally, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks, success rates, and alternative options before deciding on a reversal operation.

After a vasectomy, the body continues to produce sperm, but these can no longer reach the seminal vesicles and the prostate because the vas deferens have been severed. The sperm are naturally absorbed by the body. As a result, seminal fluid is still present, but it no longer contains sperm.

Therefore, ejaculation after a vasectomy consists primarily of prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid, but it no longer contains fertile sperm.

Any man who is certain that he does not want any more children can get sterilized. It does not matter how old you are, nor whether you already have children. However, some medical professionals are of the opinion that it might be wiser for young men without children to refrain from sterilization for the time being, given the permanent nature of the procedure.

Generally, all adult men are considered suitable candidates for a vasectomy if they are certain that they do not wish to have any more children or do not want children. If you have an increased risk of complications during the procedure, it is important to talk to a doctor and discuss your medical history to determine if a vasectomy is suitable for you.

Here are some general considerations:

Age and maturity
Men are usually advised to wait until they have reached a certain age, often between the ages of 25 and 30. This gives them time to mature and carefully consider this decision. If you are under 30 years of age and/or have fewer than 2 children, there is a greater chance that you will regret the procedure. We also advise men with children under 6 months to take into account a higher risk of regret after the procedure.

Certainty of the decision
A vasectomy is considered a permanent form of contraception. At the Herenkliniek, we want to be as certain as possible that men are sure of their decision and understand that, in most cases, the procedure cannot be easily reversed.

Good Health
At the Herenkliniek, men must be in good health to undergo a vasectomy. Specific health problems or an abnormal anatomy of the scrotum may lead to 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 undergo a vasectomy.

In general, 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 has no influence on hormone production. However, ejaculation after a vasectomy no longer contains sperm cells, but still consists of prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid.

A vasectomy generally has no effect on your masculinity in the sense of sexual identity or physical characteristics of a man. A vasectomy is a form of contraception in which the vas deferens are cut or tied off to prevent the passage of sperm. It has no effect on hormone levels, sexual desires, erectile function, or other characteristics that could be considered "masculine."

The ability to get an erection, experience ejaculation, and be sexually active typically remains unchanged after a vasectomy. The only significant change is that the semen no longer contains sperm cells, which means that the man is no longer able to impregnate a woman.

The duration of a vasectomy can vary, but generally, 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 required for preparation, such as administering an additional local anesthetic. The procedure may also take longer if the procedure to be performed is more complex than expected.

In general, a vasectomy is considered a procedure with relatively little pain, especially because it is performed under local anesthesia. Most men experience only mild discomfort, such as a slight pulling sensation or a heavy feeling in the scrotum during the procedure. Some men also report a slight pressure or 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 relieved with painkillers and by following the doctor's instructions.

A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure that is always performed as an outpatient procedure at the Herenkliniek. Here is a general description of how a vasectomy works:

- Preparation: The doctor will inform the patient about the procedure beforehand, and they may be asked to take certain precautions, such as trimming the genital hair in the scrotum region. The patient receives local anesthesia to numb the area.

- Access to the 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 the vas deferens: The vas deferens are located, cut, or blocked, and sometimes a small section is removed. This interrupts the passage of sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens.

- Closing the incisions: The incisions are then closed with sutures or dissolvable stitches.

In the link below, you can see the execution of a vasectomy as it is generally performed at the Herenkliniek. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gbm2WYCvhk&ab_channel=ZUrology

In general, 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 has no influence on hormone production. However, ejaculation after a vasectomy no longer contains sperm cells, but still consists of prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid.

Because a local anesthetic (lidoacaine) is used, it may be helpful to arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.

After a vasectomy, the body continues to produce sperm, but these can no longer reach the seminal vesicles and the prostate because the vas deferens have been severed. The sperm are naturally absorbed by the body. As a result, seminal fluid is still present, but it no longer contains sperm. Therefore, ejaculation after a vasectomy consists primarily of prostatic fluid and seminal vesicle fluid, but it no longer contains fertile sperm.

A vasectomy is generally very reliable as a permanent form of contraception. The procedure has a high success rate in preventing pregnancy. Over time, following the vasectomy, there should be no sperm cells left in the semen and the chance of pregnancy during sexual activity should be virtually nil, although there are rare exceptions.

However, the effect of sterility is not achieved immediately after the procedure, and it takes some time or a number of ejaculations for all sperm cells that were present in the reproductive system before the vasectomy to disappear. It is therefore important to perform a follow-up test to confirm that no sperm cells are present before one can fully rely on sterility.

- Immediately after the procedure: It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising immediately after the surgery. You may also receive instructions to support the scrotum with tight underwear or a special bandage.

- The first few days: Rest is important during the first few days after the vasectomy. Avoid intense physical activity and take painkillers as prescribed by your doctor. Applying ice can also help reduce swelling.

- One week after the procedure: Most men can return to light activities after about a week, but still avoid strenuous exercise and sports.

- Two weeks after the procedure: Most men recover fully within two weeks after the vasectomy. During this period, any sutures 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 the recovery is progressing well. During this recovery period, it is important to follow our doctor's instructions closely, including taking any prescribed medication, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and keeping the scrotum clean. It is normal to experience some swelling, tenderness, and bruising, but if you notice severe pain, fever, or other signs of infection, contact our doctor immediately.

After a vasectomy, you can usually resume sex as soon as you feel comfortable enough and any discomfort or swelling has sufficiently subsided. This can vary from man to man, but generally, it is recommended to wait a few days to a week before resuming sexual activity.

However, please note! You are not infertile immediately after the procedure, and you will first need to submit a sperm sample for testing 12 weeks after the procedure. Until then, you or your partner will need to use another form of contraception.

A vasectomy is generally very reliable as a permanent form of contraception. The procedure has a high success rate in preventing pregnancy. Over time, following the vasectomy, there should be no sperm cells left in the semen and the chance of pregnancy during sexual activity should be virtually nil, although there are rare exceptions.

However, the effect of sterility is not achieved immediately after the procedure, and it takes some time or a number of ejaculations for all sperm cells that were present in the reproductive system before the vasectomy to disappear. It is therefore important to perform a follow-up test to confirm that no sperm cells are present before one can fully rely on sterility.

With a normal recovery, you do not need to return for a check-up regarding the procedure itself. However, if you experience a complication, you may be asked to attend a check-up. You must have your sperm tested 12 weeks after the procedure to verify that the vasectomy was successful. Only then can the vasectomy be considered safe contraception.

Twelve weeks after the procedure, you must have a semen test performed. If this is negative (meaning that no living sperm cells are found), the vasectomy is successful and you can safely have sex with your partner without risk of pregnancy.

No, unfortunately, there may be cases where the doctor decides not to treat you at the Herenkliniek before the procedure and to refer you to the hospital for a sterilization. This may be, for example, because you have an anatomical abnormality or because the vas deferens cannot be located for the procedure. In these cases, you will always receive a full refund, and we will assist you in finding a clinic where the operation can be performed.

It may also happen that a situation arises during the procedure where the doctor decides not to continue the procedure at the Herenkliniek. The incisions will then be expertly sutured closed, and in this situation too, you will receive a full refund and a referral to the hospital.

You do not need a referral from your GP. If you have had surgery on your scrotum (testicles) in the past or have specific health problems, you cannot be treated at the Herenkliniek and will need to contact a hospital in your region that performs the procedure.

Yes, unfortunately, we are obliged to charge our clients a 'no-show' fee if you cancel within 48 hours of the procedure or fail to show up. We do this because there are a limited number of surgery slots available, and we can no longer allocate these slots to other clients. After all, we incur costs for this as well.

The 'no-show' fee amounts to €100.