Vasectomy - the all important results

The final results

So. I've been a bit quiet but that doesn't mean things haven't been happening.

At the start of May, 4 (well 5) months after the vasectomy procedure I needed to produce a semen sample for swimmers. The delicate manuvre involves, erm, rubbing one out into a plastic cup and delivering it to microbiology within 4 hours. Absenance for between 2 and 7 days beforehand. From production to delivery, the sample should be kept at body temperature, like in a pocket. So I handed it in, checked over the paperwork and, oh no it leaked! The microbiologist promised to look at what he could (normally they reject leaked specimens) and result to the doctor same day.

It must be said, if it's not possible to deliver a semen sample from home in the allotted time, there was a room I could have used to make the sample, but I chose not to. I would have used it if absolutely necessary and I felt a bit more comfortable doing so, the hospital staff are sensitive in that way.

Result came back later that afternoon, a borderline result. Non motile swimmers seem and other cells which might confuse the reading. Ohh crap. What went wrong? Was the epidymitis in March to blame? Had the tubes rejoined or otherwise let sperm back through the tubes? Perform another sample in 6 weeks to be delivered with 1 hour. Great, its a 25 minute drive and in rush hour could be nearer 50 mins which is getting close.

The day of the second sample arrived, 6 months to the day after the snip. Jizz in a pot, keep it warm, lid on tight and trek into microbiology. Sample delivered in tact with minutes to spare. Result same day, like before.

Non motile sperm seen at a concentration of less than 100k per millilitre. The advice was to contact the doctor who performed the procedure for advice, my GP had duly written to the snip-doctor to confirm the result. He says he has seen cases like this increase over the last few years and the chance of pregnancy is, I'm told, impossible, so 'special clearance' was given. The snip doctor kindly phoned me on his week off to give the good news.

I followed up the results separately with my GP and he said the same things having received a letter from the snip-doctor. No more contraception, and an incredibly low chance of getting pregnant. There is always that thought in the back of my mind, as per the original counselling, I guess if we want to be absolutely certain my wife could get sterilised too!!

Vasectomy - another case of swollen tubes

Another case of Epididymitis...

A new case of swollen pipes around one of my bollocks, another fortnight of antibiotics.

Things started to feel uncomfortable again a few evenings ago, and then the right one started getting heavier and hung lower than the left. Things didn't improve with y-fronts the next day so made an appointment. Doctor took hold and the pain was comparable to being kicked in the nuts, much the same as last time. So glad I didn't let it rumble on this time.

Apparently it's uncommon to have two instances in short succession so will have to keep an eye on it.

Vasectomy - sample and result, or is it?

First result and next steps...

Today was the day, to give the semen sample and find out if the vasectomy procedure (20 weeks ago) was successful.

Clear instructions about the specimen to the Microbiology department in North Devon District Hospital stated I had to deliver the pot and contents within 4 hours. I "managed" from tug to door within an hour which included a 25 minute drive and rushing my (now) 4 year old out the door for a Paediatric appointment in the same trip. The "act" was wierd, I've not had to use a plastic pot before, but safely screwed the lid on, in the zip lock bag and straight in my pocket to keep warm.

Met a nice chap to check over the paperwork and a few extra details, the contents had leaked a bit (how?! I screwed the lid on tightly!!) but he promised to check what the could, if he could. Left it there, result would be sent same day to my GP and a copy the doctor who performed the vasectomy and to ring tomorrow. Left for my boy's appointment in the other department then went home.

Later this afternoon I received a call from my GP surgery, the result is borderline, some inactive swimmers and to produce another specimen in 6 weeks time (6 months from procedure) to retest. Sample must be produced and delivered (*with no leaks this time...) to the lab within an hour, might need a dedicated trip for this one!!

Other things to note, given my previous post about Epididymitis; tubes down below feel normal and not inflamed by any stretch and no reoccurrence of the issues. No change in performance in any way, so I've disproved that myth!!

Will be back in approx 6 weeks...

Vasectomy - pipe down, will you?

First round of Epididymitis

So I've just had a weird weekend. Problems down below. Two days ago things started feeling "tight" and balls felt full and heavy gradually getting more uncomfortable (nothing ususual, ive had this before and it has calmed down by itself). But as the day went on things got quite painful. Paracetamol and ibuprophen duly taken.

However the next day things hadn't calmed down. The pain and increased swelling/pressure intensified and alternated left side to right and back again. In all this I had hot flushes in the night, waking up with sweaty bed sheets. Nice. Having a rummage I could feel the inflamed tubes but was particularly excruciating. More paracetamol and ibuprophen. And again through the day my temperature was all over the place. Took some more paracetamol and ibuprophen before bed, normal temperature.

An hour later that night, our eldest was unwell and woke up several times but I felt awful and temperature was up at 39c, only an hour after taking pain relief. Time to call 111 for advice, it was the middle of the night after all.

Helpful call handler advised that I should be seen within two hours and NOT to take ibuprophen, at least not to take any more. Devon Doctors rang back shortly after and I read back my symptoms, it was enough to get an appointment in Barnstaple at 1.15am! Off I trundle.

We have used the Devon Doctors service before for our eldest a couple of times and incredibly pleased with the service. No difference for me this time around. Doctor was very methodical, thorough in examination, looking at several possibilities and considering options for treatment. I was reminded that pain is common post vasectomy, which I've had dull aches and discomfort, but not like this before!

I ended up with a 14 day course of antibiotics for Epididymitis (inflammation of tubes around the testies) and on my second day of treatment I'm much more comfortable and a vast reduction in pain down below. Pipes are still swollen, occasionally uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Y fronts are back in charge keeping everything in check and is making a huge difference.

Will see how it all goes but things seem to be going in the right direction. Nearly 4 months has passed since the procedure and I've not had a problem until now.

I've not yet made the appointment to check a sample for success of the vasectomy procedure, must do that in the next few weeks...

Vasectomy - the third week

Third week post-op

Leading a pretty normal week this week, normal as far as Christmas is concerned!

The wound has pretty much healed, just a bit of swelling under the skin. I did pull out a few,stitches which were already loose, there was a bit of infection in places so put a dressing on overnight which drew out some gunk! Did the same again the following night and it's a bit more comfortable.

Just to evaluate where I am, 3 weeks on and I feel like I'm completely back to normal. Normal boxers, normal "activities" with normal/better performance, all healed up and feeling good there. I'm not a keen athlete but I've not tried going for a jog (which I tend to do from time to time) but will try that in the new year (note NOT as a resolution!!).

This could be my last post for a while. I'll be sure to log back in for the all important sample results in April.

Until next time...

DevonSnip

Vasectomy - The second week

Second week post-snip

Things are turning more normal now. Hurrah!

Managed to wear normal boxers a couple times this week, and I wasn't uncomfortable by any stretch. Not totally ditched the y-fronts yet, they are good for support, especially when you have a meeting across town again!

The wound has almost healed completely, the stitches are starting to dissolve and one strand was loose enough to have escaped. The site of incision feels pain free, just a bit of a lump where things are healing under the skin. A nice zig-zag scar is appearing, I guess a signature of the procedure!

The tubes inside still feel firm, not painful and  quite comfortable. "Emptied out" again a few times and I'm not noticing a difference in performance, consistency or enjoyment there.

Vasectomy - The first week

One week post-op

The end of the first week and things are settling down. Not so much pain now, equivalent to a graze healing and the odd twinge. Probably the worst of it at the moment is rolling over in bed at night, it's  all hanging a bit lower and gets squished!

The wound is healing nicely, the stitches are still there but no longer getting caught in underwear. I've not yet tried a normal pair of boxers (I'm a A-trunk kinda guy) but may do sometime next week.

"Emptied out" for the first time since the snip, normal consistency, no blood (having expected some),  no pain or discomfort and feels a lot more comfortable. Had a bit of a rummage and the pipes feel firm which I guess is a good sign of the procedure being successful. They still feel a bit tender to locate the part of the tube folded back and tied off, but it would be good to know what they feel like to be able to notice changes.

Oddly my right ball was hanging lower than my left (before the snip it was the ther way round) but blowing my load seems to have sorted that out.

Onwards into the second week, intend on emptying out and having more of a rummage to check things over.

Vasectomy - The third day (first at work)

Third day post op, first at work

Woke up with the alarm and had a wash with a flannel which was refreshing, though didn't wash "the area" as it's still a bit delicate. Might consider a wet wipe in a day or two... I put on a dressing just to stop my undies tugging the stitches.

Drove to work and felt like I waddled in to the office, even if it looked like I walked normally!! Cough cough, bloody cough...

Forgot that I had a meeting across town and walked 20 minutes each way. Was a bit sore when I got back but otherwise OK. Dressing was still in place and there was a little bit of roughness on the stitches. Didn't move very much for the rest of the day through choice. Drove home comfortably.

It all feels like it's hanging a bit lower today, it certainly feels different, and something to get used to over the next week or so. It seemed strange to think that I have had the procedure done. Not something you would blurt out at the office!

Got home felt a bit swollen which is to be expected, the tubes have been tied off an no where for the swimmers to go! A dot of blood on the dressing so a successful day.

Vasectomy - The second day

Two days after the snip

Feeling a bit more mobile today and almost back to walking normally albeit with a bit of a care. A bit twingy at times but only taken one paracetamol at lunchtime having been on my feet for a couple hours.

Put the boys to bed and took the plaster off the wound and I was surprised about how good the wound has sealed. My right bollock has swollen and that's the one that hurts most when I cough (still can't shift it...). But it was all done through one incision just above the left ball so tubes would have needed a bit of a tug to surface and snip. 

Not sure if I should cover the wound back up or leave it out and risk stitches getting caught in the tighty-whities. Decided to leave it uncovered but took a fresh dressing to bed in case I needed it, but didn't. Slept OK without it covered up.

Vasectomy - The first day

The day after the snip before

I feel ok, if tired and a bit sore. I think I can feel where the tubes were cut, and hopefully they haven't rejoined!!

In the morning I mostly stayed on the sofa and I gingerly moved around when I need a wee. Or the youngest needs something. I don't think I would be able to lift heavy things, but a 10 month old is probably my limit. Standing up straight is ok, sitting down is ok, anywhere between or moving between the two is slow going and uncomfortable. Time for more painkillers ...

The afternoon was a bit better, was moving around a bit more. Managed to do some easy housework like washing milk bottles and packing the dishwasher. No more painkillers until bedtime, lets see how tonight goes.

Vasectomy - The evening after the procedure

After the snip was over...

Got home, had tea. I was starving! I set up camp on the sofa, tv remote and some local rags in reaching distance.

Feeling a bit tender at this point, the anaesthetics are wearing off and making the slightest moves to get comfy were uncomfortable and becoming a bit painful. The pain I experienced built gradually before the boys went to bed. I wanted to see how bad the pain would get but it got to a point where I needed to take two paracetamol and that knocked the pain right back. I think with the increasing pain I tensed up, and probably made things worse (the dizepam was probably wearing off too) so the paracetamol helped me relax again.

Moving around that evening was only uncomfortable, the internal stitches bedding in and the plaster not allowing the skin to move that much, made getting up/down and moving around a bit tricky.

I went to bed normal time and found a position which was as comfy as it was going to get and fell asleep.that is until 4am when I needed to cough. And then kept coughing and couldn't get back to sleep (I had the remains of a cold virus the week before). So I put the dummy back in the face of our youngest (who also woke up) and tried to get back to sleep. I couldn't stop needing to cough. Ugh.

So I hauled myself downstairs back to the sofa and played SimCity on the iPad. And still couldn't sleep.  By which time it was 7am and my eldest son woke up, and so the day began.

Vasectomy - The procedure (part 2)

The vasectomy operation 

I should add at this point that a week before I had phoned the surgery to confirm the appointment for next week. Having reflected on the last appointment I had requested the room be a bit warmer (if you've read the last post you will know what I mean...) and to let me know if that was a problem. No news was good news! In this time I had managed to shift about a third of a stone in weight, being at the higher end of the overweight BMI. Hoping to continue this trend...

And so, about 6 weeks after the first attempt, the day arrived. I had already booked the afternoon off work, shaved and showered (was impressed by the speed bracken can grow back), taken the diazepam an hour before the appointment, mother in law turned up to look after the boys and my wife and I trundled to the surgery.

Diazepam is brilliant stuff, it got working within 15 minutes of taking it and the relaxing feeling of warmth and calmness took over. Almost like feeling drunk, but still in control.

We turned up, signed in at reception and sat in the waiting room. We got called in by the doctor. Confirmed that I was still happy to continue, reminded my self about the conversations at the previous appointment and within a minute we were on our way to the theatre.

Same procedure as before, strip from the waist down and on the table. Arms were no here near his balls this time.

Everything hanging out, all relaxed and both tubes located with ease, winner winner. Local anaesthetic in the skin, same place as before, small sting but not for long. And again in each tube, again a further sting but not for long.

The success rate this time around was looking MUCH better.

Now, my wife was with me this time around, she is not the squeamish type, and I think she rather enjoyed the experience. Not as in to see a man suffer, but to see the procedure from a medical perspective.. Seeing a man having the snip and "doing his bit" so to speak.

Next the incision. Didn't feel a thing. Pulling the left vas tube was a bit uncomfortable but absolurely no pain whatsoever. I didn't watch, but I did ask to see the vas tube, and once it was out and separated I was offered a look. It looked like a loop of white spaghetti. I resumed staring at the ceiling, listening to the radio and let the doctor do his thing.

Moving to the right one, he was able to do the same from he same incision.

I genuinely didn't feel any pain during the procedure. Even being stitched up at the end was pain free. It was a bit uncomfortable having things "put back in the right place" but still no pain. A plaster over the wound and it was all done. Getting up off the table was done slowly and was again a bit uncomfortable, but managed to get dressed and back to arguably a more dignified state!

Job done!

We went back to the doctors office to go over after care and what happens next. Existing contraception should still be used until a clear/negative semen sample has been given at approx 4 months time (swimmers are present in tubes for some time after the snip) and there are specific instructions on how to do this, or rather (not "how", digging a hole here) that the sample has to get directly to the hospital in a warm state within an hour of, erm, "production".

Keep the wound dry for 48 hours, "flannel jobs" spring to mind and the y-fronts keep everything in check.

We thanked the doctor, shook hands and we drove home. I must admit I walked to the car a bit gingerly as things were uncomfortable but again not painful.

Vasectomy - The procedure (part 1)

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The referral for vasectomy

The referral

My GP put the wheels in motion and within about 10-14 days I received a letter through the post to phone a number to discuss whether I wanted to be referred to a different GP trained/experienced in the procedure under local anaesthetic or to go to the local District Hospital to be done under general anaesthetic. I chose a doctor close to Bideford as recommended by my own GP, which was more convenient, the general anaesthetic did not appeal to me, and less time off work potentially.

I had to ring the surgery's secretary directly to arrange the appointment for the vasectomy which was set for sometime in October 2018. I received a letter and accompanying notes to "warm me up" to the procedure.

The particular doctor was a surgeon before turning his hand to being a GP as I understand it and has carried out over 2000 procedures over his career with a higher than UK average success rate. In his letter his "way of doing things" was to reassure, do as much within his power to genuinely reduce and stop pain, sometimes humorously, to set expectations (clipping back the bush, shaving the area and obtaining some comfy tight fitting ever so sexy y-fronts) and reiterate what I had discussed with my GP originally.

From the phone call to the appointment was 3 weeks.

Talking about the snip

You think you want a vasectomy?

So. You want to make sure you don't want any more children. You need to be absolutely 100% sure that this is what you want. Weigh up all the options, for both you and your partner, and speak with your GP.

Options for both - stop having sex, but that's no fun...

Options for her - are several but put the burden on her and the NHS over many years, include contraceptive pills, coils, implants and so on. None are 100% guaranteed as effective.

Options for him - vasectomy! Over time this is probably the most cost effective on the NHS and amongst the most effective, short of giving it all up.

There may well be more, medicine is constantly evolving.

Talk it through with your partner. Discuss each of the options as to effectiveness and what they would be prepared to do.

Vasectomy should be considered a permanent change. The NHS website might suggest that reversing it is not available on the NHS, has a low level of success and will cost a lot of money to go privately. If you're not 100% sure, you're not ready and you should not continue.

I felt that, seeing as she had tried implants and various contraceptive pills over the years and given my wife gave birth to our first SVD and second elective caesarean that it was my turn to take some of the responsibility. We both decided long before we got married that two children would be the limit, as long as they are both happy and healthy (which they are!) so this too was a big part of opting for a vasectomy. My wife has been using the pill and didn't fancy options for a coil. Which whittled down the options quickly!!

The NHS website has lots of advice on contraception, just tap it into your search engine of choice and read EVERYTHING. YouTube was another source of research but should be taken ever so slightly with a pinch of salt, some people's experiences are to one extreme based on their own procedure.  Note that some videos are more, erm, graphic than others. There is one particular American "Brosectomy" which was amusing (not graphic) and worth a watch...

If you're still set on a vasectomy the next thing to do is to make an appointment with your GP. They will talk you through the options based on your particular stage in life. At the time of the appointment my youngest was a few months old and was certain on not having any more. The GP explained about the procedure, that it is not reversible and to be considered a permanent change which is really important to again discuss and decide with your partner, along with other options, again.

My GP did not refer me in my first appointment, which is standard practise, and we agreed I would discuss again with my wife and if, after a few more months, I was still keen for a vasectomy he would then refer me. Which we did.

Intro/welcome

Hello!

Welcome to my blog. I am a 32 year old married man with two boys (3 and 3/4 and 10 months) and my wife and I decided together that I should have a vasectomy.

This blog records my journey from start, to snip, and afterwards. I found that there was little out there to help and guide all the things to think and talk about, what I was feeling (emotionally and physically) and so I thought I'd try and put my experience into words.

I'll split each part of the journey into separate posts so it should be easy to follow. Note that I am not a medical professional, all opinions are my own based on my own experiences and you should ALWAYS consult your GP who will know more about your circumstances.

Happy reading!

DevonSnip