Glossary : A guide to Vasectomy

A list of the more commonly used terms in vasectomy surgery.

A

Allergic reaction

An adverse reaction to a local anaesthetic which manifests itself as a rash.

Antisperm antibodies

This is where antibodies are formed by the man’s own sperm when it is in contact with blood during a vasectomy. They bind onto the sperm and stop them from fertilising an egg.

Artificial insemination

This is an option for men who have had their sperm banked prior to surgery. This sperm is used at a later date and implanted into the woman at the time of ovulation.

B

None at present.

C

Chronic orchalgia

A dull pain in the testicles following a vasectomy.

Consent

This refers to the form which needs to be signed by the patient before surgery. It is a confirmation of their understanding of what the surgery involves and the possible risks.

D

None at present.

E

Ejaculation

The moment when semen is released (climax) during sexual intercourse.

Epididymis

Tightly wound, small tubes which store sperm once they have left the testes. Sperm then make their way from these to the vas deferens.

Epididymitis

The condition in which there is pain and/or swelling of the epididymis.

F

Fallopian tubes

Part of the female reproductive system: these tubes lie between the ovaries and the womb (uterus). They enable an egg to travel from the ovaries into the womb (uterus).

Fertilisation

The process where an egg and sperm combine to create an embryo.

G

None at present.

H

Haematoma

The medical name for bleeding: this can occur in the scrotum following a vasectomy.

Hydrocele

A condition common in older men in which fluid collects around the testicle and causes a swelling.

I

IVF

Stands for In-Vitro Fertilisation: a well known fertility treatment in which an egg and sperm are combined in a culture dish which results in fertilisation. The developing embryos are then implanted into the woman’s body.

J

None at present.

K

None at present.

L

Long term testicular pain

The name given to a type of pain which lasts more than 3 months after a vasectomy.

M

None at present.

N

None at present.

O

Orchiopexy A surgical procedure which treats an undescended testicle in young boys.

P

Postoperative pain

The name given to pain or a dull ache following a vasectomy. This usually eases after a day or two.

Q

None at present.

R

Recanalisation

The natural rejoining of the vas deferens following vasectomy surgery. This can be detected during a semen test.

S

Scrotum

The sac like structure of the male body which contains the epididymis, vas deferens and testicles.

T

Testicles

These are located in the scrotum and are responsible for the production of testosterone and sperm.

Tubal ligation

Female sterilisation surgery in which the Fallopian tubes are cut and tied off to prevent fertilisation. This is more complex than a vasectomy and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic.

U

Urethra

A slim tube which connects the bladder to the outside of the body. It is present in both men and women but is shorter in women and exits above the vagina.

In men, this tube runs from the bladder to the penis and transports semen and urine out of the body.

V

Vas deferens

The two thin tubes which transport sperm from the testes to the semen where it is expelled from the body during ejaculation. A single tube is referred to as a vas deferens whereas both together are known as ‘vasa deferentia’.

Vasa Deferentia

See above.

Vasectomy

A surgical procedure in which the vasa deferentia are cut and tied to prevent the passage of sperm into the ejaculation fluid (semen).

Vasectomy reversal

Also known as a ‘vasovasostomy’: a form of surgery to rejoin the vas deferens which had been cut and tied in a vasectomy procedure.