Frequently Asked Questions
How many vasectomies do you perform each year?
I currently perform 300–400 vasectomies per year. As I am primarily a family physician, I also maintain availability for my regular family practice patients.
How long have you been performing vasectomies?
I have been performing vasectomies since 2001.
(Interestingly, no one has ever asked how many babies I’ve delivered.)
Do you perform vasectomy reversals?
No, I do not perform vasectomy reversals.
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of contraception. If you think you may want a reversal in the future, you should not get a vasectomy.
Do I still need a consultation if I’ve read all the information on your website?
Yes. A consultation is required so I can review your medical and surgical history and ensure that you fully understand the implications, benefits, and potential complications of the procedure.
What anatomical factors might make me ineligible for a No‑Needle, No‑Scalpel Vasectomy?
Certain anatomical variations can make the procedure more difficult or unsafe, including:
- Masses or cysts in the scrotum that make it difficult to identify the vas deferens
- High‑riding testes or a very tight scrotum
- Obesity, which can limit access to the vas
- Medical conditions that require additional consideration
- Having only one vas deferens despite having two testes (rare but important to identify beforehand)
Is it possible to have more than two vas deferens tubes?
Yes, although this is extremely rare.
This is one reason why completing your follow‑up semen analysis is essential.
I am very anxious about getting a vasectomy. What options are available for anxiety?
It is natural that a vasectomy can cause anxiety. Most patients do well without medication, but if you feel your anxiety may be difficult to manage, please let me know. I can prescribe a small quantity of Ativan (lorazepam).
Typically, I recommend taking one tablet the night before and another one hour before your procedure. Please bring the remaining tablets with you to your appointment in case additional medication is needed.
Remember, a vasectomy is not as bad as you think it is going to be.
I faint easily during medical procedures. What can be done to prevent this?
This can happen, and you’re not alone. If you tend to faint during medical procedures, please let me know during your consultation. We can review strategies to help reduce the chance of this occurring.
I’ve never shaved my genital area.
No problem. I only need a short trim of the hair on the front part of the scrotum. You do not need a full shave, and you do not need to remove all your pubic hair.
A careful trim is all that’s required.
Please see the page on preparing for your vasectomy.
What happens to all the sperm? Will it build up and eventually explode?
Your body continues to produce sperm, but it naturally reabsorbs them. This is a normal process.
And no—you will not “explode.”
Sperm make up only 1–2% of the total volume of ejaculate.
What will my semen look like after a vasectomy?
Your semen will look exactly the same to the naked eye—same colour, same volume. The only difference is that under a microscope, there will be no sperm present.
Most of the fluid in semen comes from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Remember that sperm only accounts for 1 to 2 percent of the total volume of your semen.
I noticed some blood in my semen. What should I do?
A small amount of blood in the semen after a vasectomy—called hematospermia—is not uncommon during the first few ejaculations.
If it continues for more than three months, you should be assessed, as it can occasionally be related to other urological conditions.
Will it be painful when I resume sex after one week?
It’s possible that sex or masturbation may feel a bit more sensitive the first few times after you resume sexual activity. This is normal and usually settles within the first few weeks. Very soon, everything should feel just as it did before your vasectomy.
Will a vasectomy affect my testosterone levels?
No. A vasectomy does not affect testosterone production.
Your testes continue to produce testosterone, which enters the bloodstream through blood vessels, not through the vas deferens. This procedure only interrupts the flow of sperm.
Will a vasectomy affect my libido (sex drive)?
No. Your libido should remain the same.
Since testosterone production is unchanged, your desire for sex should not be affected.
In fact, some studies suggest that men may enjoy sex more after a vasectomy because they no longer need to worry about contraception.
Will a vasectomy affect my erections?
No, it will not.
Long‑term studies show that the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) is the same in men who have had a vasectomy and those who have not. The most common causes of erectile difficulties include age, anxiety, stress, smoking, and poor fitness.
If you are experiencing erectile issues, please see your doctor. ED has an association with cardiovascular disease and should be investigated.
Do vasectomies increase my risk of prostate or testicular cancer?
No.
This has been thoroughly studied, and vasectomies do not increase or decrease your risk of prostate or testicular cancer. Therefore, it is recommended for all men to have age appropriate screening for prostate cancer.
Studies have also shown no increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, or dementia.
I’m very sexually active. Can I do my semen test earlier than three months?
No, you cannot.
When sperm are produced in the testes, they travel up the vas deferens. Along the way, they temporarily “anchor” themselves into the side walls of the vas and do not release until they are ready. This process typically takes three months, regardless of sexual activity.
I heard I need to ejaculate a certain number of times before my semen test. Is that true?
Older guidelines suggested waiting one month and ejaculating 30 times before testing.
Some men tried to accomplish those 30 ejaculations in just a few days—which did not work.
To keep things simple: wait three months, then do your test.
I lost my requisition or containers for my semen test.
Please contact my office. We will gladly provide replacements.
You said I shouldn’t have sex for a week after my vasectomy. What if I get a spontaneous erection?
Nocturnal and spontaneous erections are completely natural.
I just recommend to not entertain it. Let it go … This too shall pass.
Is masturbation considered a sexual activity?
Do I even need to answer this…?
Yes.
How can lifting something in the first three days cause bleeding in my scrotum?
The blood supply to and from the testes originates inside the abdomen.
When you lift something, you naturally increase abdominal pressure, which increases pressure in these blood vessels. After surgery, these vessels are more fragile, and the increased pressure can cause bleeding.
What if I cough or strain during a bowel movement? Can that cause bleeding?
Theoretically, yes.
However, these are things we cannot control—unlike lifting, which we can control. My philosophy: change the things you can for the better, and accept the things you cannot change.
If you have a severe cough before your procedure, please let me know so we can discuss it.
Will I have difficulty urinating after a vasectomy?
No, you will not.
Although these structures are close in proximity, the vas deferens and the urinary tract are completely separate.
Why do you charge a cancellation fee?
A cancellation fee applies only if you do not show up for your vasectomy or if you cancel less than 24 hours before your appointment.
Before this policy, many patients simply did not show up. Since I reserve a full hour specifically for your procedure, missed appointments are unfair to both me and other patients.
You will receive reminders by email 7 days and 2 days before your appointment, and we also attempt to call you the day prior.
If you cannot attend, please notify us as early as possible.
We are not unreasonable. If you can not attend due to a reasonable reason, then please let us know. But we ask that you also are reasonable.
No futher appointments will be offered until all outstanding bills are paid.
Are vasectomies covered by provincial health insurance (MSP)?
Yes, vasectomies are fully covered.
Vasectomy Reversals procedures are not.
I don’t have provincial health insurance.
For patients without provincial coverage, fees are charged according to the Doctors of BC fee guide.
Please contact our office for details.
If you cut the tube, cauterize the ends, and apply clips, how is there still a 1‑in‑2000 chance of the tubes reconnecting?
The honest answer is: we don’t fully know.
The human body is remarkable, and on rare occasions, the ends of the vas deferens can reconnect. As the saying goes, “Nothing in life is certain except death and taxes.” Fortunately, the risk is extremely low—about 1 in 2000.
Should I have repeat semen tests every few years to make sure I’m not that 1 in 2000?
Evidence does not support routine repeat testing once a successful vasectomy has been confirmed.
There are no guidelines recommending how often to test in order to prevent a single additional pregnancy. Mathematical models suggest that more than 100,000 semen tests would be needed to prevent just one extra pregnancy—clearly not practical.
If you are very anxious about it, there is no harm in doing additional tests, but there are no guidelines to direct this. It’s a personal choice.
Can my partner come into the room with me during my vasectomy?
Yes—provided your partner is comfortable being present.
What is a “laser” vasectomy?
A laser vasectomy is performed the same way as a standard vasectomy, except a laser is used instead of a blade to cut the vas deferens.
There are no proven advantages to using a laser, and this technique is typically found in countries where there is a financial incentive to use expensive equipment.
To my knowledge, laser vasectomies are not offered anywhere in Canada.
Where do you get all the photos on your website?
All of the photos on this website were taken by me.
We’ve been fortunate to live in—and visit—some truly incredible places.
