Failed Vasectomy

A vasectomy, sometimes known as 'male sterilisation', is a safe and permanent method of male contraception. While success rates are very high, there have been occasions where a man has conceived a child after having a vasectomy procedure. If it is found that this was the result of medical negligence, then it is possible to make a claim for the emotional stress this has caused.

How Does The Vasectomy Procedure Work?

A vasectomy is a quick and simple procedure that is performed under local anaesthetic, either at a GP surgery or a Surgical Day Clinic. A surgeon will make incisions to your scrotum in order to access the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm out of your testicles). These will then be cut and a section removed, meaning sperm will not be able to pass into the semen upon ejaculation. The incisions are then sutured with dissolvable stitches, which usually disappear within a week.

After the operation patients are normally discharged the same day, and are able to return to work within a couple of days. To help aid recovery a good level of hygiene should be maintained, while tight-fitting underwear will help provide support to the scrotum.

Why Might A Vasectomy Fail?

While considered an effective form of contraception, there is a small chance a vasectomy will not work. A failed vasectomy is considered to be either short-term or long-term:-

1. Short-term failure.

After a vasectomy operation, sperm remains in the vas deferens, meaning a man will remain fertile. The amount of time it takes to be clear of sperm will differ from case to case. Thus it is only when tests have been done to confirm semen is free of sperm can it be certain the vasectomy has been successful. Medical staff should therefore advise you to continue using other forms of contraception until at least two tests show sperm is no longer being ejaculated.

2. Long-term failure.

If sperm is still being ejaculated more than six months after the vasectomy, then this is deemed a long term failure. In rare events, this failure can be attributed to the vas deferens naturally rejoining (known as recanalisation).

Failed Vasectomy and Medical Negligence.

However, a vasectomy may also fail because medical professionals have acted negligently. This may because:-

* The surgeon did not perform the procedure correctly;

* Medical staff failed to give appropriate post-operative advice eg. contraceptives should be used until the semen a clear of sperm.

If you have suffered a failed vasectomy because of medical negligence, you need to contact a legal expert to discuss your options. After speaking to a medical negligence solicitor, you may decide to make a claim regarding the poor standard of care you received. If successful, you will be awarded compensation for your damages. This can cover factors such as the cost of a second vasectomy, the emotional stress of an unwanted pregnancy, and expenses for the upbringing of an unplanned child.

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Glynn