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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four

Me n’s hea lth The Procedure Several hours prior to procedure, patients should not take any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, drink alcohol or eat a large meal. The entire scrotum should be shaved one to two days before, and patients should wear jockey-style underwear rather than boxers. 1. A local anaesthesia is given to numb the genitals, which allows the patient to remain awake and comfortable throughout the procedure 2. An anti-bacteria solution is applied to skin 3. Once dried, the procedure begins with one or two inch-long incisions on the underside of the scrotum 4. The vas deferens (sperm-carrying tubes) are either cut, tied off or cauterized 5. The incision is closed with stitches, which are generally removed seven to ten days later Post-op • Organise a lift home after surgery for greater comfort • Take one to two days off work for recovery • Apply ice to the area for the first two days • Avoid blood-thinning medication for pain relief • Speak with medical professionals about the right time to begin having sex again (usually four weeks) • Patients are not sterile straight away! Sperm samples will be given for testing over the next few months, in which time you and your partner will have to use another form of contraception (semen test usually performed after three months) • Once the all-clear is given, you and your partner can have sex unprotected Vasectomy Reversal Procedure Due to numerous life circumstances, men and their partners elect to have the vasectomy reversed in order to fall pregnant again. This procedure is highly successful in Australia; with over 95% of men regaining fertility and 85% of couples falling pregnant. The surgeon will either tie back together the severed vas deferens, allowing sperm to travel along the tubes again (vasovasostomy), or the sperm duct will be attached directly to the epididymis, bypassing the area that is blocked (vasoepididymostomy). Though adequate sperm count will decline over time, the chances of falling pregnancy post-procedure are very high. But it does take two to tango; the reproductive and general health of both partners is crucial to the chances of falling pregnant and should be treated as a joint venture. Costs of the procedure vary and it is not usually covered by insurance. Gather as many success (and failure) stories as you can, and research all the lifestyle and physical implications of the procedure and involve your partner in the process. After about one month, couples can begin trying for pregnancy. pm ✔ Tired of waking up more than once through the night to urinate? ✔ Embarrassed at having to race to the toilet? ✔ Annoyed at taking “water works” tablets each day that don’t seem to help? Well it’s time to seek out an expert, as you may be causing irreversible damage to your bladder or kidneys… Robina: Suite 8, HQ Building Cnr Laver & Riverwalk Dr Robina QLD, 4226 Dr Martin Elmes Urological Surgeon Operating out of: Pindara Hospital John Flynn Hospital So if you’re ready to reclaim your life, then help is here…. Dr Martin Elmes, board certified urological surgeon, subspecialised in the latest and most precise advanced laser prostate surgery or HolEP: ~ Scientifically proven: Maximum gain & Minimum risk ~ Alternatively if your symptoms are only moderate and you just want to get off those pesky tablets, then you may benefit from the minimally invasive UROLIFT…. CALL TODAY – (07) 5598 0098 Pindara: Suite 11, Lvl 2, Pindara Pl 13 Carrara St Benowa QLD, 4217 Phone: (07) 5598 0098 | www.goldcoasturologist.com.au


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
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