Vol. 455 No. 3
60 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the number of vasectomies carried out in Ireland in the last ten years; the number reporting negative side effects or complications; if patients are made aware of possible side effects in advance; and if there is any specialist medical centre or support group dealing with the matter. [12133/95]
Limerick East): Information in the format requested is not routinely collected in my Department, however, I can state that 403 vasectomies were performed in public hospitals in 1994. This figure does not include those procedures which were carried out privately.
The Medical Council guidelines on ethical conduct and behaviour and fitness to practice recommended that doctors make every effort to ensure that patients understand the nature and purpose of medical procedures. It would be normal practice to advise on possible complications and negative effects of these procedures in advance. I am unaware of any specialist medical centre or support group dealing with these matters.
