Contraceptive advice

and insertion of IUD’s

What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a highly effective, safe and permanent form of male contraception with around 20,000 to 30,000 men undergoing vasectomy each year in Australia.

How is the procedure performed?

The vasectomy procedure is a simple procedure which takes about 30 minutes either under local anaesthesia or under intravenous sedation where you will be in a light sleep for the duration of the procedure. A small hole is made in the skin at the top of the scrotum. The vas deferens, which are located just beneath the skin, are cut and both ends are tied and cauterised. (sealed to prevent them from re-joining). The small opening in the skin is then joined and covered with a waterproof dressing. Sutures are not required.

vasectomy

The vas deferens is a thin tube connecting the testicle to the seminal vesicle (ejaculate fluid is made in the seminal vesicle). The sperm are made in the testicle and, after a vasectomy, the sperm cannot enter the ejaculate fluid. The ejaculate fluid does not change in volume or consistency and therefore there is no change to sexual function after a vasectomy.

How effective is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is one of the most effective methods of contraception available, however it is important to understand that there is no method which is 100% effective. Approximately 1 in every 2000 vasectomies will fail because the severed vas deferens manages to rejoin during the first few months after the procedure.

What are the benefits?

Many men say that their sex life is improved for both partners because the worry of contraception is removed and the woman has none of the common risks and side effects associated with hormonal contraceptives. It is also a far safer and less expensive option than tubal ligation for women.

 

How will I feel afterwards?

The operation takes about 20-30 minutes to perform but you need to allow for at least 2 hours at the clinic.

When the anaesthetic wears off there may be some pain and bruising in the groin or scrotum. Tight fitting supportive underpants, cold packs and over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol and codeine, should relieve this discomfort.

Are there any side effects or risks?

Serious side effects are very rare.

Slight soreness, swelling and bruising is likely immediately after the operation and may last for a few days.

Occasionally sperm can leak from the ends of the cut tubes and produce tiny lumps (granuloma) at the site of the operation and over time this can lead to rejoining of the tubes, although the technique used at the Private Clinic makes this extremely unlikely.

A few men report a slight ache caused by a raised pressure in the vas deferens after it has been cut & tied. This is usually only a short term problem.

Can it be reversed?

While it can be reversed, the procedure is expensive and not always successful. Therefore, a vasectomy should be considered to be permanent.

Who can have a vasectomy?

Any man may have a vasectomy, irrespective of marital status and he may be childless. You do not require anyone else’s consent nor do you need referral from a doctor.

However, studies have shown that a large percentage of men seeking a reversal had the vasectomy performed in their 20’s. Attitudes towards having children change as we age and we may enter into a new relationship with someone who wants children, so careful consideration should be given to having a vasectomy if you are under 30. We strongly suggest that you consider speaking with a psychologist who will be able to help you decide if having a vasectomy is the right decision for you at this stage in your life.

Is vasectomy effective immediately?

No. It can take months to use up sperm already in storage. We require you to wait 3 months and recommend at least 3 ejaculations per week, before performing your confirmatory sperm count. Until this test shows that it is safe, you must continue to use contraception.

Making an appointment.

Please call and speak to our receptionist during office hours to make an appointment. When making your appointment, please notify us of any relevant medical or surgical history and if you regularly use any medication. Certain anti-inflammatory rnedications will need to be ceased for 7 days prior to procedure.

The consultation and procedure will take approximately one hour. However should you choose to have sedation, expect to be with us for approximately two hours, and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You will not be able to drive a motor vehicle for 12 hours after sedation.

How to prepare for a vasectomy

Please download and read this detailed information sheet explaining how to prepare.

You should cease taking any anti-inflammatory drugs 7 days prior to the surgery. Please call the clinic for specific advice and before you stop taking any medicine which has been prescribed by another doctor.

The day prior to the vasectomy, shave your scrotum and the base and sides of the penis as shown in the diagram using a safety razor. Do not use depilatory cream or an electric razor. Trim any remaining hair with scissors. (see diagram)

ShavingDiagram

On the day of the procedure, please shower immediately prior to coming to the clinic.

Please bring;
•  a pair of firm-fitting underpants
•  your Medicare card
•  your fee, as advised by the receptionist
•  a list of any medication that you are taking
•  your completed admission & consent forms
•  if you are having a sedation, you will require someone to drive you home. You must not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery for the remainder of the day.

Payment

Please call the clinic for details about cost.

A $100.00 deposit is required at the time of making your appointment, which is non-refundable if the appointment is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to your appointment time.

Full payment is required prior to the procedure, either by cash, credit card or EFTPOS. Please bring your Medicare card to your appointment.