What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception for men. It involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testes. After a successful vasectomy, sperm can no longer enter the semen.

Vasectomy is intended to be permanent. Although reversal surgery may sometimes be possible, it is not guaranteed to restore fertility. You should only proceed if you are confident that you do not want to father children in the future.

No referral is usually required. At Mingara Medical, vasectomy is performed under local anaesthetic using a no-scalpel technique. The procedure usually takes around 20–30 minutes.

No-scalpel vasectomy

No-scalpel vasectomy uses a small puncture in the skin rather than a scalpel incision. The doctor accesses the vas deferens through this small opening, then cuts and seals the tubes.

No external stitches are usually required. A small dressing is applied after the procedure.

The no-scalpel technique may reduce some complications compared with conventional vasectomy techniques, but vasectomy is still a surgical procedure and risks remain. Your doctor will discuss the procedure, expected recovery, possible complications and alternatives with you before you decide whether to proceed.

How will vasectomy affect me?

Vasectomy only interrupts the tubes that carry sperm. It does not alter the penis or testes, and it does not affect testosterone levels, erections, ejaculation, orgasm, body hair or sex drive.

Semen generally looks and feels the same after vasectomy, as sperm make up only a small part of semen. The body naturally absorbs unused sperm.

Vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Condoms should still be used if there is any risk of STIs.

Can I stop other contraception straight away?

No. You are not sterile immediately after a vasectomy.

Sperm can remain in the vas deferens for weeks or months after the procedure. You must continue using other contraception until a post-vasectomy semen test confirms that sperm are no longer present.

A semen test is usually arranged around 3 months after the procedure. You will be provided with a pathology request and specimen jar on the day of your procedure. A follow-up phone appointment will be arranged to review your result.

Do not have unprotected sex until your doctor confirms that it is safe to stop other contraception.

Is vasectomy painful?

Local anaesthetic is used for the procedure. You may feel some discomfort when the anaesthetic is given, and some tugging or pressure during the procedure.

After the procedure, it is common to have some soreness, bruising or swelling for a few days. Most people can return to light daily activities soon after the procedure, but recovery varies. We generally recommend avoiding strenuous activity for one week. Sex can usually be resumed after 7 days, provided you are comfortable.

Possible risks and complications

All procedures have risks. Vasectomy is generally considered a low-risk procedure, but complications can occur.

Possible complications include:

• bleeding or haematoma
• infection
• bruising or swelling
• discomfort or ongoing pain
• sperm granuloma, which is a small lump that can form where sperm leaks from the cut vas deferens
• congestion or pressure discomfort
• failure of the procedure or recanalisation, where the vas deferens reconnects

Vasectomy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. This is why post-vasectomy semen testing is essential.

You should contact the practice, your doctor, or seek urgent medical advice if you develop severe pain, significant swelling, heavy bleeding, fever, increasing redness, discharge, or other symptoms that concern you.

Can vasectomy be reversed?

In some cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. This procedure is expensive and does not guarantee a return to fertility.

Vasectomy should be treated as a permanent decision. If there is any chance you may want children in the future, please discuss this with your doctor before proceeding. You may also wish to discuss sperm freezing before the procedure.

Consultation

Before booking the procedure, you will have a consultation with the doctor to discuss your medical history, the procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives and whether vasectomy is suitable for you.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions before making a decision. If you proceed, you will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you understand the procedure, possible risks and that vasectomy is intended to be permanent.

Before surgery

Most medications can be continued, but some blood-thinning medications may need to be stopped before the procedure. Your doctor will discuss this with you at your consultation.

Please shave or trim the scrotal area 2–3 days before your procedure. Do not shave on the day of the procedure, as this may increase the risk of skin irritation or infection.

Costs

• Pre-vasectomy consultation: bulk billed
• Vasectomy procedure fee: $795
• Medicare rebate: approximately $233.90, subject to Medicare eligibility and claiming rules
• Deposit: $100 required at the time of booking the procedure to secure your appointment
• Follow-up: a phone appointment is arranged around 3 months after the procedure to review your semen analysis result

Please call and speak to our receptionists during office hours to book a consult.