Vasectomy

Procedures we perform

ABOUT VASECTOMY

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure used as a permanent method of male contraception.

This is achieved by cutting the vas deferens, the tube which carries sperm from the testicles to the prostate where it is mixed with semen.

What are the benefits of vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control and is a good option if you and your partner have finished your family or don’t want to have children.

Vasectomy is more reliable than most other types of birth control, including condoms, the oral contraceptive pill, and intrauterine devices.

Vasectomy is safer than surgical sterilisation for women (tubal ligation).

Vasectomy does not change your libido (sex drive), erections, testosterone levels, or the amount you ejaculate when you orgasm.

PATIENT JOURNEY

What does a vasectomy involve?

Vasectomy involves cutting the vas derens and sealing the cut ends of the tube to prevent them joining back together.

It is performed through one or two small incisions in the scrotum. The incisions are closed with glue or dissolvable stitches.

Vasectomy can be performed in our Brisbane office with local anaesthetic (numbing injection) or in a hospital with a general anaesthetic (completely asleep).

We can perform minor variations to the standard vasectomy technique, including scalpel free vasectomy and open ended vasectomy.

What is the recovery after a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is performed as day surgery – you can go home on the day of the procedure.

You will have mild pain in your scrotum for around one week after vasectomy. This can usually be managed with over the counter pain relief.

You can usually return to normal activities, including work, two to three days after a vasectomy, but you need to avoid vigorous physical activity for one to two weeks.

How long does vasectomy take to work?

Vasectomy doesn’t work immediately. It takes around four months for the sperm to dissapear from your ejaculate.

You need to have a semen analysis (sperm count) to confirm the vasectomy has worked. You need to use alternative contraception until sterility is confirmed.

We recommend you dont ejaculate for seven days after vasectomy. After that, you can have sex when you feel comfortable.