Surgery

Vasectomy or male sterilisation is a simple and reliable method of contraception chosen by many men who have decided that they do not want any or more children.

A vasectomy is a quick and simple procedure that usually takes 20-30 minutes to perform. The procedure is carried out under local or general anaesthetic as day case surgery. Local means only the area being operated on is anaesthetised and you will be awake for the procedure. You should not feel any sharp pains, although it may feel slightly uncomfortable when manipulating the cord.

Your procedure:

Your consultant will make one or two small incisions in the scrotum using a point clip rather than cutting with a scalpel. This reduces the risk of getting a blood clot or Haematoma forming after the procedure. The two tubes (known as the vas) that carry sperm from the testicles are located by your consultant and divided. The ends of both vas are then tied and separated using a layer of tissue. The skin is closed with dissolving sutures which will take approximately two weeks to disappear.

Your aftercare:

Starting at 12 weeks and every 4 weeks thereafter from your procedure you will need to provide the laboratory with a sample of your semen. This will be tested to see if there are any sperm present. Once the samples are clear of sperm the procedure can be considered a success and contraception can be stopped. Until informed of the success contraception must be used.

Next steps:

You can refer yourself for a vasectomy or be referred by your GP for Medicare rebate to apply.

Appointments are available at Urology Now for counselling prior to the procedure and for the procedure itself. Following your consultation, a convenient operation date will be booked to suit your schedule and with little or no waiting time.