Vasectomy is now available in our Ulladulla Day Surgery. Vasectomy is a popular method of contraception for men. About one in four Australian men over the age of 40 has had a vasectomy.

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the tubes that carry the sperm from the testes (the vas deferens or the “vas”). After the procedure, ejaculated semen will not contain sperm. Instead, the sperm will be reabsorbed into the body.

What is the process for getting a vasectomy?

Step 1 – Assessment

If you are looking to have a vasectomy, you will need to have an initial assessment with Dr Le. During this visit the vasectomy procedure is explained and an examination is performed to make sure that you are able to have the procedure safely performed. Dr Le will take you through any questions you may have to make sure the procedure is right for you.

Step 2 – Procedure

Dr Le uses the no-scalpel technique. This technique only requires a single small puncture in the skin of the scrotum. This is a quick and effective procedure that means less bruising and reduces the risk of infection. This procedure is performed under sedation for your comfort. You will need to have someone to drive you home and stay with you on the first night.

Step 3 – Recovery

After the procedure, it is normal for there to be a small amount of bruising and mild discomfort which supportive underwear and over-the-counter pain killers will help. You can also use an ice pack to reduce swelling. You can return to work doing light duties, if you have a physically demanding job, within one week. After five days, you can resume sexual activity. Your vasectomy will not impact your sexual performance or ability to ejaculate. However, it is important to note that your vasectomy will not be immediately effective. It will take a few months after the vasectomy for the sperm to clear out of the ducts. You will need to use a different method of contraception until you get the all clear. After a fortnight, you can resume exercise. After a month you can resume heavy weights, contact sports and cycling.

Step 4 – Follow up sperm count

After three months, you will need to have a sperm count done to confirm that the vasectomy has been successful. This test is looking to see that there are no longer any live sperm in the semen. You should not stop using contraception until we have confirmed with you that your sperm count is zero. You should still use a condom in situations if you are at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Cost

Dr Le will discuss this with you at the initial consultation. An estimation of cost will be provided. If you have private health insurance, you can use your private health insurance for this procedure.

FAQs

The practicalities of vasectomy aren’t often part of public conversation, so we’d like to debunk a few myths and misconceptions. We’re here to put you at ease with a quick fact check, because not knowing is often the worst part. If you have any extra questions, or want clarification on the information below, please call our reception team on 02 4455 5422 and request an appointment with Dr Le. Alternatively,  you can visit HealthyMale.org.au, an Australian Government-supported website providing evidence-based, easy-to-understand information on male reproductive and sexual health.

Can vasectomy be reversed?

Vasectomy should be considered a permanent method of contraception. You need to be certain that you do not want any, or any more, children. Vasectomy reversal involves re-joining the cut ends of the vas deferens, usually by microsurgery. This operation is much more complex than vasectomy, needs to be done under general anaesthetic and can take several hours. Success is not guaranteed and it can be very expensive.

Will it affect my sexual function/ability to ejaculate?

Vasectomy will not affect your libido (sex drive), sexual function or ability to ejaculate in any way. The only thing that changes is that your semen will no longer have any sperm in it.

One study found men who had had a vasectomy reported improved sexual satisfaction, perhaps because of less stress since unintended pregnancy was no longer a worry.

Will it affect my testosterone levels?

A vasectomy does not remove your testes, which is where testosterone is produced, so your testosterone levels will remain unchanged. It simply redirects sperm by cutting the vas deferens so that it can’t mix with semen.

Is it going to hurt?

During the procedure the sedation will keep you comfortable and pain free. Some bruising and pain or aching is expected for up to one to two weeks after a vasectomy. Rest and over-the-counter pain killers will help. Usually the thought is far worse than the reality.

Will my semen/ejaculate look different afterwards?

The amount and colour of semen you produce should look the same as it did before vasectomy. Sperm only makes up about 2% of the volume of an ejaculation.

How effective is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is more than 99.85% effective making it one of the most effectual forms of contraception.

Is it similar to female tubal ligation?

Female sterilisation or tubal ligation in women is a more complex procedure than a vasectomy, usually performed laproscopically with one or two scalpel incisions under general anaesthetic. The fallopian tubes are cut and then tied off, clipped or cauterized.

No-scalpel vasectomy only requires a single small puncture in the skin of the scrotum and does not require any stitches.

Book an assessment

You can book an assessment without a referral by calling us on 02 4455 5422 and asking for a vasectomy assessment appointment with Dr Le.