Procedure
What is a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the most reliable form of contraception. It is safe, quick and comfortable.
The no scalpel, open ended procedure is a minimally invasive modern technique. The testicular end of the vas is left open to reduce post procedure congestion or pain.
Through a small split (~5mm) in the midline of the scrotum each vas deferens will be cut and the prostatic (upper) end sealed to block the passage of sperm from the testis to the ejaculatory duct.
A small piece of tissue known as fascia will be sutured in between the 2 ends to reduce the risk of them re-joining. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic or IV sedation.
You must use alternative contraception until your doctor has confirmed a negative semen analysis 3 months after the procedure. Alternatives to vasectomy include barrier contraception such as condoms and female contraceptives including medication, implants or tubal ligation.
Vasectomy should be considered irreversible, however reversal can be successfully performed in up to 70% of cases within 8 years of the initial procedure. Reversal is more invasive and expensive than vasectomy.
Is Vasectomy Right For Me?
- Consider your personal situation and future wishes about children
- Discuss vasectomy with your partner
- Consider cost compared with other forms of birth control
- Consider permanence - vasectomy is reversible in most cases but should be thought of as permanent contraception
- Send us an enquiry if you have any questions or concerns
Preparation for the Procedure
Please decide whether or not vasectomy is the right option for you - arrange a consult via the enquiry form if you would feel more comfortable discussing your specific circumstances with our doctor
Please decide on your preferred location (clinic or day hospital) depending on your preference and health insurance status.
Please decide if you would like to have the procedure done under local anaesthetic alone or with IV sedation. Our local anaesthetic procedure is quick and comfortable. Some men feel more comfortable with the idea of having IV sedation.
Patients undergoing vasectomy under local anaesthetic can drive themselves to and from the hospital or clinic. Patients having IV sedation must have a lift home and must not drive for a minimum of 24 hours.
The consult and procedure can be done on the same day in most cases. Please ensure you have read through the procedure information prior to your appointment. Patients are welcome to have an obligation free consult prior to the procedure if more detailed discussion is required.
Patients who take blood thinners or have an extensive medical history should have a consult in advance for additional assessment and planning. Send us an enquiry and we will promptly call you to discuss.
Please shave or trim the entire scrotum 1 or 2 days prior to your vasectomy. Take care to avoid cuts and abrasions. You only need to fast if you are having IV sedation - in this case the hospital you advise you when to fast from. Patients having local anaesthetic alone can eat and drink normally.
For procedures at our Day Hospital locations - please ensure you follow the instructions provided by each hospital regarding arrival time and fasting time if applicable. For procedures at our Hornsby Clinic please arrive 5-10 minutes early. We look forward to seeing you soon!
During the Procedure
- Thorough antiseptic wash performed followed by careful examination to check anatomy
- Patients receiving IV sedation will not feel or be aware of anything during the procedure
- Local anaesthetic is still given to these men using the same technique to reduce post procedure discomfort
- Local anaesthetic administered using modern technique
- Patients having local anaesthetic only can expect minor aching when the local anaesthetic is administered
- No scalpel, open ended vasectomy performed through small scrotal split
- Slight “tugging” or aching in scrotum, groin or lower stomach sometimes occurs during the procedure
- Most patients report that their vasectomy was not as painful as expected
After the Procedure
- Local anaesthetic will last for up to 4 hours
- You will be observed until you are safe to go home
- Post-op discomfort is normal and can include aching in the testes, groins and lower abdomen
- Please use the following measures:
- Wear tight underpants for scrotal support
- 2 pairs of elasticated underwear can be used
- Single pair with a compression garment or bike shorts over the top also works very well
- Cold therapy – an ice pack 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off may help with minor bruising or swelling
- Regular paracetamol is recommended for 1-2 days post procedure.
- Stronger pain medications are generally not required.
- Anti-inflammatories carry a small, theoretical risk of bleeding and generally aren’t needed anyway
General Post Vasectomy Care
Avoid swimming/ hot tubs/ sauna for 7 days to allow plenty of time for the scrotal split to heal and prevent infection
Showering is ok from 24 hours post vasectomy but please avoid soaking or scrubbing the area
Avoid ejaculation for 7 days
Avoid strenuous activity for 5 days depending on pain
A medical certificate can be provided on the day
Scrotal supports (supportive underwear) can be continued as long as necessary and may be particularly helpful for men returning to physical work
Post-Vasectomy Complications
Complications are very rare following this procedure but it is important to be aware of the possible risks
1. Haematoma
A haematoma is a very rare complication (less than 0.5%) after this type of vasectomy. It occurs due to the accumulation of blood in the scrotum. Small haematomas can be observed and will get better over 6 weeks . In the extremely rare case of sudden, massive scrotal swelling you should be assessed at the nearest Emergency Department.
2. Infection
Surgical site infection is rare after vasectomy (approximately 1%). Infection usually presents between day 3-5 post procedure. Signs include scrotal redness, discharge from the scrotal split and pain. Contact the clinic if you experience these signs as prompt antibiotics are required. In the extremely rare case that you develop systemic signs such as fever or vomiting, please attend your nearest Emergency Department.
3. Pain syndrome (post vasectomy congestion)
Some men will experience a low grade, dull aching pain in the scrotum that extends beyond the expected post procedural period. Most men will incrementally improve over 3-6 months and the discomfort does not generally limit activities. Scrotal supports and simple analgesia may be used as needed. In very rare cases men will still report discomfort after 12 months and in occasionally a further procedure may be required to manage the pain.
4. Sperm granuloma
If a pea-size lump is noted in the scrotum that is above and separate to the testis after a vasectomy it is usually a granuloma. This is just a collection of sperm cells. This can occur at any time after the procedure. Granulomas can cause some discomfort but they are not dangerous. They will usually resolve spontaneously within 6-12 weeks.
Follow up
- Please contact the clinic with any questions or concerns after your procedure
- Follow up semen analysis should be performed from 10-12 weeks post procedure but only after a minimum of 20 ejaculations
- You must continue contraception until the doctor has contacted you informing you that you are clear
- Pregnancies can still occur during this time and you are not considered sterile before this is confirmed by semen analysis
- Follow up is all done via phone and email for your convenience
Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis (PVSA)
- PVSA is done to check that there are no sperm left in your semen indicating a successful vasectomy
- This involves ejaculating in into a specimen jar and prompt analysis by a pathologist
- A fresh sample and needs to be delivered to the pathology centre as soon as possible (within 60 minutes of ejaculation)
- We will provide you with a referral and instructions on the day
- Not all pathology locations are equipped to perform PVSA
- Some pathology providers will bulk bill PVSA and some will charge a gap fee
- Specimen must be labelled with name and date of birth
- A repeat semen analysis may be required if there are still sperm present – the best way to avoid this is to ensure you wait at least 10 weeks and do some extra ejaculations prior to semen analysis
- In very rare cases low numbers of non-motile sperm may persist after vasectomy – these cases are managed on an individual basis
Request a No-Obligation Free Phone Call
Send us an enquiry via the form to arrange a phone call – we are happy to discuss the procedure and answer any questions to help you decide if vasectomy is right for you.