Vasectomy Clinic
Vasectomy is a surgical operation for male sterilisation. It is a very effective, safe and permanent form of contraception. If you feel that your family is complete or certain that you don’t wish to have any more children, vasectomy may be the right option for you.
More than 25,000 men get a vasectomy in Australia each year. In total one in four men over the age of 40 have had a vasectomy. Vasectomy is more reliable than other methods of birth control, such as condoms or withdrawal, or for women, the contraceptive pill, intrauterine devices (IUD’s), diaphragms and related methods. For men, vasectomy is less complicated and less expensive than tubal litigation, the permanent method of birth control for women.
Vasectomy Procedure
Vasectomy is a simple day procedure. A local anesthetic injection numbs the area and then a very small hole is made in the front of the scrotum. Through this opening, each sperm-carrying tube (vas deferens) is cut and sealed off. Once this heals you will have a very small scar on the scrotum which will fade over time.
After a vasectomy, sperm are still produced and leave the testes, but are stopped in the epididymis (the collecting tube that lies along the back of the testes) where they are reabsorbed back into the body.
How to make a vasectomy appointment
An appointment with the Doctor is required prior to booking a vasectomy. It is advised that this appointment is scheduled at least two weeks prior to the vasectomy booking. This is so necessary arrangements can be made and a suitable time is available. The Doctor will explain any risks and relevant treatment options prior to the procedure. The procedures are performed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Vasectomy FAQs
A vasectomy is extremely effective, with close to 100% effectiveness rate. Situations in which a vasectomy fails are very rare, and usually occur when the procedure was carried out by an inexperienced doctor.
The vasectomy procedure usually takes around 30-45 minutes. We’ll let you know how long your procedure will take when you attend your consultation.
The vasectomy procedure itself won’t be particularly painful. The Doctors use a local anaesthetic to offset any pain. You may feel some discomfort or slight pressure, but overall the level of pain will be extremely low. Ordinary pain killers and a cold pack will help manage discomfort when you get home.
Your semen volume does not noticeably reduce after a vasectomy, but it will no longer contain sperm.
You will be awake during the procedure, but the Doctor uses a local anaesthetic, so there will only be minimal pain or discomfort.
The Doctors recommend you take it easy and have a day or two off work or more if your work is very physical.
The cost of a vasectomy at the Carina Medical Vasectomy Clinic is $495.
Following your vasectomy, there will still be viable sperm in your vas deferens. It may take up to 20 ejaculations for these viable sperm to completely leave your system. You will need to submit a semen sample three months after the procedure to ensure your semen is sperm-free. This is very important. You will need to use contraception until this time.
This will be discussed at your initial consultation.
As for any other mildly invasive medical procedure, the Doctors recommend that you do not drive home after a vasectomy. It is helpful to allow your body to begin the healing process immediately. For this reason, it’s best to have someone drive you home. Due to the relatively quick procedure, they may be able to wait in our waiting room.
The Medicare rebate for this procedure is $195.40.
Book Online
If you’ve been thinking about getting a vasectomy, come in for a consultation. We’ll talk you through the ins and outs of the procedure and help you make a decision. You can book online by clicking here, or call us on 07 3398 8188.