Vasectomy - No Scalpel, No Stitches
We use an open-ended no-scalpel technique, proven to have the least risk of side effects and complications.
​
By using a minimally invasive approach, the vasectomy is performed through a tiny opening in the front part of the scrotum. There is one tiny hole through which the surgeon does the vasectomy.
What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the common name for male sterilisation – a permanent method of contraception.
It is a simple surgical procedure which closes off the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum to stop sperm from getting into the semen.
​
After the procedure, sperm produced in the testicles can no longer mix with semen, and so the semen gradually becomes free of sperm.
​
Vasectomy does not usually require a general anaesthetic, and our highly trained doctors can perform the procedure in less than 30 minutes in our surgical facility in Chatswood.
​
Intravenous sedation is preferred by many, though the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic.
Please allow for longer recovery time (approx 2 hrs) if you are undergoing conscious IV sedation.
We prefer to see you in the clinic for a consultation prior to booking in for the procedure, so we can explain everything and the doctor will examine you to make sure you are suitable to have your vasectomy as an office-based procedure.
​
​
Your erection, climax,
desire and ejaculation
will all be unchanged.
The operation takes about 20 minutes and goes like this:
You can choose to have twilight sedation, inhaled anaesthetic, or be fully awake for the whole procedure.
-
A no-sting local anaesthetic is injected into the area.
-
A tiny hole is made in the scrotum.
-
The vas deferens is divided and the testicular end of the tube is left open - This helps prevent congestion in the testis and therefore reduces the risk of pain or post vasectomy syndrome.
-
A tiny layer of sheath is placed between the two ends of the vas to stop them re-joining.
-
The same procedure is performed on the other side but through the same hole.
-
The skin edge is clipped together without stitches.
-
Dressing is applied.
​
After your Vasectomy you can be totally spontaneous!
You will feel a bit sore for a few days but the overwhelming majority of men have a fairly easy and straight-forward recovery.
After the short recovery period, and once your semen becomes clear of sperm ( usually around 3 months), you and your partner will be able to stop using other birth control methods. We will let you know when your semen test gives the "all clear". After the "all clear", you can have sex whenever you feel like it - no need to use hormones or condoms or be limited by the calendar!
It generally brings great relief to men and women who no longer have to worry about reliability, cost and side effects of other types of contraception.
Compared to sterilisation in a woman, vasectomy is a very quick, easy and inexpensive procedure that can be done in our clinic, without the hassle and expense of a hospital inpatient stay
Recovery after your Vasectomy
Like any minor surgical procedure, there are risks of bruising, discomfort and infection. These are generally mild, and can be minimised by resting, and wearing supportive underpants for a few days after the operation.
Simple measures such as frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel is a useful first measure, combined with paracetamol.
​
It is best to avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication for the first week after the operation, but NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can be used thereafter if there is any continuing discomfort.
​
If your work is very physical and involves heavy lifting or extreme movement, then you will need to go on light duties for a week after the vasectomy.
If you are desk based or quite sedentary in your work, then you should be able to return to work the day after having your vasectomy.
Try to avoid sitting for long periods, but avoid bike riding and contact sports for the first 2-3 weeks.
We will give you written instructions about your return to sports. Generally, if you can avoid too much too soon, your recovery will be optimised.
​
It is normal to experience a background aching feeling for one to two weeks post-vasectomy. It will eventually go away. Take Paracetamol ( with or without a little codeine) as required. If aching continues for over one month, you may be experiencing Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome and you should see us or your GP for a review. If there are no signs of infection, you can an anti-inflammatory medication (if no contraindications to taking this) for a week or two, which will help settle it down.
Men who run into trouble usually try to do too much too quickly.
There are some very fine sutures around the site of the vasectomy and if these are dislodged (by trying to do too much too quickly) then a scrotal haematoma ( bleeding into the scrotal sac) can develop which is uncomfortable and can take weeks to resolve.
Haematoma is a collection of blood in the scrotum. A scrotal haematoma can be as large as a grapefruit and occur mostly in the first or second week post-vasectomy. They can take 2 to 3 months to go away and there is no specific treatment other than rest. To avoid a haematoma, it is a good idea to return to physical activity slowly, as outlined below.
Infection is very unlikely but sometimes if you are not recovering as quickly as we would like, we may give you oral antibiotics such as cephalexin.
DAY 1
Cold pack on & off
No lifting at all
Walking & standing for 5 minutes with rest in between
DAY 7
Walking and standing all day. Carry 10-15kg only. No sport yet.
DAY 14
Non-contact sport. Carry 20-30kg.
DAY 21
Cycling OK
DAY 28
Football
Heavy weights
Martial arts.
On your first day, use a cold pack on the scrotum on and off. Do not do any lifting. Walking and standing for 5 minutes at a time only, with resting in between. Each day increase walking and standing by 30 minutes at a time until Day 7 (resting in between periods of walking or standing).
Sex after your Vasectomy
Most men can masturbate comfortably after a few days and return to full sexual function after about a week. Your erection, climax, desire and ejaculation will all be unchanged.
After a vasectomy, the volume of ejaculate might be slightly reduced (by about 3%), but the sensation and function of climax is the same.
Many men say their sex life improves after a vasectomy because they are no longer worried about unplanned pregnancy. Some say they are able to keep an erection for longer without ejaculating, and therefore enjoy sex for longer.
One very important aspect is that you should not rely on vasectomy as a form of birth control until you get the all clear from our doctors.
Typically, this happens around 3 months after the procedure. It takes that amount of time, with regular ejaculations to flush out all the sperm.
Sometimes it can happen sooner, and sometimes a second sample is required a month after the first. Until you get the good news, you will still need to use contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy.
Many men say their sex life improves after a vasectomy because they are no longer worried about unplanned pregnancy. Some say they are able to keep an erection for longer without ejaculating, and therefore enjoy sex for longer.
Vasectomy risks
There has been much research undertaken in men who have had a vasectomy, to see if there are increased risks associated with long term complications, such as prostate or testicular cancer. Some studies have suggested that there is an increased risk, but meta analysis of the research suggests there is no increased risk of cancer in men who have had a vasectomy. Unfortunately there are no known preventable risk factors for prostate cancer.
If you've read to this point, you're obviously seriously considering vasectomy - Good on you for taking on the responsibility! Keep scrolling down for answers to all your important questions... and if you're still unsure, call us!
Unplanned pregnancy can be a nightmare for all concerned. Whether you’ve completed your family, or have decided that children are not for you, we can provide a permanent solution which leaves you and your partner free to stop worrying about contraception and unplanned pregnancy, and have great sex whenever you like.
​
Make an enquiry today for your vasectomy consult or procedure at our discrete, state of the art facility in Chatswood, Clinic 66. We don't do vasectomies every day, but we sure do a lot of them... you and your 'manhood' will be in good hands!
