Vasectomy is the common name for male sterilisation, a permanent method of contraception. It’s a simple surgical procedure that closes off the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) in the scrotum, so sperm can no longer mix with semen. It usually doesn’t require a general anaesthetic, and our doctors can perform it in under 30 minutes at our surgical facility in Chatswood.
Intravenous sedation is preferred by many, though it can also be done under local anaesthetic. We prefer to see you at our men’s health clinic for a consultation before booking the procedure, so we can explain everything and confirm you’re suitable for an office-based procedure.
Unplanned pregnancy can be a nightmare for all concerned. Whether you’ve completed your family or decided children aren’t for you, we can provide a permanent solution that leaves you and your partner free to stop worrying about contraception, with great sex whenever you like.
Vasectomies are quick, easy, and inexpensive solutions for contraception
Costs vary and Medicare covers part of the fee. No hefty hospital charges here; costs are a little higher on Saturdays. Call us on (02) 9411 3411 for an accurate quote.
You can choose twilight sedation, inhaled anaesthetic, or to be fully awake.
1) A no-sting local anaesthetic is injected into the area.
2) A tiny hole is made in the scrotum.
3) The vas deferens is divided, leaving the testicular end open to reduce the risk of post-vasectomy pain.
4) A tiny sheath is placed between the two ends to stop them re-joining.
5) The same steps are repeated on the other side, through the same hole.
6) The skin edge is clipped together without stitches.
7) A dressing is applied.
To prepare for your vasectomy, please follow these important instruction
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.
Cold pack on and off
One week post-op
Two weeks post-op
Three weeks post-op
Four weeks post-op
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.
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!
There's no change to hormones, ejaculation or orgasm, so there's no reason it should affect your sex life negatively; many couples find it improves things once they're not worrying about unplanned pregnancy. You can resume usual sexual activity 5-7 days afterwards.
You'll be at the clinic for about an hour (two with IV sedation), then it's worth taking it easy for a day or two. Physical work needs about a week off plus a week of light duties; desk-based work, a couple of days. You can drive yourself home after local anaesthetic, but need a lift after IV sedation or Penthrox.
There's no conclusive evidence linking vasectomy to prostate or testicular cancer. We still advise regular health screenings for all men, vasectomy or not, and getting into the habit of checking your own testicles for lumps or hardness.
No. Vasectomy doesn't protect against HIV or other STIs. Condoms remain the best protection if you're sexually active with casual partners.
Gentle exercise like limited walking is fine in the first week. Avoid strenuous sport for at least 2 weeks (no cycling for 3 weeks) and contact sport for 4 weeks. Keep the wound area clean and dry for the first week.
The best doctors, nurses and facilities, for the best possible care.
No referral, no judgement. Call or text for a confidential chat, or book online whenever you're ready.
No NSAIDs or alcohol for 24 hours prior; shower and shave the scrotal region beforehand.
Patients may sip small amounts of water up until arrival, aligned with the national "Sip to Send" policy
In the event of an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department.
Visit our accredited private day surgery in Sydney for procedural care, physical examinations, and face-to-face consultations.
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