Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about a vasectomy procedure and the Gold Coast Vasectomy Clinic has the answers.

It is a big step for many men and we understand your concerns, so if you have any questions that are not answered on this page please contact us for a consultation and we will be able to provide you with all the information you need.

Why should I choose to have a vasectomy?

If you feel your family is complete or are certain that you don’t want to have children, vasectomy may be the right choice of contraception for you. However it is a permanent procedure and should be considered very carefully. Sterilisation of the male by vasectomy is the popular option because it is much easier and less traumatic than female sterilisation which requires a general anaesthetic. Vasectomy is a quick, simple and safe procedure.

What is the reliability of vasectomy?

It is an extremely reliable form of contraception. The failure rate is quoted as being around 1 in 1000 which is significantly better than other forms of contraception. After confirmation of sterility has been documented, usually around 4 months after the procedure, spontaneous rejoining of the ends is extremely rare and the risk is quoted at around 1 in 5000.

Is the procedure painful?

The local anaesthetic might cause a short transient pain from the injection, but it starts working immediately and will make the area feel quite numb. You may feel some sensation during the procedure, but this should not be painful. Afterwards you may feel some discomfort. If necessary simple painkillers and cold packs will help. The discomfort won’t normally last very long.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

In order to prepare for your vasectomy please follow these important instructions:

Do not use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication for 7 days before your procedure.
You will need to remove all the hair about the scrotum and pubic region 1-2 days prior to the procedure. This can be carried out using a razor or by applying a hair remover. This reduces the very slight chance of infection.
Do not drink alcohol or eat a large meal for several hours before your procedure. Water intake is acceptable.
Wear firm fitting jockey underwear on the day of your vasectomy - NOT boxer shorts. This allows padding to be held against the incisions for the trip home.

How long does it take for the vasectomy to work?

You will not be sterile straight away. As there will still be some sperm left in your tubes, you will need to use another method of contraception for at least 4 months until you have produced a sterile ejaculate. And so a semen sample will need to be produced no earlier than 4 months AND at least 20 ejaculations after the procedure. The sample is checked under a microscope to see if there are any sperm present. If sterility is confirmed you can then have intercourse without using another method of contraception. For more details please see flow chart on page 6 of the following consumer article on post-vasectomy testing: http://www.surgeons.org

What are the risks involved with vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a common, simple and safe procedure and long term effects are very rare. However, like all surgical procedures, there are some risks:
You may experience some swelling and bruising, however this can be minimised by using an ice pack and resting especially on the day of the procedure.

A small pea-sized lump which may be tender can develop on the operation site and remain a while. This is part of the healing process and does not need treatment.

A small risk associated with any surgical procedure is infection but highly unlikely with a vasectomy where proper shaving has been carried out beforehand.

You may sometimes get a small amount of bleeding from the cuts in the scrotum. On very rare occasions, and more so if you have been too active, internal bleeding may cause a swelling inside the scrotum [haematoma] and this will take some weeks to disappear. During this time pain can be significant but it has no effect on the successful outcome of the procedure.

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome is not well understood but is thought to be caused by a combination of testicular backpressure and chronic inflammation as well as other factors. It is uncommon in Dr Anderson’s experience but patients should be made aware of it. Most cases settle with simple measures such as anti-flammetories and the passage of time. If persistent then reversal is found to be successful in a number of cases.

How long will I take to recover?

Immediately after the procedure you should go straight home, lie down and apply ice to the scrotal area. For a week afterwards try to avoid long periods of standing or walking. Physically strenuous sports or exercise should preferably be avoided for at least a week.

Is vasectomy reversible?

Sperm are still produced after a vasectomy but are simply unable to pass along the vas deferens. Vasectomy should be regarded as a permanent procedure although there are possible ways around it.

Reversal is possible under general anaesthetic with an operating microscope but the success rate is unpredictable and highest if the interval between vasectomy and reversal is short. It is also possible to harvest sperm by aspirating from the storage tubules at the back of each of the testes [called the epididymis] or by doing a testicular biopsy. These collected sperm can be used for in-vitro fertilisation [IVF].

What is open-ended vasectomy?

After the vas deferens tube is cut the side closest to the testis is left open and not sealed by cautery. This variation to the procedure has a higher incidence of success with vasectomy reversal should it ever be necessary. It is possibly also associated with less incidence of post-vasectomy pain syndrome – see comment above in risks involved.

What is no-scalpel vasectomy (nsv)?

With this technique the skin is still cut under local anaesthetic but the cut is carried out using a pair of sharp, pointed forceps. Whether a scalpel or these forceps are used the procedure should produce minimal trauma to the tissue. Dr. Anderson performs NSV.

Will a vasectomy affect my libido and sex life?

Vasectomy does not affect your hormone production and orgasms. Indeed many couples have found greater sexual freedom once they no longer have the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.

Does vasectomy increase the risk of cancer?

There is definitely no evidence that links vasectomy to cancer of the prostate or testes.

What are the alternatives to vasectomy?

Vasectomy or condoms are the only methods of contraception available to men at this time.

There is a permanent sterilisation procedure available to women called tubal ligation but a general anaesthetic is required. There are also other short and long-term methods of contraception that your partner could use. Short-term methods include the pill, condoms, use of a diaphragm and NuvaRing. Long-term methods include IUDs such as Mirena and Multiload, contraceptive implants such as Implanon or injections.

For more information there are many sites on vasectomy accessible on the internet, some more reliable than others.

One well respected site for male sexual health in general is that of Andrology Australia: http://www.andrologyaustralia.org

You could also do a Quick Search for “vasectomy” at the Federal Government’s health information site called HealthInsite: http://healthinsite.gov.au