Frequently Asked Questions

What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy or ‘male sterilisation’ is a safe, quick, reliable and permanent method of contraception with a more than 99% success rate (NHS: UK).

How is vasectomy performed?

The procedure is performed in the GP’s procedure room under local anaesthetic — meaning you remain awake, and the area is completely numbed. There are no injections into the testicles. The doctor then makes a tiny puncture (rather than a cut) in the scrotal skin to reach the sperm carrying tubes (Vas deferens). Each sperm tube is then sealed and cut using a method known as mucosal cautery, with or without fascial interposition (covering one of the cut ends with a thin layer of tissue) and secured inside the scrotum using a dissolvable stitch. No stitches are usually needed on the skin. The entire procedure typically takes between 15-30 minutes.

This modern method is known as the ‘No-Scalpel technique’ which is more minimally invasive and has fewer complications compared to the traditional scalpel technique.

Is vasectomy reliable?

No-Scalpel Vasectomy is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, once the semen is clear of sperm. It is a much more effective method of contraception as compared to tubal ligation and the contraceptive pill.

Is vasectomy right for me?

The decision to have a No-Scalpel Vasectomy should be taken seriously as it is considered a permanent form of contraception and. Therefore, you should go ahead only if you are certain that you do not want to have any more children, or father any children at all. If you have any doubts, consider another method of contraception until you are completely sure. You shouldn’t make the decision about having a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, immediately after a crisis or a big change in your life. No one should pressure you to undergoing this procedure.

How soon after the surgery can I have sexual intercourse?

You should refrain from ejaculation for one week after the surgery. After this, you MUST use another reliable method of birth control until your follow-up sperm-count test at 16 weeks confirms “All Clear”

Will it affect my sexual function/ability to ejaculate?

No-Scalpel Vasectomy will not affect your libido (sex drive), testosterone production, sexual function or ability to ejaculate. The only thing that changes is that your semen will no longer have any sperm in it.

Are there any risks?

No-Scalpel Vasectomy is a very common and safe procedure. However, like all surgical procedures No-Scalpel Vasectomy also involves some risks which Dr Smith will discuss in detail during the pre-operative consultation.

How soon after the surgery can I return to work?

It depends on your work. You can usually return to work about 2 days after a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, but you should not do any heavy lifting for at least a one week and no sports activity for 2 weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of post operative complications. Dr Smith will again discuss these in details during the pre-operative consultation.

How much does it cost:

If you have a Medicare card, some of the cost will be covered by Medicare, but as with most other private medical treatments or day surgery procedures, there is an out of pocket cost. This is because No-Scalpel Vasectomy is a specialist procedure which requires additional training and expertise beyond standard GP training. However, we have kept the price at an affordable and a competitive level compared to other vasectomy providers.

See details below:

Item	Cost
Total cost	$750
Medicare rebate	$228
Out-of-pocket	$522

Item	Amount
Deposit to secure booking	$100
Remaining balance (day of procedure)	$422

Please note the exact amount rebatable from Medicare may vary slightly year on year

If you are interested, please book your No-Scalpel Vasectomy pre-operative consultation (no referral required) by phoning Elizabeth Medical and Dental Centre on (08) 8256 8000