Dr Snip No Scalpel Vasectomy

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Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is a vasectomy?

Whilst a vasectomy is probably the safest form of permanent contraception, you will not be sterile immediately; for most it takes a minimum of 12 to 14 ejaculations over 8-12 weeks for the sperm stored in the seminal vesicle (which is above the site of the vasectomy) to be cleared from the system. After 8 weeks a sperm count is performed which involves taking a specimen of your semen to a pathology centre where it will be sent away to be examined for the presence of sperm. When no sperm are found sterility has been achieved. One in five patients still have sperm present and repeat tests are performed monthly until none are left, 99% are clear by 6 months.

The overall failure rates quoted are about 1 in 1000 compared with 1 in 250 in women who have tubal ligation. This includes failure to identify and deal with the vasa, an extra vas and early or late spontaneous rejoining of the ends with re-canalisation.

Once it has been established that the semen is clear of sperm subsequent failure of the procedure, due to the spontaneous rejoining of one or both vasa is very rare, occurring only in about 1 in 5000 vasectomies.

Is it painful?

Most patients report that “it was much better than the dentist”. The slow introduction of a warmed mixture of quick and long acting local anaesthetics with a “no sting” additive is relatively painless, works almost instantly and lasts for 4-6 hours. There is no sudden pain post operatively which can occur after waking from general anaesthesia or after the use of standard local anaesthetics or sedation.

Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Vasectomy should be considered irreversible.

If you are contemplating a reversal, sperm storage or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) then vasectomy may not be the best choice for you. (ICSI involves taking an immature sperm directly from the testicle and injecting it into an egg) The success rate for reversal operations is 90% in the first 5 years. The success rate declines with time due to decreased sperm production and the development of anti-sperm antibodies.

Sperm storage is available and can be organised.

Note: Medicare does not rebate reversal operations or ICSI or sperm storage.

What happens to the sperm?

The cut end of each vas closest to each teste is left open letting the sperm which are still produced in the testes after the vasectomy escape into the scrotum. As the volume of immature sperm is miniscule they are reabsorbed by the body without causing any swelling. This “open-ended” technique minimises post-operative discomfort as there is no build-up of pressure in the testes and epididymis.

Does a vasectomy affect sexual function?

Physically a vasectomy makes no difference to your sex drive or performance, as testosterone and semen production (apart from the sperm component) remains unaffected. Many men say their sex life is improved because they no longer have to worry about the higher rates of contraception failure with other methods.

Are there any side effects?

Serious side effects are rare. Most men experience some discomfort, bruising and swelling around the operation site of a minor and transient nature. This is usually relieved by simple pain medications and supportive underwear. In rare cases postoperative bleeding, inflammation of the epididymis and testes, infection, cyst formation or persistent pain can occur. If any unexpected symptoms or effects arise we are happy for you to ring for advice or return for review.

Other issues?

Whilst there have been media reports of links with cardiovascular disease, male menopause and cancer of the testes and prostate these have not been supported by large studies in many countries. Although this does not mean that there can be no possible ill effect on health, vasectomy remains one of the safest and most effective permanent contraceptive choices available.

How do I organise a vasectomy?

Most prefer to have their pre-vasectomy consultation and vasectomy procedure performed on the same day. Alternatively you can organise a separate pre-vasectomy consultation to discuss the operation in detail and have time to consider the information before making an appointment for the procedure.

The consultation and the vasectomy procedure have out of pocket gap fees of $80.00 (payable at the time of booking) and $350 respectively, payable on the day and not refundable by health funds. MasterCard, Visa and EFTPOS facilities are available. Please present your Medicare Card on arrival, as Medicare will cover the remaining costs.