Vasectomies

We now provide Vasectomy surgery for men. Joining our team is a very experienced rural procedural doctor who has been operating from Seymour Hospital. He is relocating to Melbourne and brings with him over 10 years experience in performing vasectomies. Book here

A referral is not required for this procedure.

A vasectomy is a simple operation that can be performed under local, twilight or general anaesthesia. On booking and during consultation we will discuss your preference regarding this.

The surgery usually takes about 30 minutes. It is done through two small cuts in the scrotum or through one cut in the middle. The 'vas' tube, which lies just below the skin, is picked up and cut. About 1 cm of it is removed: the ends are tied off and cauterized.

Vasectomy is a reliable form of contraception however 1 in 500 vasectomies fail. It is extremely important to have two follow up sperm counts to ensure success of the operation. In some cases the surgery can take months to become effective and many couples have fallen pregnant assuming that the surgery works straight away. It takes about 15 ejaculations to clear all the sperm from the tubes however each man is different so it is safer check than assume success.

Having a vasectomy does not change a man's sex drive and performance. The fluid ejaculated appears normal, even when it has no sperm in it, as most of the fluid is produced at the base of the penis. Sperm normally make up only 1% of the body fluid ejaculated. Once the surgery has been performed the sperm that are produced will shrivel up and be reabsorbed by the body just like the blood in a bruise is reabsorbed.

Bruising and swelling are common after the surgery. This usually begins to settle after 2 – 3 days. If your job is physical it is best to take at least 3 days off heavy duties. If your job is sedentary you might be able to return to work after a day.

Normal sexual activity can be resumed after 45 days.

A vasectomy should be considered only once you are 100 % certain that your family is complete as there is no guarantee that the surgery can be reversed. As a general rule about 60 % of vasectomy reversals lead to successful pregnancy. A vasectomy should be regarded as a permanent contraceptive option.