Vasectomies
Our philosophy at this facility is to ensure that every client seeking treatment is provided with correct information in order for them to make an informed decision concerning their treatment.
Vasectomy is a simple procedure which offers a permanent means of contraception for men who do not which to have more children. Vasectomy is also a popular method of birth control because it does not interfere with sexual satisfaction. The operation takes approximately 15 minutes and is considered extremely safe.
Although vasectomy is considered to be one of the most effective means of birth control (approximately 1 in 1000) it does not offer immediate protection from an unplanned pregnancy. The reproductive tract is not clear of sperm for several weeks, and other forms of birth control must be used until a semen sample is checked (after approximately 15 to 20 ejaculations) and it shows no sperm. It is important for you to pay particular attention to your post-operative instructions.
The Procedure of a Vasectomy
The vasectomy procedure is generally performed using IV sedation and local anaesthesia to alleviate the possibility of pain and discomfort. After the anaesthesia has been administered the doctor generally makes two small incisions one on either side of the scrotum. These incisions are made in order to locate the two thin tubes (the vas deferens) that carry the sperm. Once the tubes are located a small portion of each tube is removed and the tube is sealed off. This forms a permanent barrier and prevents sperm moving from the testes into the vas deferens.
Risks Associated with a Vasectomy
As with all surgery there is a small risk of unforeseen complications. Recovery from a vasectomy is rapid and serious complications are rare. Fewer than 3 in 100 men develop minor complications which are treatable (see below) and statistics from the United States reports that no deaths have occurred from vasectomy procedures.
1. Swelling, bruising and pain. These are the most common complaints concerning post-operative recovery after a vasectomy. Such discomfort subsides usually within a week and is easily treatable with ice packs and mild pain relief. Men are generally advised to avoid strenuous work or exercise for 2 days after the procedure.
2. The Development of granulomas. A minority of men develop a small lump of inflammatory tissue (called granulomas) near the incision site, Granulomas, which are caused by sperm leaking into surrounding tissues, usually stay so small that they don’t develop symptoms. If they do cause pain they are generally treated with bed rest and pain relief.
3. Infection. Risk of infection is minimised/prevented by the use of sterile techniques and careful wound care post operatively and completing your course of antibiotics. Infection, if present, tends to cause localised swelling, redness, tenderness with or without pus. The 1% or less of men experiencing an infection (which can involve the skin, testes or scrotum) simply require further or stronger antibiotics.
4. Haematoma. One of the small blood vessels cut during the procedure may leak or if the area is struck (ie. by a ball or during heavy work) the sealed wound can open. This will result in a blood clot forming inside the scrotum. This may need to be drained.
5. Epididymitis. This is a local inflammation near the site of the operation which occurs mostly within the first year after the vasectomy. It is treated with heat and usually clears within a week.
6. Vasectomy Failure. Vasectomy is one of the most effective means of birth control. However failure of vasectomy due to recanalisation (re-joining) of the vas can result in pregnancy – approximately 1 in 1000. This can happen any time after the procedure but is most common during the first 5 years post-operatively. The most common reason for vasectomy failure is possibly unprotected intercourse before all sperm have cleared the reproductive tract and it is important to use alternative contraception until your sample indicates such.
7. Post Vasectomy Syndrome. This affects 2 to 4% of men. You may experience a drawing or dragging sensation in the scrotum. This is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and in most cases will settle down. In rare cases the vasectomy may have to be reversed.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE FOR 24 HOURS AFTER BEING ADMINISTERED AN ANAESTHETIC. THIS FACILITY DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY MOTOR VEHICLE MISHAP WHICH MAY OCCUR DURING THIS PERIOD OF TIME.
If you have any concerns regarding this information please do not hesitate to ask our doctors. We aim to meet the individual needs of every client attending our facility.
Your Booking and Preparation
You will need to have a consultation with the Doctor prior to the vasectomy.
Brisbane : 07 3257-1205
Townsville : 07 47725533
Rockhampton : 07 49222755
Southport : 07 55271511
An appointment will be made after this consultation
About 3 or 4 days prior to the procedure, the scrotal area only must be shaved.
You are to have nothing to eat, drink or smoke for at least 6 hours prior to the appointment
Arrange for someone to support and escort you home afterwards
Read your Post Operative Instructions .