Mr Stephen Lindsay is a specialist Urological Surgeon with over 35 years of experience performing Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal surgery.
What is a Vasectomy?
Sperm are made in the testes, and pass from there through a tube called the vas deferens, passing through the prostate to reach the urethra. A Vasectomy procedure is done to close off this tube on both sides, stopping sperm getting through.
If you and your partner are sure that you have completed your family, then Vasectomy will provide permanent, guaranteed contraception.
Initial Consultation
A Specialist referral from your GP is needed before your initial consultation. Mr Lindsay will do a full medical assessment including physical examination, and there will be a full explanation of the procedure and any risks, and an explanation of all costs.
The Vasectomy procedure
A “no-scalpel” Vasectomy procedure is usually done as an office procedure under local anaesthetic, but can be done under a general anaesthetic in hospital as a day case if you prefer. The procedure usually takes 10-20 minutes.
A single small puncture is made in the front of the scrotum. The vas is brought up, a short segment is cut out and both ends are tied off on each side to stop the sperm getting through. The skin is closed with a single buried dissolving suture. This does not need to be removed. A waterproof dressing is applied.
Post-operative Care
You need to arrange for someone to drive you home after your Vasectomy.
Pain relief – The local anaesthetic will take 2-4 hours to wear off, giving you time to get home. You should stop by the chemist and fill your prescription for strong pain relief, and take this as recommended before the local anaesthetic wears off. Paracetamol and non-Steroidal anti-inflammatories (like Nurofen) can also be used.
Wound care – The dressing is waterproof and you can shower the next day. This comes off after a few days and does not need to be replaced as long as the wound is clean and dry.
Surface bruising and swelling is common. There is only a small risk of infection. If you have increasing pain, bruising or swelling, redness or fever you should contact Bendigo Urology.
Resuming activity – Avoid straining that might increase bruising and pain.
You may start to resume light work and physical activity within a few days when your pain has settled.
You should avoid heavy physical activity (work, sport and sex) as much as possible for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. This will reduce the risk of bleeding, bruising and more pain. Don’t do anything that you don’t need to do!
You need to continue to use contraception until your follow-up sperm count confirms that you are “all-clear”.
You will need a followup sperm count at 3 months to confirm that the procedure has been successful. There is a risk of failure of the Vasectomy in 1 in 200-2000 cases, almost always in the first few months.
There is a risk of post-vasectomy pain syndrome in 1 in 10 men.
Steps in Booking your Vasectomy
1. Get a Specialist Referral from your General Practitioner.
2. Call (03) 5442 6330 to make an appointment.
3. Initial consultation. Your vasectomy surgery is not confirmed and booked until after this consultation.
4. If you are traveling from a distance to Bendigo or taking a day off work, please let us know when you book your appointment. We offer initial consultation and Vasectomy procedures on the same day.
Costs
The Bendigo Urology Vasectomy service is available to everyone, for those with private health insurance and those who self-fund. This is a private surgical practice and we do not bulk bill.
We will provide a detailed explanation of all of the costs involved in your procedure.
If you have Private Health Insurance and have the procedure in Hospital, a small portion of the cost of your procedure may be covered by your Health fund (depending on your level of cover). If you have a general anaesthetic, there will be additional out of pocket costs.
Can a Vasectomy be reversed?
Yes, Vasectomy Reversal surgery can be done (more) – but a successful vasectomy reversal and pregnancy cannot be guaranteed.
If you are not sure that you have completed your family and are ready for permanent contraception, you should not have a Vasectomy.