Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for permanent male contraception.
The vas is a fine thin tube that transmits sperm from the testis to the prostate. A scalpel free technique is used to puncture and stretch open the skin on both sides of the upper scrotum. A segment of vas is removed and the two cut ends tied off.
It is performed as a day only procedure under a local or general anaesthetic.
There should be no change in the way you have an erection, orgasm or ejaculate and sperm comprises only around 5% of semen volume. Dissolvable sutures are used and two sets of firm underwear should be worn for around a week afterwards to minimise any bruising or swelling. Simple pain medications such as Panadol and anti-inflammatories only are usually required.
There is a small risk of bleeding and infection, and rarely long term pain in the scrotum. The vasectomy does not work immediately and a semen analysis is usually performed around 3 months to confirm that there is no more sperm in the ejaculate.