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.