Vasectomy

In the male reproductive system:

Vasectomy is a highly effective and permanent form of contraception. Its benefits include:

• Greater reliability than condoms, withdrawal, contraceptive pills, or other temporary methods
• A safer, simpler, and more cost-effective option compared to female sterilisation (tubal ligation)

Concerns about masculinity or sexual performance post-vasectomy are not supported by medical evidence. Specifically:

Sterility is not immediate after the procedure. Sperm may still be present in the vas deferens beyond the surgical site. It usually takes 10 to 15 ejaculations to clear residual sperm. Sterility is confirmed through a follow-up semen analysis.

A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS. Condoms should still be used when there is any risk of STI transmission or acquisition.

Prof Lawrentschuk needs your full medical history to plan the procedure safely. If you have not already done so, please inform him about:

Your vasectomy can be performed under:

The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. Prof Lawrentschuk will recommend one of the following methods based on your preferences and medical considerations:

Recovery is generally smooth, with minor discomfort. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and a dull ache. These symptoms can be minimised by wearing supportive underwear and applying ice packs.

While vasectomy is generally safe, complications can occur. These may include:

Infection
It can occur at the surgical site and in the nearby tissues. The site may appear red, swollen and tender. If you experience this, please contact Prof Lawrentschuk’s rooms, your local GP or visit your closest Emergency Department.

Swelling and bruising
Blood or fluid may accumulate in the skin of the scrotum, causing swelling and bruising. The body will reabsorb small amounts of fluid but larger amounts may need to be drained by Prof Lawrentschuk. This rarely requires extra surgery.

Small, tender and painful lumps
Sperm can occasionally leak from the cut ends of the vans deferens into the surrounding tissue. This can lead to small bumps forming under the skin of the scrotum. Often, no treatment is needed; some people take anti- inflammatory medication to ease any pain.

Chronic pain
Although rare, some men experience consistent discomfort in the scrotum and others feel pain only during sex. If you experience this, anti-inflammatory drugs can help to ease discomfort. If it is still persistent, please book in to see Prof Lawrentschuk as it may be in your best interest to reverse the procedure.

Spontaneous reconnection of the vas deferens
The cut ends of the vans deferens may rejoin months or years following the procedure. This can even occur after a completely negative sperm count.

You will usually have a follow-up appointment with Prof Lawrentschuk or our Urology Nurse, Thili, 3 months following your procedure. In preparation for this appointment, you will be issued a semen analysis pathology request slip. Please ensure this is completed 1-2 weeks prior to your scheduled appointment and that you have had at least 20 ejaculations between your procedure and this test.

Please note that there are only select pathology collection sites available for semen analysis. If you are unsure about where to go, please email our rooms and we can provide you with some locations.