How much does a vasectomy cost and other FAQ

How Much Does a Vasectomy Cost?

Dr Sheehan answers all your frequently asked questions about vasectomy. From vasectomy cost through to safety, side effects and effectiveness.

Why is the No Scalpel vasectomy so much cheaper than a traditional vasectomy?

Vasectomy cost for the improved No Scalpel method is much lower than a traditional vasectomy primarily because the procedure requires no general anaesthetic so there are no anaesthetist fees or hospital bills to pay.

Is No Scalpel vasectomy safer?

Yes, No Scalpel vasectomy is safer than a traditional vasectomy.

• No general anaesthetic or sedation is required, which both carry small risks.
• No stitches are required reducing the risk of infection.
• There are no scalpel incisions so recovery time is faster.
• There is a lower risk of post vasectomy pain syndrome.

Is No Scalpel, vasectomy painful?

No Scalpel vasectomy is often described as the ‘painless vasectomy’ compared to a traditional vasectomy. It is no more painful than having a mole removed.

How effective is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is the most effective form of permanent contraception.
In very rare cases, even when the vasectomy is performed perfectly by a highly skilled doctor, a process called recanalisation can occur when the ends of the vas deferens tubes spontaneously re-join. This is rare, approximately 0.5%, and usually occurs in the first three months. Dr Sheehan uses three separate techniques to minimise this risk. It is important to test your semen three months after your vasectomy to ensure that it has been successful. It takes on average around 25 ejaculations to clear any sperm from your vas deferens and you will need to use an alternative form of contraception to prevent pregnancy until given the all clear. Eighty per cent of men are given the all clear after three months; the remaining 20% will require a repeat semen analysis after another month.

Are there any side effects?

There is a very small risk of side effects.  The most common are:

• Infection.  No Scalpel vasectomy has much lower rates of infection due to a single 2-mm wound versus a 1.5-cm incision on each side of the scrotum with traditional vasectomy. Infection is more likely in men who smoke or are overweight. For this reason, Dr Sheehan asks that patients refrain from smoking on the day of their vasectomy. Shaving the area on the morning of your vasectomy also reduces the risk of infection.

• Bleeding.  No Scalpel halves the risk of bleeding compared to a traditional vasectomy. Bleeding occurs in around 1% of patients. Blood thinners slightly increase the risk of bleeding but usually are safe to continue. Paracetamol or Panadol do not increase the risk of bleeding and are safe to use beforehand.

• Post vasectomy pain. It is normal to experience a small amount of discomfort for a few days after a vasectomy. Most men describe the discomfort as a ‘slight squeeze’ or ‘fullness’ in their testicles. A very small percentage of men (approximately 0.001% or one in 1000) experience ongoing discomfort that can be prolonged. Dr Sheehan uses an open-ended technique to minimise this risk. He also has a list of post op recommendations to help minimise any risk of ongoing pain.

Will having a vasectomy affect my sex life or reduce my testosterone?

No.  A vasectomy simply prevents sperm from being able to travel from your testes through your vas deferens tubes to semen during ejaculation. It does not stop sperm or testosterone from being produced. Having a vasectomy will NOT affect your sexual function, sex drive or performance. A vasectomy will not change or reduce your testosterone levels, virility, masculinity or erections.

Why don’t you use general anaesthetic?

The discomfort of a No Scalpel vasectomy is somewhere between getting stiches and a dental filling.   General anaesthetics carry a small risk, increase costs, and mean you can’t drive home.  Most men drive themselves to and from their vasectomy.

Are there any vasectomy alternatives?

Alternatives to male vasectomy are female tubal ligation, hormonal contraceptives and barrier methods such as condoms. Barrier methods and hormonal contraceptives both have ongoing costs associated with them and have a higher failure rate compared to a male vasectomy. Vasectomy cost is much lower than costs for female tubal ligation. Tubal ligation also has a higher failure rate and has a greater risk of complications than a vasectomy.

I am highly anxious about having a vasectomy

If you experience anxiety about having a vasectomy Dr Sheehan can prescribe a preoperative medication to help reduce nerves and anxiety. Most men relax quickly once the vasectomy has started and are surprised at how quick and painless the procedure is.

Is there a reversible form of vasectomy?

Male vasectomy can be reversed; however, it is an expensive procedure that must be performed by a microsurgeon and there is no guarantee of success. A vasectomy reversal is more likely to be successful if done within 10 years. Many doctors believe that a No Scalpel vasectomy is easier to reverse as traditional methods remove a small section of the vas deferens. A vasectomy should be considered a permanent method of contraception.

No Scalpel vasectomy is an improved method that is safer, faster and has a lower cost than traditional vasectomies.
Is a vasectomy the right choice for you? To book your vasectomy with Dr Sheehan and the team at Queensland Vasectomy, call (07) 3180 1505 or contact us online.