Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with other permanent sterilisation procedures such as tubal litigation vasectomy procedures are affordable and much less invasive.

Metrocentre is not a budget, cut-price vasectomy service, and we do not offer a ‘quick snip’ like many other clinics. A vasectomy at Metrocentre costs $1695 and is partly covered by Medicare.  The estimated Medicare rebate is $245, making your out-of-pocket fee approximately $1450. 

We can offer a dedicated theatre in which our open-ended vasectomies can be performed, and this includes options to relieve pain and anxiety, as well as private health rebates. We also offer an outpatient clinic service.

It is important to note that sperm storage is not covered by Medicare, and this factor should be taken into consideration before undertaking this surgical procedure.

A true open-ended vasectomy should take at least 25 minutes to perform.

This procedure involves two tiny incisions to access the vas tubes. The tubes are then cut, and the testicular end is left opened and unsealed, with both ends of the tubes separated by layers of tissue within the scrotal sac by fine suturing. Sperm continues to be produced after the vasectomy so this fluid travels from the testicle up the vas deferens where it then flows out of the vas and into the tissues. The body reabsorbs this naturally. The testicular vas and the vas that leads to the prostate is reconstructed in a separate compartment to minimise the risk of failure.

As a result of this technique:

1. A Reduced incidence of Post Vasectomy Pain (congestion) Syndrome, sperm do not suddenly build up in the testicle so the development of an inflammatory cascade, blow out and scarring of the fine epididymal tubules is avoided.
   • Sperm flow is directed and absorbed under the skin rather than left to clog up the tubules.
   • An open-ended vasectomised patient is unlikely to be aware that they have had a vasectomy unlike the closed ended vasectomy patients that often experience some form of aching and tenderness.
2. Maximise potential of a successful future reversal if circumstances change.
   • The nature of this technique prevents the build-up of sperm and the associated congestion (post vasectomy pain syndrome), a lower rate of postoperative pain, and a better potential for a vasectomy reversal in the future.
3. Maintain normal function of the male reproductive organs.
4. Maximise success of sterility by using a carefully considered reconstructive procedure.
5. Preserve lymphatics, nerves and veins.

No – a vasectomy procedure will not alter the appearance or performance of your penis.

You will continue to produce sperm and male hormones in the same way- the sperm is simply prevented from mixing with the semen before ejaculation.

At Metrocentre we have an extremely low complication rate associated with our micro-surgical procedures.

Serious side effects associated with these procedures are very rare. Most patients experience some minor discomfort and bruising around the site of the procedure. This can be managed effectively with ice after the procedure, simple pain medications and supportive underwear.

As with all scrotal surgery, there are published risks and complications, and these include:

1. Bleeding.
2. Minor cases of skin irritation from the antiseptic or dressings.
3. Mild to severe pain early or long term.
4. Post vasectomy chronic congestion pain due to the traditional vasectomy technique resulting in the blocking of the testicular vas.
5. This pain can be mild to severe where in rare cases, patients can be suicidal.
6. Nerve related pain following vasectomy. This pain can be mild to severe.
7. Congestion pain combined with nerve related pain. This pain can be mild to severe.
8. Scrotal haemorrhage (that is unfortunately far too commonly reported from the patients that we see for reversals who have had their vasectomy performed elsewhere) that could require more surgery and compromise testicle/s blood supply and loss of testicle/s requiring lifelong testosterone.
9. Scrotal infection that could require more surgery and compromise testicle/s blood supply and loss of testicle/s requiring lifelong testosterone.
10. Rare cases of psychological disturbance feeling less than a man.
11. Rare cases feeling there is less “semen” and that it does not taste the same OR shoot as far.
12. Rare cases that climax is not as strong and sex less enjoyable.

Complications of vasectomy are not a feature in our practice, where we perform both expert vasectomies and microsurgical vasectomy reversals. There has never been a scrotal haemorrhage and an almost zero infection rate.

The reasons are:

• Experience.
• Teaching and mentoring by the most significant micro surgeon in Australia – Professor Earl Owen (Sydney Australia).
• Training with Dr Sherman Silber (USA), Dr Bruce Errey (Brisbane Australia) and Dr Barry Walters (Melbourne Australia).
• The open-ended technique is not a quick snip.
• More time is required than a standard vasectomy.
• The position of our open -ended vasectomy is very important, allowing us to avoid damage to delicate structures and to maximise reversal potential.
• Two very small incisions (rather than one central incision) are required to maximise perfect placement and exposure as there are two testicles that sit in different positions with their respective vas deferens.
• There is a reconstruction to avoid destruction.
• Inspired by microsurgical vasectomy reversal.

For most males it takes around three months for the sperm to be cleared from the tubes.

On the day of your procedure, we will give you everything required for your three-month sperm test.  This test can be performed by your local pathology lab, and they will send the results through to us. We will then notify you of these results.

During the procedure some of the sperm will be flushed out ‘downstream’.  After the procedure when you feel comfortable and up until you perform your three-month sperm count, it is recommended that you have at least 30 ejaculations (sex with your partner will result in the most forceful muscular contractions at orgasm). This will completely flush out residual sperm and usually achieves a nil result on your sperm test.

Use contraception up until you have received your post vasectomy sperm count results.

Sometimes, we find that if you have not had enough sex, you may have a test result that indicates dead sperm present rather than no sperm present. If this is the case, the sperm are dead so you will not be able to get your partner pregnant, however you should still use contraception and have another test done in a month’s time to ensure a nil sperm count.

In short, have lots of sex post operatively to avoid the hassle of repeat testing.

Published results of vasectomy failure are 1 in 500 or 1 in 1000 depending on the study referred to.

80% of failures will be detected at the three-month testing.

20% of the remaining 1 in 500 or 1 in 1000 (i.e. .04 % to 0.02 %) have a chance of failure after three months due to the ends joining back together.

At Metrocentre, the chance of failure of vasectomy would be rather surprising, as our open-ended reconstructive technique minimises scarring. Excessive scarring causes contraction of tissues at the procedure site and is usually the cause of the vas deferens ends re-joining.

Our doctors have noted with the ultrasound assessment of 8000 sides of men consulting us for vasectomy reversal that extensive scarring due to an aggressive vasectomy technique brought the two ends of the vas deferens extremely close together.

A reconnection was confirmed on ultrasound for the many failed vasectomies performed elsewhere that he has assessed and since redone successfully.

Any man single or married, with or without children may consider undergoing a vasectomy.

Although at Metrocentre open-ended vasectomies can be reversed in many cases, this is still considered a permanent procedure.

During your initial consultation, all aspects of the procedure will be discussed to ensure that you are an appropriate candidate.

For men that have not fathered children, it is advised that you have your consultation on a separate day to your procedure. This will allow you to discuss all issues in detail and have time to think about how you feel once you have spoken to the doctor. Our doctors have reversed vasectomies on many males that have never fathered children.

Men whose partners are pregnant should consider waiting until the baby is born, in case the pregnancy or birth becomes complicated.

Young age is generally not considered a barrier, particularly when many children are fathered.

If you are considering storing sperm for the future before undergoing a vasectomy, we are more than happy to discuss this with you. Please raise this with our team in advance of your procedure.

No – a vasectomy will not make men age faster!

This procedure will not even hinder the production of sperm, as men will continue to produce over 20 million sperm per day as normal after a vasectomy procedure.

After your vasectomy surgery, you will be numb in that area for approximately 1-2 hours due to the local anaesthetic. We recommend applying cold packs to the area and rest for the remainder of the day.  You may prefer to wear tighter underwear for support.

Over the next few days, you may have minimal or no swelling or pain.  Panadol or Panadeine work well here. Keep away from anti-inflammatories – e.g. Nurofen for four (4) days after the procedure. We recommend taking at least 2 days off work to ensure a smooth recovery unless you have a desk job. After this time, you may return to work, however, you must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a week post-surgery. You will be able to resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable to do so – usually around a week after surgery.

A vasectomy is partly covered by Medicare and the Medicare safety net may reimburse up to 85% of the procedure cost. The estimated Medicare rebate is $245.

It is important to note that sperm storage is not covered by Medicare, and this factor should be taken into consideration before undertaking this surgical procedure.

For patients who are technically difficult (experienced previous surgery or injury) or who want to be completely unaware of the procedure, twilight sedation is available in our purpose-built hospital in Miami, Gold Coast, offering private health rebates.

No – a vasectomy prevents the mixing of sperm with semen so sperm cannot be collected for donation during the traditional ejaculation process.

That said, men may still be able to donate their genetic material via IVF. If you wish to undertake a vasectomy procedure you may wish to store some sperm beforehand. At Metrocentre we are more than happy to help organise this storage.

A “no scalpel” technique merely describes how the vas deferens tubes are accessed.

“No scalpel” vasectomies do not use a scalpel for a clean cut, but use a blunt instrument to rip, tear or pierce the scrotal skin which can lead to complications or compromised healing.   Once the skin is opened, a traditional technique is generally used to perform the vasectomy.

An open-ended vasectomy the Metrocentre way involves 2 tiny and precise incisions.

These incisions are typically 1cm long or less, to promote swift and precise healing.

There are 12 microsurgical instruments on our open-ended Vasectomy trays all used to reconstruct tissue, compared to two (2) instruments generally found on a No Scalpel Vasectomy tray.

As a result of this technique:

• Sperm does not suddenly build up in the testicle, so the development of an inflammatory cascade, blow out and scarring of the fine epididymal tubules is avoided.
• Sperm flow is directed and absorbed under the skin rather than left to clog up the tubules.
• An open-ended vasectomised patient is unlikely to be aware that they have had a vasectomy unlike the closed ended vasectomy patients that often experience some form of aching and tenderness.
• The nature of this technique prevents the build-up of sperm and the associated congestion (post vasectomy pain syndrome), a lower rate of postoperative pain, and a better potential for vasectomy reversal in the future.
• It is important to use contraception for the first few months after surgery. This is done to allow the remaining sperm to be flushed out beyond the scrotal ties. It is important to note that sperm will continue to be produced in the testicles after surgery.

You are very likely to – around 99% of men who have had a vasectomy will produce sperm antibodies.

The presence of sperm antibodies does not have an impact on the success of future reversal procedures because the antibodies are present in the bloodstream. Therefore, they do not impact on the healthy sperm stored in the testicles.

Overall, a well performed vasectomy reversal is considered the most logical step for a vasectomised male to have more children after a vasectomy.

Dr Lekich was attached to Dr Silber’s clinic and theatre (St Lukes Hospital St Louis Missouri USA) in Jan 2013, He confirmed from his time with Dr Silber, a pioneer of vasectomy reversals and IVF (www.infertile.com), “that the best chance that a vasectomised male has to get his partner pregnant, irrespective of her age, was naturally with sex in bed after a well performed vasectomy reversal”.

Further the issues of sperm antibodies erroneously flagged as a limitation to reversals and only performing vasectomy reversals within 2- 5 years of a vasectomy was also confirmed by Dr Silber as absolute nonsense and without any scientific evidence.  These points can be referenced in Dr Silber’s book “How to Get Pregnant” (2007 ed available online).

At Metrocentre, we use local anaesthetic. This means that most men can drive to and from the procedure. Many of our patients report that they experience little to no discomfort during and after the procedure.

If I am nervous or experience anxiety, can I receive additional anaesthesia?

In conjunction with local anaesthetic, we can additionally offer inhaled relaxant medication for men who are nervous about the procedure or more sensitive to pain. This can help you relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. It is important to note that recovery time takes a little longer if this medication is used and you will not be able to drive for the rest of the day.

For patients who are technically difficult (experience previous surgery or injury) or who want to be completely unaware of the procedure, twilight sedation is available in our purpose-built hospital in Miami, Gold Coast, offering private health rebates.

The open-ended vasectomy procedure we conduct at Metrocentre is one of the most technically advanced vasectomy procedures available.

The open-ended vasectomy was pioneered in the 1970’s by Dr Lekich’s mentor Dr Bruce Errey. It is said to be practiced by less than 5% of vasectomist’ however the true form of the procedure as pioneered by Dr Errey is practiced rarely. Dr Lekich often demonstrates this technique to those performing standard vasectomies. 

An open–Ended Vasectomy, The Metrocentre Way, reduces the inflammation and discomfort associated with traditional vasectomies procedures “that close the system” and can also support the success of a potential future vasectomy reversal.

The most recent form of vasectomy is the “no-scalpel” vasectomy.

If you are considering undertaking a vasectomy, at Metrocentre our highly experienced team are more than happy to consult with you directly, without a referral. 

We can even conduct our consultations & procedures within the same day!  We will send you all the information prior to your appointment, so you can understand all the information at hand.  A separate consultation is recommended for those who have not had children, are not sure about the procedure or have significant past medical or surgical histories that are relevant to the scrotum.

At Metrocentre we have performed many successful vasectomy reversal procedures.

Although we do still view a vasectomy as a permanent procedure, there are higher success rates for a reversal with an open-ended vasectomy.

You may also wish to organise the storage of sperm before having your vasectomy procedure. At Metrocentre we are happy to help you organise this. Please advise our team in advance.

At Metrocentre we can offer same day vasectomy consultations and procedures.

Our consultations take around 40 minutes and partners are more than welcome to attend. The open-ended vasectomy procedure takes approximately 25 minutes with a short stay in recovery required afterwards.   

The effects of the local anaesthetic should wear off after about 2 – 3 hours and after this time, most men report that they experience minimal discomfort.

We will send you home after the procedure with an ice pack on the area – the more ice you can keep on for the rest of the day after the procedure, the better you will feel the day after the procedure.

As many of our patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure, we suggest that taking at least one dose of paracetamol before bed is beneficial. Don’t be brave – if you have any unrelieved pain – no matter how little, use paracetamol.

Some men return to work the day after their procedure (particularly if they have an office occupation).

For men who do highly physical work involving heavy lifting, we recommend that they take at least seven days off from these activities. If you have taken inhaled medication, you will need at least 12 hours off work to recover.

For most patients sex is even more pleasurable after surgery.

As the fear of accidental pregnancy is removed, many couples find that a vasectomy actually adds to their sexual pleasure. After surgery the sensations of sex will remain unchanged, although the volume of ejaculate will decrease only slightly (approx. 0.2ml – usually not detected by the naked eye) as the fluid contribution from the prostate and seminal vesicles is unchanged.

This surgery will not affect your sexual ability although sex should be avoided for the first 3-5 days after surgery. After this time, we recommend that you have as much protected sex as possible- this enables faster clearance of the remaining sperm from the vas above the vasectomy site.