One of the biggest questions on a man’s mind when contemplating a vasectomy is – ‘will it affect my ...
FAQs
Patients who are undergoing procedure generally have a lot of questions regarding the process.
We want you to feel comfortable and at ease with your procedure, so we have created a list of frequently asked questions to assist you. If you find that after reading the FAQ, there are still questions you have, please feel welcome to call us. You may also be interested in our Myths and Facts page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compared with other permanent sterilisation procedures such as tubal litigation, vasectomy procedures are affordable and much less invasive
A vasectomy is partly covered by Medicare. Metrocentre is not a budget cut price vasectomy service and we do not offer a ‘quick snip’ like many other clinics. We have a dedicated theatre in which our open ended vasectomies are performed. We do not perform our procedures in doctors’ rooms. No additional inpatient fees are charged.
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.
There is now a Medicare rebate for vasectomy reversal, however, the procedure is still expensive and there is not a guaranteed 100% chance of success and as such the vasectomy should be considered permanent.
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 reconstructed in 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. Better Success with a Reversal if needed in the future
- 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 highly 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.
Yes – at Metrocentre, our advanced Owen Three-Layer Technique results in a very high success rate
When searching for a clinic to conduct your vasectomy reversal procedure, it is important to not only ask for success rates but also actual birth rates.
The successes at Metrocentre are attributed to the personal three years of training given to Dr Lekich by Professor Owen, who pioneered and perfected microsurgery and the Owen 3 Layer Vasectomy Reversal Procedure.
No – a vasectomy procedure will not alter the appearance or performance of your penis
You will still continue to produce sperm and male hormones in the same way- the sperm is simply prevented from mixing with the semen before ejaculation.
At the 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:
- Bleeding
- Minor cases of skin irritation from the antiseptic or dressings
- Mild to severe pain early or long term
- Post vasectomy chronic congestion pain due to the traditional vasectomy technique resulting in the blocking of the testicular vas. This pain can be mild to severe where in rare cases, patients can be suicidal.
- Nerve related pain following vasectomy. This pain can be mild to severe where in rare cases, patients can be suicidal.
- Congestion pain combined with nerve related pain. This pain can be mild to severe where in rare cases, patients can be suicidal.
- 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
- Scrotal infection that could require more surgery and compromise testicle/s blood supply and loss of testicle/s requiring lifelong testosterone
- Rare cases of psychological disturbance feeling less than a man
- Rare cases feeling there is less “cum” and that it does not taste the same OR shoot as far
- Rare cases that climax is not as strong and sex less enjoyable
Complications of vasectomy are not a feature in our high volume open – ended vasectomy and micro-surgical vasectomy reversal practice. 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.
Dr Lekich has noted with his ultrasound assessment of 4000 sides of men consulting him 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. As for every patient, counselling is important.
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. Dr Lekich has reversed vasectomies on many males that have never fathered children.
Men whose partners are pregnant should consider waiting until the baby is born in the event that 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.
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.
Yes – at Metrocentre, our advanced Owen Three-Layer Technique results in a very high success rate
When searching for a clinic to conduct your vasectomy reversal procedure, it is important to not only ask for success rates but also actual birth rates.
The successes at Metrocentre are attributed to the personal three years of training given to Dr Lekich by Professor Owen, who pioneered and perfected microsurgery and the Owen 3 Layer Vasectomy Reversal Procedure.
After this time period we suggest that men have as much protected sex as possible to assist with the flushing out of all remaining sperm.
If you have any further questions or concerns the highly experienced team at Metrocentre are more than happy to share their knowledge and expertise.
A vasectomy is partly covered by Medicare and the Medicare safety net may reimburse up to 85% of the procedure cost.
We have a dedicated theatre where the vasectomies are performed rather than in a consultation room.
Metrocentre is not a budget cut price vasectomy service and we do not offer a ‘quick snip’ like many other clinics that do exist.
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.
There is now a Medicare rebate for vasectomy reversal, however the procedure is still expensive and there is not a guaranteed 100% chance of success and as such the vasectomy should be considered permanent.
Compared with other permanent sterilisation procedures such as tubal litigation, vasectomy procedures are affordable and much less invasive
A vasectomy is partly covered by Medicare and the Medicare safety net may reimburse up to 85% of the procedure cost. We have a dedicated theatre where the vasectomies are performed rather than in a consultation room. No additional inpatient fees are charged.
Metrocentre is not a budget cut price vasectomy service and we do not offer a ‘quick snip’ like many other clinics.
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.
There is now a Medicare rebate for vasectomy reversal, however the procedure is still expensive and there is not a guaranteed 100% chance of success and as such the vasectomy should be considered permanent.
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.
At Metrocentre our advanced open-ended vasectomy procedures involve 2 tiny 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.
You are very likely to – around 99% of men who have had a vasectomy will produce sperm antibodies.
We have found that 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 to avoid the side effects associated with general anaesthetic.
At Metrocentre, we use local anaesthetic to avoid the side effects associated with general 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 analgesia?
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.
The open-ended vasectomy procedure we conduct at Metrocentre is one of the most technically advanced vasectomy procedures available.
However this is not the most recent type of vasectomy. 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 vasectomists’ 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.
The Open–Ended Vasectomy procedure reduces the inflammation and discomfort associated with traditional vasectomy 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 “NON SCALPEL” vasectomy. Learn more on the No Scalpel Vasectomy
At Metrocentre we have performed many successful double reverse vasectomies.
These are procedures where there has been a vasectomy, then a reversal, another vasectomy and then another reversal. These procedures were not only successful but have resulted in the birth of many children.
If you are considering undertaking a vasectomy, at Metrocentre our highly experienced team are more than happy to consult with you directly, however we request that you have a letter from your GP to outline your past medical history.
Often times we can even conduct our consultations and procedures within the same day! We will send you all of the information prior to your appointment, so you can understand all of the issues 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 procedure.
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.
Suite 14, Level 1, PA Central Building
250 Ipswich Road
Buranda QLD 4102
Level 7, 44 Miller St
North Sydney NSW 2060
Vasectomies - 62 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Reversal Consults - Level 2,Suite 105, 1 Princess Street
Kew VIC 3101