Vasectomy is over 99 per cent effective at preventing pregnancy. It is considered to last forever (it is permanent).
However, it takes around three months from the time of the procedure for a vasectomy to begin working (that is, for no sperm to be present in the ejaculated semen). It is important to have a sperm test to check this.
If you have unprotected sex before you are sure if the vasectomy worked, your partner may become pregnant. It is recommended that you and your partner continue to use another form of contraception until you are sure that the vasectomy worked
A vasectomy takes 20 to 40 minutes. It can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic in theatre as a day procedure to make the experience more comfortable.
A vasectomy cuts the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis. After the procedure, you will still be able to ejaculate but the sperm that are produced will be reabsorbed by the body.
What to expect after surgery:
You will have pain and swelling in the groin or scrotum, and probably some bruising. It is important to rest for a few days and avoid heavy lifting to ease the pain and swelling. Painkillers, supportive underwear or ice packs can also help.
A vasectomy is generally permanent. Sometimes it is possible to re-join the vas tubes, but this does not guarantee the man will be able to produce another child. The chances of success decrease with time after the procedure.
Retrieving sperm directly from the testes for use with assisted reproductive techniques, such as IVF, may be an option for men who have had a vasectomy and then decide they would like to father children.
Please contact us and give us as much information on your situation as possible so that we can provide a detailed quote.
Quotes vary depending on whether you have private health insurance or not, due to the costs charged by private hospitals for those without insurance. Quotes also vary depending on whether your policy covers you for your specific operation you require, as well as the excess associated with using your policy, and your desired location (hospital of choice) for the operation as some hospitals charge more than others for those without insurance.
Once we know a little bit about your situation, we will happily give you a quote and choice of hospitals so you can decide.