Interested in learning more about vasectomies? Read on.
No-scalpel vasectomies
The type of vasectomy that's performed at True is a no-scalpel vasectomy. It's a modern alternative to the more traditional surgical vasectomy.
Vasectomy is the safest method of permanent birth control and is offered using a no-scalpel technique that is safe, effective, and affordable.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a simple procedure where the vas deferens (vas) is cut to cause sterilisation in a male.
The vas is a tube that carries sperm from the testicles, where it is made, to the penis. On the way, sperm is joined by semen so your ejaculate contains both sperm and semen. Sperm makes up a very small percentage (less than 5%). Because we are only stopping sperm being made, most men will not notice any change in the volume of their ejaculate after a vasectomy.
How no-scalpel vasectomies work
Today, more men are choosing the no-scalpel vasectomy, a superior approach to the traditional surgical vasectomy. The skin of the scrotum in anaesthetised with a small amount of local anaesthetic. Next, a small single pin-point opening is made in the midline of the scrotum. Through this a pair of small grasping forceps is passed to reach each vas deferens. Each vas is then cut and cauterized, which essentially welds each end closed. The tiny skin opening is mostly left open to close spontaneously within 1-2 days.
How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is not immediately effective because there are still sperm "downstream" in the vas deferens. It takes a number of ejaculations over a period of at least 12 weeks to fully eliminate the sperm. Until samples demonstrate no remaining sperm, another form of birth control must be used and continued to prevent pregnancy.
Vasectomies are almost 100 percent effective, but there is a failure rate of about 1 in 2000 patients. Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception.
How long does a vasectomy take?
Most no-scalpel vasectomies will take about 40 minutes. Recovery depends on the individual, but most men feel back to normal in about a week.
What are the types of vasectomy?
There are a couple of ways to categorise the procedure methods:
Traditional vs no-scalpel
The traditional method involves using a scalpel to make an incision on each side of the scrotum to access the vas.
The no-scalpel method uses blunt dissection and usually only involves one hole being made through which the vas from both sides is accessed. The no-scalpel technique results in lower complications like such as bruising and bleeding.
Open-ended vs closed-ended
The open-ended technique means that the end of the vas attached to the testicle is left open. This matters because after a vasectomy, the testicle is going to continue making sperm and this sperm needs to go somewhere. By allowing it to be released into the scrotum, we reduce the incidence of “congestion” or the feeling of pressure from sperm backing up (think of a kinked hose with the tap running).
The closed-ended technique means the testicular end of the vas is clamped with a suture or a clip.
Do I need a referral for a vasectomy?
You do not need a referral from a GP to get a vasectomy. You can give our Brisbane clinic a call and book in your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dr Russell Hunter
At True, we're thrilled to have Dr Hunter in our Brisbane clinic once a month to perform vasectomies. A highly experienced vasectomy specialist, Dr Hunter specialises in performing no-scalpel vasectomies.
He graduated from the University of Queensland in 1983. Dr Hunter held registrar positions in paediatrics and geriatrics while at the PA Hospital. He has a fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and a certificate in Family Planning.