Vasectomy Under Sedation
At Gynaecology Centres Australia’s Wollongong Vasectomy Clinic, we prioritise top-quality care in vasectomy under sedation procedures. Our team supports you every step of the way.
What is a Vasectomy?
Understanding the Procedure
A vasectomy is a safe and permanent method of contraception for men who no longer wish to have children or wish not to have any children at all. The procedure involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. This prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation, effectively eliminating the chance of pregnancy.
At Gynaecology Centres Australia (GCA), vasectomies are performed using sedation for your comfort. The procedure does not affect ejaculation, testosterone levels, or libido, allowing men to maintain their normal sexual function.
How Does a Vasectomy Work?
A vasectomy is a straightforward procedure designed to provide permanent contraception. During the surgery, the vas deferens—the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the semen—are accessed through small incisions or punctures in the scrotum. These tubes are then cut, sealed, or blocked to prevent sperm from entering the semen.
The body naturally absorbs the sperm produced by the testicles, which has no negative effects on health. While the no-scalpel vasectomy technique is often promoted as a minimally invasive option with reduced scarring, it offers the same clinical outcomes and recovery timeline as traditional methods. A puncture into the skin is still required to gain access to the vas deferens. GCA provides sedation during the procedure to ensure maximal comfort for patients, regardless of the technique used.
For more information, visit our vasectomy info page.
Why Consider a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is one of the most effective methods of contraception, with a success rate exceeding 99%. It is a suitable choice for individuals or couples who are certain about not having more children or having no children at all. Unlike other forms of contraception, a vasectomy offers permanent results and requires no ongoing management.
Key benefits of a vasectomy include:
- Reliable, long-term contraception.
- Minimal disruption to daily life.
- No effect on sexual performance or hormone levels.
However, it is important to note that vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI prevention, barrier methods such as condoms should still be used.
Why Choose GCA for Your Vasectomy?
Our clinic specialises in sedated vasectomies, focusing on a less painful and less anxious experience for patients. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care, supported by our qualified medical team’s expertise.
Vasectomy Costs, Medicare and Insurance Coverage
The out-of-pocket fee for a vasectomy under sedation is $600, with no extra cost for the sedation option. This price is competitive with other clinics that often charge similar fees for awake procedures only, giving you enhanced comfort at no additional charge.
Preparing for Your Vasectomy
Preparation involves a consultation to discuss your decision and assess your suitability for the procedure. During this consultation, you will receive instructions, including:
- Avoiding certain medications prior to the procedure.
- Arranging transportation home post-procedure.
- Preparing the surgical area as advised by your proceduralist.
Freezing and storing sperm may also be an option if there is any uncertainty about future family planning.
What to Expect on the Day
On the day of your vasectomy, you will be welcomed into a safe and supportive environment at GCA. The procedure typically takes 20 to 40 minutes and involves the following steps:
- Sedation is administered.
- The vas deferens are located and accessed through small openings.
- The tubes are cut and sealed, ensuring they remain separated to prevent rejoining.
- The incisions are closed, often without stitches, using skin glue or pressure.
Patients typically experience minimal discomfort due to effective pain management.
Vasectomy Recovery and Aftercare
After your procedure, recovery is generally straightforward. Most patients return to light activities within a day or two and resume normal routines within a week. Key recovery points include:
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Wearing supportive underwear.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
You will be advised to avoid heavy lifting and sexual activity until cleared by your proceduralist. A semen analysis will be performed approximately three months post-procedure to confirm the absence of sperm.
Vasectomy Costs, Medicare, and Insurance Coverage
GCA aims to make vasectomy procedures accessible and transparent. Costs may vary depending on individual circumstances, and Medicare may cover part of the expenses. For overseas visitors or non-Australian residents, they may be able to access their health insurance, depending on what is covered in their policy.
Are Vasectomies Reversible?
While vasectomy reversal is possible, it is not guaranteed to restore fertility. Factors such as time elapsed since the procedure and overall health can influence success rates. Alternative options, such as sperm retrieval and in vitro fertilisation (IVF), may also be considered.
Level 3
166 Keira Street
Corner Keira & Market Streets
Wollongong, Illawarra
NSW 2500
02 4227 4122
Opening Hours 8am-5pm
Vasectomy FAQs
No referral is needed to book a vasectomy with us. You can book directly through our website or by contacting the Wollongong clinic, making the process straightforward and accessible.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling our clinic directly at 02 4227 4100, or you can fill out the booking form available on this page. Our team is ready to assist with any questions and guide you through the booking process.
Our clinic is conveniently located at Level 3, 166 Keira St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia, right next to the Wollongong Central Building 1.
The term “no-scalpel” refers to a specific technique where a small puncture is made rather than a traditional incision. However, all vasectomy methods involve accessing (through the skin) and modifying the vas deferens to ensure effective sterilisation. At our Wollongong clinic, we perform vasectomies under sedation to prioritise patient comfort and minimise anxiety, providing a calm and reassuring experience from start to finish.
Our team consists of highly experienced and qualified locum doctors who prioritise patient care and comfort. While we don’t list individual surgeons due to the rotating nature of our locum staff, you can trust that each doctor is dedicated to providing a high standard of care and expertise.
The procedure itself generally takes around 15-20 minutes. Including preparation and post-procedure observation, your total visit should last about an hour. Our team will provide detailed pre-procedure guidance to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Our vasectomy procedure at the Wollongong clinic is performed using a combination of local and general anaesthesia. This approach is designed to maximise comfort and minimise any anxiety, ensuring a safe and relaxed experience from start to finish.
Most patients can return to work within a few days, although we recommend waiting longer for physically demanding roles. Our aftercare guidelines include specific advice based on your activity level and job type.
Common side effects may include mild swelling, bruising, and soreness around the procedure site, usually resolving within a few days. Our team provides aftercare instructions to help you manage any post-procedure discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery.
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of contraception, as there is no guarantee that it can be successfully reversed. While reversal procedures are technically possible, they are complex and have varying success rates. If you have questions or concerns, our team can discuss all considerations during a consultation and, if needed, connect you with specialists in the area.
The body absorbs sperm naturally without any adverse effects.
No, vasectomy does not impact hormone levels or sexual drive.
Sex can usually be resumed within a week, but contraception must be used until a semen analysis confirms the absence of sperm.
It is necessary to arrange transport home post-procedure due to sedation effects.
Booking your vasectomy at GCA is straightforward. Call us at 02 9585 9599 or use our online booking form.
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