Getting a Vasectomy: It’s Not As Scary As You Think

It’s very common for middle-aged men to reach a stage in their life when they consider getting a vasectomy. Some decide that they have finished having kids and others may get a vasectomy because of the serious side effects that birth control may have on their female partners.

Although these procedures are very common to doctors, it’s normal for you to feel nervous or scared about what they entail. I’m here to reassure you that getting a vasectomy is not as scary as you may think.

Modern procedures are less invasive (non-scalpel)

Vasectomies work to make a patient infertile by accessing their vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the urethra.

The difference between conventional and modern vasectomy procedures is how the doctor accesses the vas deferens.

Up until the 80’s, conventional vasectomies required the doctor to access them by using a scalpel (a sharp blade) to make two incisions on either side of the scrotum.

Modern vasectomies are known as non-scalpel vasectomies. They’re less invasive and considered more comfortable to patients (most doctors also prefer this procedure).

A non-scalpel vasectomy involves “clamping” the vas deferens from outside the scrotum while using a needle to make a small hole in the scrotum to access the tubes.

Minimal pain and bleeding

Non-scalpel vasectomies are performed under local anaesthesia — so you won’t feel any pain. You may, however, feel some discomfort, which is completely normal.

Bleeding after the procedure is also normal, although you shouldn’t notice too much blood since there are no incisions involved. This small amount of bleeding should stop within the first 24 hours.

Little recovery time

The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes and recovery is pretty smooth. Although you’ll feel some discomfort after a non-scalpel vasectomy, you shouldn’t be in terrible pain.

You’re free to go home straight after the procedure, with no waiting time. In just 48 hours, you can return to regular, low-effort activities (including work if your work duties aren’t too strenuous).

In just 7 days, you’ll be able to resume sexual activities, heavy lifting, running and other strenuous activities.

You’ll have a consultation before the procedure

Remember that you’ll never go into a medical procedure blindly. The first consultation is your opportunity to ask any questions while your doctor explains the procedure and recovery period.

At Sandgate Doctors, our first consultations are bulk billed. This gives you the chance to discuss any concerns you may have with Dr Gadiyar — our trusted specialist who runs our vasectomy clinic. For more information, contact us here or call (07) 3269 1131.