Vasectomy Service
Non-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)
*NO BLADE NO STITCHES*
Vasectomy made easy, helping you make an informed
decision.
Dr Molapo Selepe (MBChB, MRCGP, FRACGP, DFSRH, LoC
SDI, Certificate in Local Anaesthetic Vasectomy)
Dr Molapo Selepe is the member of the Association of Surgeons in
Primary Care, UK. He is trained and accredited with the Faculty of
Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in London, UK.
He graduated from the University of Cape Town in 1999. After
working in South Africa for 2 years and the UK for over 11 years he
recently immigrated to Australia. He has various clinical skills in
surgery, care of the Elderly and General Practice.
He is the Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and
the Fellow of the Royal Australia College of General Practitioners.
You can be assured that you are under the care of a specialist GP
with clear understanding of general practice needs, sensitivities and
concerns of individuals and their families.
We aim to address and alleviate your fears and anxiety about long
term contraception in a way that will fit your individual circumstance.
Meet the Team
What is Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a medical term referring to the cutting of the sperm
tube called Vas Deferens. The Vas Deferens takes the sperm cells
from the testicles to the penis during ejaculation.
Following the procedure the semen will still be produced but without
the sperm cells, “shooting the blanks” as it were. The normal
ejaculation and sexual activity is normally not affected after the
procedure. It takes 4 months after the procedure to be fully sterile as
some of the sperm cells remain in the tubes for a while.
This method is considered permanent. Male sterilisation is the most
reliable method of contraception known to the medical profession.
Although consider permanent there is still a failure rate of 1 in 2000.
This is still better than 1 in 200 failure rate in female sterilisation
procedure, tubal ligation.
What is Non- Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)?
This is a simple less invasive method of vasectomy where a small
single cut is made in the middle of the scrotum to access both the
left and right vas deferens. The NSV was developed in China by Dr
Shunqiang Li in 1974 and introduced to the western world by AVSC
International and Dr. Marc Goldstein of the New York-Presbyterian
Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in 1985.
Instead of cutting the scrotal skin, the skin is punctured and the Vas
deferens is delivered with two special instruments. Over 15 million
men have undergone the NSV procedure worldwide since 1974,
widely used in China, USA, Canada, UK, Australia and South Asian
Subcontinent. This is done under a local anaesthetic where a
numbing solution is injected to the skin with just mild discomfort.
The method is open ended where one end of the vas deferens is left
open and the other is closed. This method is quick, less invasive,
less complications, less painful; no stitches needed and leads to
speedy recovery.
Why us?
You don’t need a referral. Just present yourself to one of our
clinics located in Cannington or Armadale.
We offer NSV, the most reliable and well tested method of male
permanent sterilisation.
We have competent and well trained staff.
Friendly and welcoming reception staff, nursing staff and
doctors.
You will be informed and allowed to make your choice under no
coercion or bias.
You can choose to bring your spouse or partner, we prioritise
your confidentiality.
State of the Art modern facilities with on-site sterilisation of
equipment that meets ISO criteria (International Standards
Organization).
Payment and Costs
We charge a fee of $475.00 for the procedure. Medicare will rebate
the patient $164.25 leaving a gap of $310.75.
Risk Associated with Vasectomy
Bleeding
There is a small risk of bruising after the procedure. Such can be
limited by avoiding blood thinning medication such aspirin and
warfarin.
Swelling
In some patient’s there can be leakage of sperm into the scrotum
causing a temporary swelling and a lump called granuloma. This
rarely needs any intervention as it is absorbed and resolves
spontaneously.
Pain
There may be mild to moderate pain for a few days after the
procedure which is well managed with simple painkillers. Rarely
some patient’s develop chronic pain in the testicles, the open-ended
method minimizes this complication significantly.
Infection
There is a small risk of wound infection like most procedures. Apollo
Health maintains strict infection control standards to minimize this risk
and to monitor methods against infection risk. All equipment used in
the procedure is sterilized in accordance with the International
Standards Organisation.
Allergic Reaction
Due to the local anaesthetic there is a potential risk of allergic reaction
to the anaesthetic contents. It is important to inform the medical team
of any known allergies.
Advantages of Vasectomy
It is permanent and provided the peace of mind over
contraception.
It is a simple and easy procedure to do; it usually is completed
within 20-30 minutes.
There is little discomfort and few complications if any.
It is more effective and less invasive than female sterilisation.
It provides the male partner an option to participate actively in
family planning.
Disadvantages
Often take 4 months after the procedure to be fully sterile.
During this time the use condoms or other method of
contraception is necessary.
Some males often regret the decision if their circumstances
change.
It is non-reversible and can be expensive to attempt reversal
without any guarantees of fertility.
Does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections or HIV.
Facts and Questions
What is vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the medical name for male sterilisation. It is a simple
surgical procedure which closes off the small sperm-carrying tubes
(vas deferens) located in the scrotum to prevent sperm from getting
into the seminal fluid you ejaculate. After the procedure, although you
will climax and ejaculate as before, sperm produced in the testicles
can no longer travel through these tubes, therefore eliminating the
chance of conception.
Why should I choose to have a vasectomy?
If you feel your family is complete or are certain that you don’t want to
have children, vasectomy may be the right choice of contraception for
you. However it is a permanent procedure and should be considered
very carefully before going ahead.
On the day of your vasectomy you will see a counsellor to ensure that
you are confident of your decision. If you are under 25, it is
recommended that you have extra counselling before making your
final decision.
How effective is vasectomy?
Vasectomy is probably the most effective method of contraception
that exists. The failure rate is much less than 1%.
However, there is a slight chance of failure that can occur at any time.
This may be due to the sperm-carrying tubes re-joining naturally. 80%
of failures occur within two months of the procedure, so if sperm is
detected in the follow-up semen tests, the procedure can be repeated
at no extra cost.
How is the procedure carried out?
At Apollo Health we perform vasectomy under local anaesthetic. An
anaesthetic injection numbs the area and then a very small hole is
made in the front of the scrotum. Through this opening, each sperm
carrying tube (vas deferen) is cut and sealed off. Once this heals you
will have a very small scar on the scrotum which will become invisible
over time. On average, the procedure takes around ten minutes. You
will be required at the centre for about an hour and a half.
Does vasectomy increase the risk of cancer?
There is no conclusive evidence that links vasectomy to cancer of the
prostate or testicles.
Is vasectomy reversible?
Vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilisation. If there is
a chance you might change your mind or you are not 100% certain,
you should consider a different method of contraception, such as a
condom.
Does it hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which might
mean a short sharp pain from the injection, but it starts working
straight away and will make the area feel numb. You may feel some
sensation during the procedure, but this should not be painful.
Afterwards you may feel some discomfort, but ordinary painkillers
and cold packs will help and the soreness won’t last very long.
How long will I take to recover?
You will most likely need to rest for a couple of days after the
procedure. So if you have a procedure on the Friday, you could rest
over the weekend and be back at work on the Monday. If you have a
physically demanding job we would advise you to take a week off.
Immediately after the procedure, you should go straight home and
relax with your feet up. For a week afterwards, try to avoid long
periods of standing or walking.
Physically strenuous sports or exercise should be avoided for at least
four weeks. More gentle activity such as swimming can be resumed
after about two weeks.
Will a vasectomy protect me against sexually transmitted
infections?
No. A vasectomy cannot protect you against any sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV. To protect yourself and your partner against
these infections, you need to use condoms.
Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?
Vasectomy does not affect your hormones, orgasm or
ejaculation so there is no reason for it to have a negative
impact on your sex life.
Many couples have found greater sexual freedom once they no
longer have the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.
You may engage in sexual intercourse as soon as you feel
comfortable. We recommend that you wait a few days for the
incision to heal. Remember to use another method of
contraception until you are informed that your vasectomy has
taken effect.
Are there any alternatives to vasectomy?
Vasectomy or condoms are the only methods of contraception
available to men.
However, there is a permanent sterilisation procedure available
to women – female sterilisation. There are also other short and
long-term methods of contraception your partner could use.
Short-term methods include the pill, condoms or a diaphragm.
Long-term methods include IUDs, and contraceptive implants or
injections.
Things to do BEFORE the procedure:
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Shave the scrotum area a day or 2 before the procedure.
Don’t use the hair removal cream.
Have a hot shower the evening before and on the morning of
the operation.
Eat /consume a light meal only before attending the clinic.
Apply the EMLA cream 1 hour before the procedure (supplied
at first consultation) as directed by the nurse.
Bring tight fitting underwear for support after the procedure.
Arrive on time.
Bring your spouse with if you so wish.
Advisable to have somebody to drive you home afterwards but
not a must.
Be prepared to sign to consent form.
Things to do AFTER the operation:
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Wear tight fitting underwear both day and night for about 5 days
post the procedure.
Rest for 24 hours with legs lifting up preferably.
Do not work for about 48 to 72 hours post the procedure.
Avoid strenuous work or lifting or driving for 1-2 weeks at least
after the procedure.
Remove any extra padding or dressings after 24 hours.
Keep the area dry for 48 hours at least.
Don’t soak in the bath for 1 week, you can take a shower or just
wash the area.
For pain take simple pain killers.
For bruise or swelling apply pressure and cold packs- ice cubes
in a plastic bag.
Advised to resume active and plenty sexual intercourse as soon
as comfortable.
Don’t forget to do the post vasectomy sperm analysis test 4
months post the procedure- you will be given full instructions.
Contact Us
Cannington
1480 Albany Highway
Beckenham WA 6107
T: (08) 9350 8000
F: (08) 9350 8080
Hours:
M - F: 9am - 6pm
SAT: 9am - 1pm
Armadale
Shop 62/63 Armadale
Central Shopping Centre,
Armadale WA 6112
T: (08) 9399 0909
F: (08) 9399 0910
Hours:
M - F: 9am - 6pm
SAT: 9am - 1pm
SUN: 10am - 1pm