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Bilateral vasectomy

5-minute read

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a permanent method of male contraception. It involves cutting both the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from your testicles. This prevents sperm from mixing with semen and reaching your penis. A vasectomy should prevent your partner from becoming pregnant.

What are the benefits of surgery?

You or your partner should not need to use another method of contraception.

Are there any alternatives to a vasectomy?

The only other method of male contraception is to use a condom, but the risk of failure is higher.

A sterilisation is a permanent method of female contraception.

Illustration showing before and after a bilateral vasectomy.
a) Before a vasectomy
b) After a bilateral vasectomy

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed under a local or general anaesthetic. The operation usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Your surgeon will usually make one small cut on each side of your scrotum. Sometimes they will make a single cut on the middle of your scrotum. Your surgeon will cut the tubes that carry sperm from each testicle to your penis and close the ends with stitches, clips or an electric current (cauterisation).

How can I prepare myself for the operation?

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Speak to the healthcare team about any vaccinations you might need to reduce your risk of serious illness while you recover. When you come into hospital, practise hand washing and wear a face covering when asked.

What complications can happen?

General complications of any operation

  • bleeding
  • infection of the surgical site (wound) or in your scrotum
  • allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication
  • chest infection

Specific complications of this operation

  • failure of the vasectomy
  • sometimes the sperm can take many months to clear from the semen
  • sperm granuloma, where sperm leaks and causes small painful swellings
  • long-term pain in your testicles
  • congestive epididymitis, where the tube-like structure that stores sperm gets blocked

Consequences of this procedure

  • pain

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

To reduce the risk of bleeding, do not ejaculate or do strenuous exercise, like running and riding a bicycle, for 5 to 7 days.

You should be able to return to work after about 2 days (about a week if your work involves strenuous exercise).

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Your doctor will ask you to give 1 or 2 samples of your semen after you have ejaculated 20 times following the operation. The samples will be tested to find out if there are any sperm left. Use another method of contraception until your doctor tells you that the operation has been a success and you are sperm-free.

Summary

A vasectomy is an operation to cut the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles. It is a permanent and effective method of male contraception.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The operation and treatment information on this page is published under license by Healthdirect Australia from EIDO Healthcare Australia and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you. Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com.

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Last reviewed: September 2023


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