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FAQ's

Your Questions Answered

Get clear, straightforward answers to the most common questions about vasectomy – from the procedure itself to recovery and beyond.

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About Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe, permanent form of contraception for men. It works by dividing and sealing the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm from the testes — so that sperm can no longer be present in ejaculate. It does not affect testosterone, libido or sexual function.

Rather than a traditional incision, the no-scalpel technique uses a small opening of approximately 5mm. This approach is associated with less bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and faster healing compared to conventional methods. It is the standard of care in Australia and the technique used by Dr Indi.

Vasectomy is one of the most reliable forms of contraception available, with a failure rate of less than 1 in 1,000 once confirmed clear by semen analysis. Effectiveness is confirmed at the 12-week semen analysis – until that clearance is received, contraception must continue.

Yes. Vasectomy should be approached as a permanent decision. Reversal procedures exist but are complex, expensive, not covered by Medicare, and success is not guaranteed. A consultation with Dr Indi is the right place to work through any uncertainty before proceeding.

No. The procedure does not involve the testes and has no effect on hormone production, libido or erectile function. Ejaculation remains unchanged in volume and sensation – sperm makes up only a small fraction of semen.

No. Vasectomy is contraception only. It offers no protection against STIs – condoms remain necessary where there is any risk of transmission.

No. Vasectomy does not affect testosterone production, and evidence does not support any increased risk of testicular or prostate cancer.

Yes. Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception, with pregnancy rates estimated at 0.1–1.1% at 2–5 years post-procedure — more reliable than most other contraceptive methods, including tubal ligation.

A minimally-invasive vasectomy (MIV) technique — such as the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) — is recommended, along with occlusion methods like cautery and fascial interposition, which are associated with the lowest failure rates.

No. Vasectomy does not produce immediate sterility, since sperm remain in the reproductive tract beyond the blockage site. Another form of contraception is required until a semen analysis confirms clearance.

The Procedure

The procedure itself takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Allow 60 to 90 minutes at the clinic in total to include arrival, preparation, the procedure and a brief recovery period before discharge.

Most men are surprised by how manageable the experience is. The main sensation is the local anaesthetic injection – a brief sting. The procedure itself is typically felt as mild pressure rather than pain. Mild scrotal discomfort in the days following is normal and expected.

Vasectomy is typically performed under local anaesthesia, with or without oral sedation. Intravenous sedation or general anaesthesia may be used in specific cases if local anaesthesia isn’t considered adequate.

Perth Vasectomy performs vasectomies under local anaesthetic only. If full sedation is preferred, this can be arranged through a urologist in a hospital setting – your GP can provide a referral.

The testes continue to produce sperm, but it is reabsorbed naturally by the body – a normal process with no health implications.

Risks and Complication

PVPS refers to persistent or intermittent testicular pain lasting three months or longer that’s severe enough to affect daily life. This occurs in approximately 1–2% of men who have a vasectomy. Other causes of scrotal pain must be ruled out first, and most cases are managed conservatively before further treatment is considered.

Yes, though it’s rare. In a small number of cases the divided tubes can rejoin — a process called recanalization — which is why the semen analysis at 12 & 16 weeks is essential. According to the AUA guideline, the risk of pregnancy after a vasectomy with confirmed clearance is about 1 in 2,000. Until clearance is confirmed in writing, contraception must still be used.

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is persistent or intermittent testicular pain lasting three months or longer that’s severe enough to affect daily life. According to AUA guidelines, this occurs in approximately 1–2% of men who have a vasectomy. Before PVPS is diagnosed, other causes of scrotal pain — such as infection, hydrocele, or hernia — need to be ruled out. Most cases are managed conservatively with anti-inflammatory medication, with further treatment considered only if pain persists.

The Consultation

No referral is required to book a consultation with Dr Indi. You can contact the clinic directly.

The consultation is an unhurried conversation – typically 45 to 60 minutes. Dr Indi will review your medical history, explain the procedure in detail, discuss the risks, and answer any questions you or your partner have. There is no expectation or pressure to proceed on the day.

The consultation is billed as a private GP consultation. A Medicare rebate applies. Full fee details will be provided when you book.

Yes. Partners are very welcome at the consultation. For the procedure itself, we ask that they wait in our reception area so that Dr Indi’s full attention remains with you throughout.

Preparing for the Procedure

You will receive clear written preparation instructions after booking. In brief: shower the morning of the procedure, wear or bring supportive underwear (not boxers), arrange a driver home, take the day off work, and have paracetamol and ibuprofen ready at home. We’ll provide a full checklist in advance.

Yes – you’ll be asked to shave the scrotal area beforehand. Clear instructions are included in your preparation information.

No. Even though the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, you must arrange a driver or use public transport. Do not drive yourself home on the day.

Recovery

Most men are back at a desk-based job within 2 to 3 days. Those in physically demanding roles should discuss timing with Dr Indi. Full physical activity, including exercise and sport, can generally resume after 1 to 2 weeks.

Some scrotal swelling, bruising and mild aching is normal. Rest and ice on the day of the procedure, supportive underwear for the first week, and over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen) as needed. Dr Indi will provide a detailed care pack on discharge.

Generally after 7 days, once comfortable. Contraception must continue until the 16-week semen analysis confirms clearance.

Light activity and walking from day 3 or 4. Swimming and light cardio after 1 week. Cycling and contact sports should be avoided for approximately 3 weeks. Dr Indi will advise based on your individual recovery.

After Your Vasectomy

Dr Indi provides a pathology referral at your follow-up visit. You attend any participating pathology provider – no additional clinic visit required. Results are reviewed and communicated by Dr Indi. A Medicare rebate typically applies.

In most cases, yes. Prior hernia repair, orchidopexy or other procedures rarely prevent a vasectomy, but this is assessed individually at consultation.

Vasectomy reversal is possible but is performed by a urologist, is not covered by Medicare, is expensive, and success rates decline with time. It should not be considered a fallback. Dr Indi encourages all men to be certain of their decision before proceeding — the consultation is the right time to explore any uncertainty.

A post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is required to confirm the procedure has worked. You can rely on your vasectomy for contraception once this test shows either no sperm (azoospermia) or only rare non-motile sperm (RNMS). Until this is confirmed in writing, contraception must still be used.

Vasectomy reversal is possible, but it’s a more complex and costly procedure, and success is not guaranteed. Success rates depend on factors such as the length of time since the vasectomy and the age of both partners. Sperm retrieval combined with IVF/ICSI is an alternative option for those wanting to have children after vasectomy.

Disclaimer: All information on this page is general in nature. It does not replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner. Please speak with Dr Indi at your consultation for advice specific to your circumstances.