How many kids are too many? For every father, the answer is different and based on many factors. In Australia, where the cost of bringing up a child is high, many men and their partners reach a point where vasectomy is the most convenient contraception of all …
Vasectomy is a straightforward surgical procedure which allows men to take control of their own fertility. Apart from condoms, this is the only method which enables men to take responsibility for contraception, as the famous “male pill” is still not available.
Vasectomy is a procedure men choose to undergo, when they have completed their families. Reversal can be attempted, if a man changes his mind after he has had a vasectomy, but it is not always successful, and therefore careful consideration should be made before making a decision about whether to have this operation.
The Procedure
The operation is simple, and takes about 20 minutes. It is available at a number of vasectomy clinics in Sydney and can be done as a day case, under local anaesthesia or with intravenous sedation. Gynaecare in Artarmon has been offering this procedure for the last 18 years, and many thousands have been performed there. No referral is necessary to attend for a consultation at Gynaecare and the cost of a vasectomy, when undertaken at Gynaecare, by the specialised procedural GPs there, is a fraction of the price charged by consultant surgeons or urologists.
Alternatives
There are many alternatives to vasectomy, each comes with its own responsibilities. For example, condoms are an excellent form of contraception, when used properly. The condom needs to be put on before any penetration takes place, as pre ejaculate contains active sperm, which can cause pregnancy, and the pre-ejaculate is released before the man reaches orgasm. Condoms can also help protect against sexually transmitted infection, again, if used properly. The condom needs to be worn on the penis, before any penetration (oral, vaginal or anal) occurs, otherwise sexually transmitted infection can occur. Condoms are not 100% effective as protection against STI’s but they are the best protection we have. There are also female condoms which are as effective as male condoms for protection against STI and for contraception but they are not as popular. Other alternatives to vasectomy include oral birth control pill, withdrawal method, female ovulation temperature management etc.
Risks
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with vasectomy. Post-procedure Most men report feeling sore, or uncomfortable for a few days. Most men also report bruising (sometimes spectacular!), and swelling. The bruising and swelling doesn’t always happen immediately – it often happens after a few days but in most cases has mostly disappeared after two weeks. You should discuss with your doctor what is, and isn’t normal, and how to get treatment if necessary. For comprehensive information on the risks associated with vasectomy click this link: vasectomy risks.
Emotions
Some men go through a brief period of self-consciousness. 50% of men keep their operation a secret, they may believe that the operation is tainted by the stigma of emasculation and thinking it would degrade them in the eyes of their friends. This period passes quickly. A small percentage of men experience depression and angry emotions. Some experience a period of mourning over the loss of their ability to reproduce. These feelings usually resolve given time. A very small percentage of couples experience adjustment difficulties. The emotional distress manifests in sexual dysfunction, impotence, or premature ejaculation. The vasectomy is the catalyst but not the cause. Studies show men who experience impotence post vasectomy are more likely to have female partners who are unable to accept the operation.
Where Can You Get a Vasectomy Done?
Gynaecare’s sexual health & vasectomy clinic is located in Artarmon on Sydney’s north shore. For enquiries call (02) 9413 2538 or view their website: www.gynaecare.com.au
