vasectomy
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control where the male partner undergoes a surgical procedure that makes a small cut in the tube that transports sperm from the testicles to the penis.
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Vasectomies stop you from getting pregnant by working as a "roadblock" and stopping the release of sperm on ejaculation.
It is one of THE BEST forms of birth control. The risk of pregnancy is less than 1 per 100 women. It is permanent - the male only needs to do it once!
FAST FACTS
How good?
One of the best methods of birth control
>99% effective at preventing pregnancy with typical and perfect use
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How easy?
One time procedure
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Side effects?
Possible risk of long term scrotal pain (low risk)​
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How hard to get?
See your GP for a referral, or self-refer to a service near you (can be done at Family Planning, Doctor's Clinic, or Hospital)!
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How much?
Unfortunately not funded. Can range anywhere from $499
vasectomy
How does it work?
A vasectomy is where a male partner has a small surgical procedure where the tube (vas deferens) from the testicles to the penis are cut/tied/sealed off. This stops the release of sperm on ejaculation.
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Men still ejaculate following a vasectomy; the only difference is that they will release seminal fluid only (no sperm)
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Sperm are still made by the testicles, but as there is a road block (vasectomy), it is absorbed by the body instead
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It takes about 15 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic (you are awake). Some are done with a "no-scalpel" technique.
how long does it last?
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Permanent (forever Trevor)
why would it suit me?
Vasectomy can be particularly helpful if:
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You are sure your family is complete
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No hormones
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If you/your partner has a medical condition where they should not get pregnant
Pros
BENEFITS
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Effective!
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Permanent (great if your family is complete)
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Safer than the female permament method of birth control
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One time cost (lots of other birth control methods have ongoing costs)
CONS
SIDE EFFECTS
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Timing for vasectomy to be confirmed complete can be months
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Short term risks
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Infection, pain, bleeding/bruising​
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Regret/guilt
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Does not protect against STIs
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Small risk of long term scrotal pain
what next?
You will need to book an appointment with your GP or Family Planning to discuss vasectomy, or refer yourself to a local clinic.
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Once confirmed, you can proceed to have your vasectomy and follow-up by a trained professional. You will be encouraged to use alternate contraception until confirmation the vasectomy was successful.
In the future...
luna health hope to provide a birth control service that assesses eligibility for each birth control method.
This will save you time and money
meaning you only need to physically see a doctor once
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