Dr Michael Read has over 30 years experience performing vasectomies.
© COPYRIGHT 2021. DR MICHAEL READ
Southport – Gold Coast
Gold Coast Vasectomy Centre is operated by Dr Michael Read. He has more than thirty years’ experience performing vasectomies. These were often done in the hospital surgical environment but Dr Read recognised the procedure was well-suited to conduct in his clinic, eliminating the need for hospital admission and additional hospital and anaesthetist fees. No referral is required to have a vasectomy at our clinic. Simply call us on (07) 5531 3205 and make an appointment to discuss the procedure with Dr Read.
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure blocking sperm passing from the testes. This procedure is an effective form of contraception. Dr Michael Read has extensive knowledge and understanding of the various techniques required to perform the procedure. He performs a no scalpel (keyhole) vasectomy. This procedure exposes the sperm-carrying vas deferens tube, which is cut and then sealed at the end. No stitches are required. An open-ended no-scalpel vasectomy is being adopted as the preferred technique because of the lower risk of complication.
Vasectomy is contraception only. You should expect to have normal testes, hormones, erections, ejaculation and libido. Once the pregnancy risk is gone, many men claim their sex lives are better. Vasectomy can fail because of re-joining of the tube, but the risk is around 1:1000 and so safer than other contraception, like hormone and barrier methods.
Remember the tubes are not clear immediately and contraception must continue until your semen is clear and you have advice to stop.
At your initial consultation Dr Michael Read will explain your vasectomy procedure and ensure you are a suitable candidate for a no-scalpel vasectomy. You should shave the scrotum and pubic area and ensure you have a clean groin and scrotum. Please avoid all food and fluid for four hours before the scheduled procedure time.
Vasectomy involves interrupting the passage of sperm along the tube from the testes. The sperm alone adds very little to the volume and appearance of semen. Most of the fluid is made in the prostate and seminal vesicles so ejaculation fluid looks the same afterwards. The open-ended no-scalpel vasectomy involves a tiny puncture in the scrotal skin, then looping the vas deferens through this. A segment is removed and the end closest to the body is sealed. The cord is then returned to the scrotum. The hole closes spontaneously and there is little to see externally. When your vasectomy is complete we advise that someone drives you home. You should lie down on the day of the procedure and you can apply regular ice packs. You should plan to make the following day an easy one.
Some patients choose to drive home after their vasectomy. We can permit this provided no sedation is given. Generally, men prefer to take medication to relax and sedate them. Many men will sleep through the procedure.
If you’ve reached the Medicare Safety Net threshold this year, you could receive 80% back on your out-of-pocket expenses for eligible services. We are committed to providing affordable care. Find out more about the Medicare Safety Net here.
Dr Michael Read is available to answer any questions regarding your vasectomy. Please take a read through our FAQ’s to see if your question has already been answered. Please feel free to call Gold Coast Vasectomy Centre on (07) 5531 3205 if you require further information.
After undergoing a vasectomy, active sperm can remain in the vas deferens tube ahead of the cut for some months post-procedure. Eventually, all sperm die, dissolve, and are absorbed by the body, a process that occurs with all cells.
Vasectomy does not affect the testes and so they will continue to function as normal and produce sperm. It is the act of cutting and sealing the vas deferens tube that blocks the sperm from entering the semen and therefore eliminating the risk of pregnancy.
No, neither the penis nor testicles are affected. Semen and male hormones are produced as usual. Studies on men, both before and after vasectomy, have demonstrated that no hormonal changes occur.
You will not experience any change and should expect to have normal libido, erections, orgasm and ejaculations of semen but the discharge is sperm-free. The absence of anxiety of accidental pregnancy may add a greater sense of pleasure.
During the procedure we take effective measures to care for our patients and prevent pain. You will be given sedation and strong pain medication, local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes. Some patients prefer to avoid sedation, and have local anaesthetic only, so they can drive home. Though, we do recommend arranging for someone to drive you home. Usually there is no significant post-operative pain. Paracetamol is a safe and readily available for pain relief.
Most men can return to their normal occupations 2 to 3 days post-procedure; however, it is advised to avoid heavy work or sport for 7 to 10 days
All surgical procedures involve some risk, but a vasectomy is a simple and safe method of contraception. The no-scalpel, keyhole technique is being adopted as the preferred method due to its lower risk of complication.
Minor complications may include local swelling, bleeding and infection but these are rare occurrences. All potential risks and complications, along with ways to minimise this risk, will be discussed in your initial consultation.
Yes, as soon as you are comfortable. This may only be a matter of days. However, the tubes are not clear immediately and contraception must continue until your semen is clear and you have advice to stop.
Active sperm may remain in the vas (tube) ahead of the cut and come out in the semen for some time after the operation. This varies with each man but might take up to several months. A contraceptive method must still be used until the semen is tested and you have been received advice of a clear semen sample. In very rare instances, a tube may fuse back together, letting sperm pass through, or one side may have more than one tube.
The decision to have a vasectomy should be made with the understanding that it is a permanent means of contraception.
Although vasectomy can often be reversed, this process can be costly and unsuccessful. It is important to have an adequate discussion with all parties involved and be fully informed prior to going ahead with the procedure. You will receive all the relevant information and be given the opportunity to ask any questions in your initial consultation.
If you are thinking about a reversal now, perhaps you should take more time to decide if vasectomy is right for you.
Avoid Aspirin and anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen. Shave the scrotum and pubic area and thoroughly clean the area. It is best to wear firm underpants rather than boxers.
The great majority of men are happy about vasectomy and recommend it to their friends. Few men express reservations or regret. Usually these have had complications, insufficient discussion beforehand, expected it to solve a previous problem, or were pushed into having the operation.
The cost of the consultation and procedure must be paid in full prior to surgery however a minimal rebate is refundable by Medicare.
Please fill in the online enquiry form to ask a question or book your consultation with Dr Michael Read at Gold Coast Circumcision Centre or Gold Coast Vasectomy Centre.
