The traditional method uses a scalpel to make an incision on each side of the scrotum to reach the vas. The no-scalpel method uses blunt dissection and usually needs only one opening, through which both sides are accessed. No-scalpel results in lower rates of complications like bruising and bleeding.

Open-ended means the end of the vas attached to the testicle is left open. After a vasectomy the testicle keeps making sperm, and that sperm needs somewhere to go. Letting it release into the scrotum reduces the incidence of congestion — the feeling of pressure from sperm backing up, like a kinked hose with the tap running. The closed-ended technique clamps that end with a suture or clip instead.

We recommend someone drives you home, or you take a cab or public transport. If that is not possible, wait at least 20 minutes after leaving the procedure room and only drive if you feel 100% fine. If you feel lightheaded while driving, pull over immediately.

Not immediately — and this catches people out. You must consider yourself fertile until we tell you the vasectomy was a success. We ask for a semen analysis at three months to confirm you are sterile.

If your job does not involve much lifting, often the next day. If you do a lot of heavy lifting, take some time off or request light duties for seven days. We can provide a medical certificate if you need to stay home.

Vasectomies can be reversed, but you should treat this as permanent contraception. Reversals are not 100% successful, cost north of $5,000, and are not covered by Medicare. If you are asking this question, it is worth thinking twice before booking.

Most men notice some bruising, which usually clears in about a week, and mild pain and swelling that settles within a few days. Less common complications include a scrotal haematoma (a large bruise within the scrotum — following the lifting instructions greatly reduces this risk), infection (usually mild and treated with oral antibiotics), and Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome, which is rare, poorly understood, and in most cases resolves. A full list is set out in your consent form.

No. You can book directly through us.

If you have children, we perform vasectomies for men aged 18 and over. If you do not have children you must be at least 25. Men aged 25–29 with no children must have a phone consult with our doctor no less than 14 days before surgery.

Speak to your GP or specialist before stopping any blood-thinning medication; we generally ask that it is stopped seven days beforehand. On the morning, shave your scrotum; if in doubt about how much, take it all off. Arrange time off or light duties if your job is physical. Read and sign the electronic consent form we send by SMS three days before.

No, and it almost certainly works out cheaper this way. We operate in medical centres rather than private hospitals, and private health only helps when a urologist performs the procedure in a hospital or day surgery. Going that route you would typically pay an excess of $500–$1,000, a surgeon's gap fee of several hundred to over $1,000, and an anaesthetist's gap on top — often $2,000 or more out of pocket, with insurance. With us it is $597, whether you are insured or not.

Once you have had your vasectomy and paid, we process the rebate on your behalf. The payment usually lands in your nominated Medicare bank account within 48 hours. If it has not arrived a week later, email us and we will chase it up.