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One of the biggest questions on a man’s mind when contemplating a vasectomy is – ‘will it affect my sex life’?

Most men are honest about wanting to do their bit for family planning, mainly because they have witnessed their wife or partner suffer side effects from other contraception. But they do have concerns on how this will translate in the bedroom.

Well the good news is that a vasectomy will not affect your sex life. It does not decrease your sex drive because it does not affect the production of the male hormone testosterone. It also does not affect your ability to get an erection or ejaculate. You will not even notice a difference in the amount of semen you ejaculate!

We can confirm that after an open-ended vasectomy, The Metrocentre Way, you will still be able to:

  • Have the same libido and sex drive
  • Have and maintain erections
  • Ejaculate
  • Have an orgasm

Several weeks after having a vasectomy (once it has been confirmed that sperm is no longer present in the semen), and the stress of an unplanned pregnancy is eliminated, our couples report that their lovemaking tends to be:

  • More satisfying.
  • More intense and sensuous.
  • More spontaneous.
  • More pleasurable.
  • More frequent.

So, don’t let the words vasectomy and sex drive scare you.

If you would like to discover more about an open – ended vasectomy, The Metrocentre Way, or arrange an appointment at one of our centres, please feel free to call us on 1800 367 636. You can also contact us directly on reception@metrocentre.com.au.

Couple
  1. The number one reason why women love and respect their husbands or partners who get a vasectomy is that they don’t have to think about birth control anymore and their bodies can relish a well-earned rest.
  2. A vasectomy is also very reliable. How many of your friends and family have had their own ‘holy cow’ moment. The financial and emotional burden of an unplanned pregnancy is REAL and can have a significant impact on your life. A successful vasectomy is really only secondary to abstinence. A vasectomy done the Metrocentre way is the MOST refined. Once a vasectomy is complete and the lab results come back clear, you are good to go.
  3. Another reason is that a vasectomy is the only form of birth control that has ZERO side effects for a woman, and almost zero side effects for a man too. Other forms of birth control can have significant hormonal side effects for women, leaving them feeling tired, bloated, depressed….. just to name a few.
  4. As the saying goes ‘it takes two to tango’ and there is nothing more attractive than a man stepping up and taking ownership. We think everyone agrees that it is not exclusively a woman’s responsibility to take care of birth control, and given the fact that there is zero evidence to suggest that a vasectomy affects a man’s masculinity, there is nothing to lose. Ask any man that has had a vasectomy, we are sure they would be proud to boast that ‘everything is in complete working order’ and there has been no impact on their testosterone, or their sexual and ejaculatory function.
  5. A vasectomy is also a one-time cost. You pay for it once, and that’s it, no more ongoing expenses. It is also partly covered by Medicare – unlike other birth controls. This is not the stage of your life that you need any more extra expenses on top of the monthly bills.

Nonetheless, knowledge is power and the vehicle to any good decision making. So, let the facts speak for themselves and ask a mate what his experience was like and visit your Metrocentre vasectomy doctor, who performs this procedure day in and day out, to put you mind at ease. Stop stalling – your partner will love you for it!

What is a vasectomy?

Questions

29,000 Australian men have a vasectomy each year, and that number’s growing

A vasectomy is one of the most effective and healthy methods of family planning. The procedure—when carried out by someone with expertise in microsurgical reversible vasectomies—is straightforward and minimally invasive. A specialised vasectomy can be performed in around half an hour with minimal-to-no post-congestion pain.

How does a vasectomy work?

vasectomy involves cutting the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering the ejaculate. The vas deferens are the two tubes which carry sperm to the glands called seminal vesicles, and the prostate gland. A vasectomy is performed via small incisions in the front of the scrotum.

The Metrocentre Way: the most perfected and most reversible vasectomy

We advertise the reversibility of our vasectomies not because we think all our patients will want a reversal in the future, but instead to demonstrate the skill and precision with which we perform the operation. The Metrocentre Way provides patients with an experience as close to perfect as a medical procedure can be.

A vasectomy performed the Metrocentre Way:

  • Has reduced incidences of post-vasectomy pain syndrome.
  • Uses highest resolution ultrasound scans to obtain near-perfect results.
  • Preserves lymphatics, nerves, veins and other arteries.
  • Retains normal function of the male reproductive organs.

As a method of family planning, a vasectomy is less invasive, cheaper and better for the health of both partners than the female equivalent, tubal ligation. If you’re debating whether you or your partner should undergo a procedure for family planning purposes, here are the reasons that a vasectomy is the better choice.

Vasectomy compared to tubal ligation

A vasectomy is 99.9% effective as a form of contraception, is performed at our specialised facility and only takes 30 minutes. The risks, which can include bleeding and infection, are almost non-existent.

Tubal ligation has over 99% success rate but isn’t immediately effective. The risks associated with tubal litigation include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Damage to other organs
  • Side effects from general anaesthesia
  • Ectopic pregnancy

This procedure takes around half an hour, and women who have a C-section may choose to have tubal ligation after they’ve been operated on.

Tubal ligation or vasectomy: which one is more beneficial?

Selecting a form of contraception is a personal choice many couples face. If you are considering this you should discuss it with your GP, fertility control clinic or gynaecologist. Having said that, a vasectomy has benefits over tubal ligation, such as:

  • Less invasive
  • Lower cost
  • Fewer potential side effects
  • Far more rapid recovery

If you would like to know more about vasectomy or to book a consultation at Metrocentre, please contact us today.

Vasectomy Recovery

Stock

Considering a vasectomy takes time and research. It is an important decision to make and all aspects of the process, including vasectomy recovery, should be carefully understood before moving forward.

Dr Lekich encourages all patients researching a vasectomy to carefully consider who and where they will receive their treatment as not all vasectomy treatments are equal.

Your vas deferens tissue is precious and limited in length so should be treated with precision and care.

Recovery from vasectomy

After your vasectomy surgery, you will be numb in that area for approximately 1-2 hours due to the local anaesthetic. We recommend applying cold packs to the area and rest for the remainder of the day.  You may prefer to wear tighter underwear for support.

Over the next few days, you may have minimal or no swelling or pain.  Panadol or Pannadiene work well here. Keep away from anti-inflammatories – eg Nurofen for four (4) days after the procedure. We recommend taking at least 2 days off work to ensure a smooth recovery unless you have a desk job. After this time you may return to work, however, you must avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a week post-surgery. You will be able to resume sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable to do so – usually around a week after surgery.

Remember that you will need to use another method of contraception until your receive clearance from your doctor after having a sperm test three months after the procedure. We will give you a request form for this on the procedure day so you can do the test in your local area. You need to have around 20-30 ejaculations to enable a clear result.  A semen analysis is the only way you know for sure whether the procedure has been successful. This is a crucial part of the vasectomy process and it is important that you get this test done and receive the result from us to ensure that there is no risk of unplanned pregnancy.

Your vasectomy will not affect your sex drive or ability to have erections, ejaculate or the sensation of orgasm. However, some patients have noted a mild and occasional aching in the testicles during sexual intercourse over the few months post-surgery. Should pain persist, Dr Lekich will review with an ultrasound scan on site.

Side effects of vasectomy

Many men considering vasectomy as a contraception option are concerned about the potential pain following the surgery. As discussed above, a mild level of discomfort is considered normal after the surgery and can be well managed by pain medication and ice packs. A small amount of light bleeding and swelling around the incision may occur and should subside within a few days.

Studies show that approximately 20% of men will experience chronic pain for 3 or more months following the procedure. Less than 1% of patients may experience a blood vessel bleed in the scrotum that may form a blood clot. This may need to be drained by a doctor. In very rare occasions the cut ends of the vas deferens may re-join and cause an unplanned pregnancy. These complications do not feature in our practice where an open-ended technique with the reconstruction of the vas deferens is performed as part of the Vasectomy.

If you are considering vasectomy surgery or would like to find out more about the recovery and risks associated with the procedure contact Metrocentre today!

So, how effective is a vasectomy?

Happy couple

Effectiveness is an important and common concern when choosing a birth control method. So what is the effectiveness of a vasectomy?

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is clamped, cut, or otherwise sealed and prevents the release of sperm when a man ejaculates. A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control and is the most effective birth control for men.

How effective is a vasectomy?

With a success rate of 99.85%, it means that only 1 to 2 women out of 1,000 will have an unplanned pregnancy in the first year after their partners have had a vasectomy.

But while the overall failure rate for a vasectomy is at 0.15 percent, this is still not a completely accurate depiction of a vasectomy’s true effectiveness. In fact, most vasectomy failures happen during the first couple of months after the procedure, before the sperm count had dropped to zero. With live sperm still present in the semen, you must use another method of birth control until the sperm count is confirmed to be zero. Unfortunately, some men skip to confirm this and end up regretting it.

Remember: your partner can still become pregnant until your sperm count has dropped to zero – you must use another method of birth control for the next few months after your vasectomy.

So essentially, a vasectomy is not effective immediately. Sperm remains beyond the blocked tubes and it usually takes about three months for this to be ejaculated or reabsorbed. A simple test — semen analysis — shows whether your sperm count has dropped to zero and most men go back to the doctor’s office to have their sperm count checked.

What happens to sperm after a vasectomy?

After a vasectomy, the testicles continue to produce sperm, but the sperm is reabsorbed by the body. This always happens to sperm that is not ejaculated after a while whether you have had a vasectomy or not. This is the same way the body handles cells that disintegrate, die and are replaced every day.

A vasectomy does not change your hormones and will not inhibit your sex drive, ability to have erections or to ejaculate. Your semen will look completely normal and there will be about the same amount as before.

Vasectomy effectiveness with Metrocentre’s Dr Lekich

If you are considering going down the route of permanent birth control, Dr Lekich is one of Australia’s most experienced vasectomy microsurgeons. Contact our friendly clinic coordinator to arrange a confidential consultation and find out your options.

disheartened

A failed vasectomy reversal is not your last chance to have children

If you have received a vasectomy reversal in the past that failed, it’s important to know that this does not exclude you from a successful vasectomy reversal. IVF is not your only option and it is always beneficial to seek a second opinion and even a second surgery. Here at Metrocentre in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast we offer a world-class vasectomy reversal procedure pioneered by one of the greatest microsurgeons, Prof. Earl Owen.

Why choose the Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal

The Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal is a procedure exclusively performed at Metrocentre by Dr Chris Lekich and his team. Dr Chris Lekich was trained by Prof. Earl Owen with years of training and hands-on experience. Prof. Earl Owen is considered one of the world-wide fathers of microsurgery, having restored limbs as complex as the human hand after it had been severed and the double hand transplant.

Prof Earl Owen also developed the Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal which is one of the most exacting procedures available. Dr Chris Lekich of Metrocentre trained with Prof. Earl Owen at the microscope for years, and upon the succession of the Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal, added scrotal ultrasound for mapping assessment and planning for minimally invasive procedures to maximise results, redo vasectomy reversal procedures and complex infertility microsurgery.

Ultrasound is used to determine any anomalies which may affect the success of a vasectomy or a reversal and is a standard part of our advanced treatment today. The addition of ultrasound to Prof. Owen’s procedure was the final amalgamation of over 45 years of microsurgical experience and Dr Lekich’s own advanced experiences with varicose veins which inspired the use of the ultrasound in his four practices within Australia.

If you’re going to choose a second opinion or surgery, choose Metrocentre

Dr Lekich and his team provide advanced vasectomy and microsurgical vasectomy reversal procedures. The team approaches each case compassionately and sensitively bearing in mind that vasectomy reversals and the heightened concern about success fathering children after a vasectomy are emotionally charged.

The best success of a vasectomy reversal is the first go. However, by using ultrasound it is possible in many cases to predict if a reversal redo procedure has got potential for success.

Don’t give up on a vasectomy reversal

Dr Lekich and his team have seen many patients for a vasectomy reversal from all over Australia and overseas that now have children. If you’re ready to try for your first child or even extend your family please don’t give up until you give us a call.

Book an initial consultation with Dr Lekich and his team today.

male back

Many men ask “Will a vasectomy reversal cause any sexual problems?” or “will sex change after a vasectomy reversal?”.

Here at Metrocentre, we understand your concerns, especially because part of the reason for getting an original vasectomy can be related to wanting to optimise the frequency of sex without the concerns of an unwanted pregnancy. The answer to these questions is no, a vasectomy reversal with Metrocentre will not alter your sexual activity in the long run. Your ability to get an erection will not be affected and the intensity of your orgasms will also stay the same.

How anatomy affects a vasectomy reversal

The part of the male anatomy that is involved in a vasectomy and vasectomy reversal is the vas deferens. This is the tube that delivers sperm into ejaculation, and when reconnected it can make it possible, once again, to have a child. The enjoyment of sex which is attributed to orgasm and the ability to get an erection is affected by a different part of the anatomy. These two occurrences are affected by the nerves that are located throughout the penis, pelvis and prostate. These are NOT operated on during a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal, only the vas deferens will be altered. At Metrocentre a minimally invasive technique is used to minimally disrupt the tissue. This surgery is inspired by our microsurgical vasectomy reversal surgery techniques Pioneer by Prof Earl Owen since the late 1960s.

During a vasectomy reversal, the vas deferens (which will have been disconnected) will be reconnected, combining sperm and ejaculate once again. So, in conclusion, a vasectomy reversal does not alter the feeling of any sexual activity, it simply changes the “formula” by re-adding sperm to the equation.

Making the decision for a vasectomy reversal

A vasectomy reversal is a big step, and a significant change of mind that should be discussed with your partner and your doctor. Your partner should discuss with you the emotional reasons behind your decision and your doctor will discuss with you both the emotional and physical reasons so that he or she is sure of your peace of mind. Making an informed decision is important during any surgical procedure, even if you have received a vasectomy in the past.

Dr Chris Lekich has performed many microsurgical vasectomy reversals and is extremely skilled and precise with his microsurgery. If you want to discuss your options about vasectomy reversals please seek a professional opinion from Metrocentre.

What can compromise the success of a vasectomy reversal?

If you have received a vasectomy from another doctor there may be a chance that failure as a result of scarring at the join. This is one of the few things which can compromise a vasectomy reversal. The doctors at Metrocentre are extremely delicate and efficient with both our Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversals as well as our open-ended vasectomy procedures. Dr Lekich’s training with Prof Owen was so exacting that even the microsurgical needle used (non-cutting usually used for nerve tissue) was insisted unlike vasectomy reversals performed all around the world using cutting needles. This ensures that there is minimal scarring in the bore/lumen measuring 2 to 3 hair widths in width maximising success.

Another bodily complication which can arise is blockage of the epididymis. If this occurs then Dr Chris Lekich will perform a Bypass Epididymovasostomy (BEV)  which is where the vas deferens (sperm tube) will be directly and microsurgically connected to the epididymis (the tubes that actually store sperm). This is an extremely delicate procedure and is performed by very few microsurgical in the world. Dr Chris Lekich has been trained by Prof Earl Own – one of the great pioneers of microsurgery – who actually pioneered the bypass procedure. Dr Lekich only succeeded Prof Owen when he was confident that Dr Lekich could perform the procedure to the same degree and that it was like watching his own fingers down the microscope. So you can rest assured, by selecting Metrocentre for your procedure that you’ll be received the highest level of care and skill. Dr Lekich shows patients video of this bypass epididymovasostomy procedure during the consultation. Dr Lekich challenges patients to insist on seeing this video from any other surgeons performing vasectomy reversal surgery and that they should seek a second opinion if this surgery is not commonplace as the success rates will be limited.

Book an appointment with Metrocentre in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast today.

Reports on Long-term Pill Use

pills

If Long-term Pill Use is no longer appropriate, then consider an Open-Ended Vasectomy with Metrocentre.

There are certain situations when you’re not able to take the contraceptive pill, such as;

  • Weight gain
  • Pigmentation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache or a migraine
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of libido
  • Bone density loss
  • Breast cancer
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Varicose veins
  • Past history of blood clots
  • Family history of blood clots
  • Stroke
  • Blindness
  • Liver tumours
  • Heart disease

When you have fully explored your options and you decide on a vasectomy, carefully consider your procedure with Metrocentre. Our open-ended vasectomies are carefully considered by our microsurgical vasectomy reversals where a reconstruction performed without any destruction (reconstructing the two ends into separate compartments) to minimise post vasectomy pain and maximise the reversibility should this be required.

Very few doctors offer an open-ended vasectomy and when they do almost do not perform a reconstruction and instead cut out precious vas deferens plumbing to avoid two ends coming back together. For this reason, most of these doctors can perform a vasectomy quickly (about 15 min) and through a small central incision. Metrocentre open-ended vasectomy approach takes 30 minutes and two carefully placed small (3-4 mm) incisions for the extra work that is required rather than a quick snip.

Most general practitioners, urologists and surgeons perform the closed vasectomy which can lead to a sudden increase in pressure in the delicate tubules called the epididymis and in some cases there is an associated cascade of inflammation that causes scarring of these delicate tubules.

Why you should consider vasectomy as a solution to pregnancy risk

The pill is often regarded as the ideal contraceptive option, however, many women and men do not consider vasectomy as an option, especially as you get older. Vasectomy should be considered as an option as it is one of the most natural ways to stop unplanned pregnancies. This is because it does not require synthetic hormones of any kind, it requires a surgical procedure that should be performed by an experienced professional such as Dr Chris Lekich at Metrocentre.

Dr Lekich performs the open-ended vasectomy which involves disconnecting the vas deferens. The testicular end of the tube will be left ‘open’ and the other end will be separated by tissue in the scrotum. This way sperm continues to be produced and erupts out of the gas tube into the tissue, which will absorb this.

This procedure is extremely beneficial compared to a traditional vasectomy as it does not cause any build-up of sperm in the testicle and there is rarely a case of aching or post-vasectomy pain. This is because there is no added pressure on any part of the testicles or epididymal tubules.

Common questions about Vasectomy

Will I still be able to have an erection?

Yes. You will still be able to have an erection as the only physical alteration that is made during the open-ended vasectomy is where the sperm goes after orgasm, that is only interrupting plumbing.

Will sex feel the same?

All of the sensations during sexual intercourse should feel the same. No part of the penis is altered, only a small incision is made in the scrotum to alter the vas deferens.

It must be noted however that if you have a post-vasectomy congestion pain syndrome or a severe complication post vasectomy of haemorrhage or infection, that sex, marriages and work can be severely affected. Dr Lekich to his knowledge to date has not had one case of post-vasectomy congestion pain syndrome. Due to his expertise at scrotal ultrasound assessment and management of post-vasectomy pain syndrome, he sees patients from all over Australia and overseas where vasectomy has been performed resulting in complications, the occasional suicidal patients, where patients were not made aware of their options to have a refined type a vasectomy.

Will my testosterone be affected at all?

No, an open-ended vasectomy does not alter the production of testosterone at all.

If you have any further questions the team at Metrocentre welcomes your enquiry. We have convenient locations in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast and we frequently see patients from interstate or overseas. If you’ve been contemplating a vasectomy or if you want a better option for contraception please contact Dr Lekich.

Book a consultation with Dr Lekich today.

Family

When starting a second family, or even your first after a vasectomy it’s important to consider your options

Many Australian families are considering trying for a family for the second time. Thousands of Australian men in particular are looking into vasectomy reversals to reverse the choice that they made years prior to their change of mind. There are many reasons why a man may choose to have a vasectomy in the first place. He may already have children and decide to opt for sterilisation with his partner, or he may have individually decided that he does not want children. No matter what the reason, there are many men who opt for a reversal down the track, usually because of a new partner that wants children or because of a change of mind.

What are my options after I’ve changed my mind?

After you’ve changed your mind and have decided to try for a family after a vasectomy you have a couple of options. A vasectomy reversal and IVF are commonly compared when it comes to having a baby after a vasectomy. IVF is the manual insertion of sperm into a ripe female egg which is performed in a laboratory. Sperm is extracted from the male who has undergone a vasectomy in a number of different ways. The alternative to this laboratory option is a vasectomy reversal which enables a much more natural impregnation. The man and the woman will still engage in intercourse, rather than the exchange of fluids being performed by a lab technician.

We perform microsurgically inspired vasectomy reversals at Metrocentre in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We have one of the most advanced reversal procedures available globally, which is why we have had patients visit us from inter-state and overseas from locations such as Dubai and New Zealand. The procedure that we have in place at Metrocentre is the Owen 3-Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal which was pioneered by Professor Owen – a renowned microsurgeon with decades of experience in microsurgery including some of the most intricate surgeries possible including performing the world’s first successful hand transplant.

He passed on this distinct knowledge and expertise to Dr Chris Lekich, who has performed side-by-side with Professor Owen for many years. Dr Chris Lekich is now the successor of Professor Owen and is passionate about the procedures which Dr Earl Owen passed down to him.

Is a vasectomy reversal or IVF more successful for pregnancy?

When it comes to the success rate of falling pregnant vasectomy reversals have a stronger track record. As you can see in the diagram below IVF is dependent not only on the success of the procedure but also the age of the woman, as this will decrease the effectiveness of the procedure.

What is involved in the IVF procedure?

IVF stands for In Vitro Fertilisation and it is performed with sperm aspiration (extraction). The process involves removing the sperm and eggs, fertilising them in a laboratory and then reinserting them into the female. Often up to six embryos will be inserted as there is not a significantly high success rate. The female will be required to take fertility medication which includes hormones to regulate her ovulation. Both the extraction of eggs and sperm will be performed in minor surgical procedures.

When you compare the extremities that are involved in IVF to those involved with the vasectomy reversal procedure it’s clear that the reversal is less traumatic for the couple as a whole. Only one individual will be required to have a surgical procedure, and there will be no hormone-altering medication involved.

More about the Owen 3 Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal

The Owen 3 Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal procedure will involve a 2-3 hour long procedure as the intricate layers of the vas tube will need to be reconnected. This procedure performed by Dr Chris Lekich is precise and advanced, as it is not as simple as reattaching two ends of a tube. He will use an operating microscope with high magnification and a Xenon light source to ensure optimal visibility throughout the procedure. You can rest assured that you will be comfortable during your procedure as we use heavy twilight sedation.

Ultimately the choice is up to you when it comes to which route to take to start your new family, however, the Owen 3 Layer Microsurgical Vasectomy Reversal has been performed on thousands of men with positive results.

Book an appointment with Dr Chris Lekich today to find out more.

Metrocentre’s Dr Chris Lekich was recently interview by David Sibenaler for the Royal Institution of Australia. The article focused on overpopulation and the role vasectomies could play in preventing the issue.

You can read the full article in power point format below.

Dr Chris Lekich is the successor of the highly skilled microsurgeon Professor Owen. He has also been mentored by Dr Errey and Dr Walters who were both pioneers of the vasectomy. Dr Chris Lekich believes that this delicate procedure should not be viewed as a ‘quick snip’ – this is why Dr Lekich (as directed by his mentors) invests thirty minutes of careful procedure time to ensure your vasectomy procedure is performed according to the highest standards.

Metrocentre also offers vasectomy reversals inspired by microsurgical techniques that require precision and skills that only Dr Chris Lekich can provide. This is why he receives many patients from Australia, New Zealand and even Dubai seeking his professional standard of vasectomy reversals and vasectomies.

Contact Metrocentre in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast by calling us on 1800 FOR MEN.

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