Scalpel Free Vasectomy FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect:
Before, During, and After Your Vasectomy

Plan your visit

From booking to recovery, we provide a streamlined, supportive experience with clear guidance at every stage.

How many visits are required for a vasectomy?

In most cases, just one visit. If you are clinically suitable, both the consultation and the procedure can be completed on the same day. If you prefer to have a separate consultation first, please let us know when booking.

Can I have sedation before the vasectomy?

Yes. An oral sedation option is available for patients who prefer it. You will be given this option at the time of your consultation. 
If you choose this, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home, and you should avoid driving or operating machinery for the remainder of the day.

How long does a Scalpel Free Vasectomy take?

The procedure itself usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
However, additional time is required for consultation, preparation, and post-procedure care.

We recommend allowing up to two hours in total to ensure the entire process is completed comfortably and without time pressure.

Can my partner be with me during the procedure?

Your partner is welcome to attend the consultation.

For clinical safety, infection control, and to allow the team to focus fully on your care, partners are asked to wait in the reception area during the procedure. 

Prepare

Get ready with simple, step-by-step guidance—shaving the area, what to wear, what to bring, and how to plan.

How should I shave before the vasectomy?

On the day of your procedure, please shave the area of the scrotum beneath the penis and along the sides. It is also advisable to trim or shave the remaining pubic hair.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. Slip-on shoes and trousers without a belt are easiest, as you’ll remove your belt and shoes before the procedure.

When can I shower?

Please shower before attending the clinic. After the procedure, keep the area dry for the remainder of the day. You may shower as normal the following morning.

When can I eat before my vasectomy? 

You are encouraged to have a light meal before the procedure; fasting is not required.

As the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, eating beforehand may help reduce the small risk of feeling lightheaded or faint.

What Should I bring?

  • Medicare card (or details)
  • Payment card

We will lodge your Medicare claim electronically on the day.

Should I stop my medication?

In most cases, you can continue taking your usual medications.

However, if you are taking blood-thinning medications or supplements such as fish oil, your procedure may need to be delayed until it is safe to proceed.

Your Visit

What happens on the day, who you’ll see, and what to expect before you leave—plus practical info like parking, driving home, and follow-up support.

Where Can I park?

  • Burpengary East: Onsite parking available
  • North Lakes: Building car park or Westfield nearby
  • Springwood: Onsite parking available
  • Sunshine Coast: Only Street or near by hospital parking 
  • Mackay Day Hospital: Rear car park available 
  • Ooralea Clinic: Onsite parking available
  • Cairns Clinic: DFO Centre parking

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your appointment.

Who will I see?

You will be seeing the Nurse and Doctor who will be performing the vasectomy. 

Is everyone suitable for vasectomy?

Some situations may require extra discussion before proceeding, such as:

  • Under 25 years old
  • Not fathered any children
  • Uncertainty about your decision
  • Certain anatomical factors

Can I drive home afterwards?

If you do not take sedation, you may drive yourself home after a short rest in the clinic. If you have sedation, please arrange a driver or taxi. 

Can I contact the doctor after my procedure. 

Yes. You will be given all the information and advice on the same day including how to contact us after the procedure. 

After Care

Simple recovery guidance for the days and weeks after your vasectomy—what to do at home, when you can return to work and exercise, and how post-vasectomy testing and results work.

Recovery: home & work?

  • The anaesthetic will wear off in 2–3 hours.
  • Wear supportive underwear for at least three days.
  • Avoid heavy lifting (> 20 kg) for five days.
  • Rest where possible.
  • Desk-based work: Can return to work the next day 
  • Manual physical work: Allow at least 3 – 7 days, sometimes longer if heavy manual worker.

When can I have sex again?

You may resume sex after 1 week. You must continue contraception until your post-vasectomy test confirms clearance.

When can I return to sport or exercise?

Contact sports or cycling, jogging should be avoided for 2 – 3 weeks. 

Upper body exercise can be resumed after 1 week and lower body exercise can be resumed after 2 weeks. Cardio-activity such as treadmill and abdomen muscle exercises are best avoided for 2 weeks. 

What should I look out for?

Mild swelling, bruising, or small lumps are common and settle over time.

Contact us if you have:

  • Severe pain or swelling
  • Persistent bleeding
  • Signs of infection (redness, warmth, discharge)

Can there be blood in semen?

A small amount can occur for once or twice within several weeks after the procedure. It is usually harmless but settles without any treatment. Let us know if you have any concerns. 

Post-vasectomy test

What you need to know

  • Please do the test at least 16 weeks after the procedure and after 25 or more ejaculations.
  • Use the container and referral form we provide.
  • Abstain for 3–5 days before collecting your sample.
  • Take the sample to a collection centre or lab within 1–2 hours.

What is the cost of the test?

Pathology providers charge a small fee out of the pocket

How will I get my result?

Please notify us once you have submitted your test. We will send your clearance letter by email and will also attempt to contact you by phone. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, please contact our clinic.