Frequently Asked Questions On Vasectomy

At Snip, a vasectomy costs $595.00.

Learn more about what it costs

No up-front payment or deposit is needed, but you are welcome to pay online when booking if you wish. Otherwise, payment can be made in the clinic on the day of your procedure.

For online payments at booking, we accept credit card, bank deposit, or Afterpay. If paying in clinic, you can use any major credit card, Eftpos, or Afterpay. Please note, we are unable to accept cash.

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No, you can just book directly with us.

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There is no minimum age—your balls, your choice.

A vasectomy is an option for anyone who feels certain about their family plans, with or without kids. Having kids is not a requirement.

Our key advice? Be sure of your decision. While reversals are possible, they are not always successful (and can be expensive). So, if you decide on a vasectomy, it is best to make that decision with confidence.

Our doctors are vasectomy specialists, completing the procedure in just 15 to 30 minutes. With their top-level expertise and skill, they balance speed with precision. They are focused, attentive, and efficient—working quickly without ever compromising on care.

Today is not the day to go commando—comfortable, supportive underwear is a must! We recommend briefs to keep everything secure, and you can even double up for extra support. As for the rest of your outfit, just wear whatever makes you comfortable. There is no need to change into a gown for the procedure.

Learn more about preparing for your vasectomy

Absolutely, you are welcome to bring someone with you. They can stay with you throughout the whole experience. 

During the vasectomy, we numb a small area at the front of the scrotum with a local anaesthetic. The only slightly uncomfortable part is the sting from the local anaesthetic, which lasts a few seconds. Once numbed, you may still feel some pressure or be aware of the doctor working in the area, so it might not feel entirely “comfortable,” but discomfort should be minimal.

If you do feel anything more than expected, let your doctor know—they can always add a bit more anaesthetic. 

For more on what to expect, see our blog post, Pain vs Discomfort During a Vasectomy.  

The local anaesthetic is injected into the front of the scrotum, numbing the area within seconds. Rest assured, your “boys” are in expert hands.

For more information, check out our blog post, Pain vs Discomfort During a Vasectomy.  

No, you will be awake the whole time. There is no need to worry about discomfort during the procedure—we numb the area with a local anaesthetic. 

We do not use general anaesthesia here, so if you feel you need it, it is best to talk with your GP for a referral to a Urologist who can provide that option. That said, we genuinely believe it is not necessary. We understand that the idea of a vasectomy can be mentally challenging, so it is important to make the choice that is right for you. In our experience, the procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated.

For more information, check out our blog post, Pain vs Discomfort During a Vasectomy. 

We make a small incision in the front of your scrotum, which typically heals within 5 to 10 days, though it may take up to three weeks depending on your body’s unique healing pace. During this time, you may notice a bit of clear fluid or slight weeping from the wound—this is completely normal. Your incision will close on its own, typically leaving minimal scarring.

Occasionally, we may use a dissolvable suture (stitch) to close the incision. This stitch will naturally dissolve over time, which can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. During this period, it’s common to experience mild itching or feel a small lump under the skin as it heals.

Learn more about recovering after your vasectomy

A vasectomy is one of the most reliable forms of contraception.

Most men receive a clear result at their three-month semen test, confirming they are sterile. For some men, it can take up to six months to achieve a clear result. At the six-month mark, there is a 1 in 300 chance that sterility has not been achieved, meaning the vasectomy wasn’t successful. If this happens, we will provide a repeat procedure at no extra cost. The chance of a repeat vasectomy not working is also 1 in 300.

Once you receive a clear semen test, the likelihood of the vasectomy failing in the future is extremely low—around 1 in 2,000.

No, a vasectomy does not cause you to lose testosterone. Think of it this way: your body produces two different “products” in the same factory—sperm and testosterone—but they have separate delivery routes. Sperm travel through the vas deferens (the tubes we Snip), while testosterone is released directly into your bloodstream.

A vasectomy does not interfere with testosterone at all, so your hormone levels will continue as usual. Rest assured, your body will keep producing testosterone just as it always has!

For more information, check out our blog post, Does vasectomy affect testosterone?

Yes, you can still get a vasectomy if you are on testosterone therapy (or taking anabolic steroids). Testosterone therapy often reduces sperm production, and around 70% of men on it have no sperm in their semen, meaning you might already be sterile.

If you are on testosterone, we recommend doing a semen test before your vasectomy. If sperm are present, we proceed as usual.

If no sperm are detected, we can still perform the vasectomy, but there will be no need for the standard three-month “clearance” test, as you already appear sterile. We therefore, cannot be certain your vasectomy was successful.

Coverage depends on your insurance provider and policy.

If we are an affiliated provider:
We are affiliated with some insurance providers, like NIB and AA. If your provider is one of our affiliates, we can help with pre-approval. We will send you a quote (including the  cost of a SpermCheck Kit) to submit to your insurer. Once approved, email us the confirmation, and we will bill your insurance directly. Without pre-approval, you will need to pay in full on the day of your procedure.

If we are not an affiliated provider:
If we are not affiliated with your insurance provider, you will need to check with them directly to confirm if vasectomies are covered under your policy. Usually, you will pay upfront on the day of your procedure, and then apply for reimbursement with your insurer. We will provide a receipt once payment is made.

To help reduce the risk of infection, we recommend shaving all pubic hair including your scrotum 2-3 days before your procedure. Timing matters—if you miss this window, it is better not to shave at all, especially not on the day of your vasectomy.

For more information, check out our blog post, How to decrease the chance of infection after vasectomy.

Immediately after your vasectomy, you will feel no pain or discomfort thanks to the anaesthetic. About an hour later, as the anaesthetic wears off, you may start to feel a mild, dull ache in your testicles. This is completely normal and usually lasts a few days. Any discomfort responds well to simple pain relief, especially Ibuprofen, which you can take as needed.

To keep you comfortable after your Snip, we will send you home with a week’s supply of Ibuprofen.

Learn more about recovering after your vasectomy

Absolutely. As long as you have a drivers license 😛

By all means. You more than deserve it.

You can shower after your Snip, but to prevent infection, avoid baths, pools, and spas until the wound is fully healed (up to three weeks). Keeping the area clean and dry is essential!

Of course. Treat yourself! There is no need to limit food intake before or after your vasectomy.

We recommend taking the rest of the day off after your procedure to rest and recover. It is essential to avoid any strenuous activity or sports for a full 7 days after your vasectomy.

If you have a physically demanding job, plan to take some leave or arrange for light duties during this recovery period.

You can return to work as soon as you feel ready. However, even if you feel fine, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity or sports for a full 7 days after your procedure.

If your job involves heavy physical work, make sure you are assigned to light duties if you return within that first week.

A cold one!

We will provide you with an ice pack for the trip home, but once you are back, any cold pack will do the trick. You can use an ice pack, a can of beer, or a bag of frozen veggies—whatever is handy.

If your journey home is longer than 30 minutes, we recommend bringing an extra ice pack with you to the procedure.

Absolutely. If you need a medical certificate to support your leave or for any other reason, just let us know, and we will arrange to send one to you on the day of your vasectomy.

You are free to fly anytime after your procedure; there is no required waiting period. However, please keep in mind that, in the rare event of any post-op complications, you may need to adjust your travel plans.

If you plan to fly within two hours of your procedure, we recommend bringing some ice packs. It is important to ice the area on and off for the first couple of hours after your Snip.

Non-motile sperm simply means dead sperm. To receive clearance, or be officially declared a contraception hero, you must have less than 100,000 dead sperm per ml. 

If you have any live sperm or if the quantity of dead sperm exceed 100,000 per ml, you won’t receive clearance. If this happens, it doesn’t mean that the Snip hasn’t been successful, you just might need more time to clear the pipes.

Learn more about sperm testing after your vasectomy

You can have sex or masturbate whenever you feel ready after your vasectomy. There is no need to wait for the site to heal, and as long as you keep things gentle, it does not count as a strenuous activity.

Just keep in mind that a small amount of blood in your semen is normal during the first few weeks after a vasectomy—nothing to worry about.

Until you’ve completed a semen test and received a clear result, please don’t rely on your vasectomy for contraception—you’ll need to use another form of contraception in the meantime to avoid the risk of pregnancy.

Learn more about sperm testing after your vasectomy

As soon as you please.

The only thing to be aware of is that some blood in the semen is normal during the first few weeks after a vasectomy. So don’t be alarmed.

You’ll be happy to know that life will carry on just as before—minus the worries! A vasectomy will not affect your sex drive, erections, or orgasms.

Once you receive a clear semen test, the only difference is that your semen will no longer contain sperm—which you likely will not even notice.

Not yet! While unprotected sex is on the way, you’ll need to keep using contraception until you receive a clear semen test. Until we confirm your vasectomy was successful, there’s still the risk of pregnancy—so hang tight and keep using protection for now.

Learn more about Sperm Testing

To confirm you are sterile, you will need to complete a semen test three months after your vasectomy. Until you receive a clear result, we cannot confirm that you are sterile or that the vasectomy has been fully successful.

Most men will reach sterility by the three-month mark, which is why this test is essential (don’t worry, we’ll remind you). For many, the test will confirm sterility right away, but for some, it may take a bit longer. There’s a small chance—about 1 in 300—that the procedure may not be fully effective on the first try, and in that case, a second procedure may be needed.

Learn more about sperm testing

For the first 7 days after your procedure, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity or sports, even if you feel fine before the week is up. Ignoring this 7-day guideline can slow down your recovery and lead to complications.

After that, you can ease back into exercise at your own pace. Just listen to your body and take it slow as you return to your regular activities.

For the first 7 days after your procedure, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity or sports—even if you are feeling good before the week is up. Ignoring this 7-day rule can slow down your recovery and lead to complications, so resist the urge to lace up those running shoes just yet!

After a week, you can start easing back into exercise at your own pace. Listen to your body and take it easy as you get back to your regular routine.

You can swim once the incision heals—usually 5 to 10 days, but it may take up to three weeks. Until then, avoid pools, spas, baths, and the ocean to prevent infection. Showers are fine!

Wait at least 7 days before lifting weights or returning to the gym after your vasectomy. Even if you feel fine sooner, jumping back into strenuous activities too early can slow down your recovery and increase the risk of complications.

After the first week, ease back into your routine gradually, and listen to your body as you return to heavier lifting.

Of course. That is, assuming they are still kid sized.

No, a vasectomy does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. Research confirms there is no connection between having a vasectomy and developing prostate cancer.

The procedure only affects the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) and does not impact hormone levels or prostate health. You can feel confident that a vasectomy is a safe choice for contraception without any added cancer risk.

No, a vasectomy does not raise your risk of testicular cancer. Research has shown no link between vasectomies and testicular cancer.

The procedure only involves the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) and does not affect the testes themselves. It is a safe and effective method of contraception with no increased cancer risk.

Yes, a vasectomy can technically be reversed, but it is not always successful, and the procedure is far more complex and costly than the original vasectomy. Success rates vary based on factors like how long it has been since the vasectomy and individual health.

There are procedures available for reversal, but we recommend considering a vasectomy only when you are ready for a permanent contraception solution. Reversals are possible, but they are not guaranteed to work, so it is best to think of a vasectomy as a permanent decision.

Unfortunately, we don’t offer vasectomy reversal services, so we recommend speaking with your GP for a referral to a Urologist or another clinician who can assist with this. 

Apart from vasectomy reversals which are not always successful, an alternative option is to have some sperm “saved” before the procedure. This can be arranged with Fertility Associates and offers a backup plan for future family planning.

We recommend going ahead with a vasectomy only if you are confident in your decision for permanent contraception.