MALE STERILISATION (VASECTOMY): WHERE TO GET IT AND ITS COSTS

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Where can I get a vasectomy? Some doctors do vasectomies under local anaesthetic in their surgeries. You can also have a local anaesthetic vasectomy at some Family Planning Centres, and at some public or private hospitals or private clinics. Some of these places also offer the option of light sedation. This is a drug given intravenously which doesn’t put you completely to sleep but does make you feel very relaxed and lessens any discomfort felt during the operation. Vasectomy under general anaesthetic is done in a hospital or day surgery.

What does a vasectomy cost? The cost of the operation varies a lot depending on whether you have it done by a specialist or general practitioner, in or out of hospital or under general or local anaesthetic. Medicare will cover some of the costs and in some cases so will your private health fund if you have medical insurance. Be sure to sort out the costs you will face with the doctor who will be performing the operation before you book in for surgery, and to check first with your health fund if you are thinking of making a claim through them.

Things to think about for men considering vasectomy

• Why do you want to have a vasectomy? Do you feel absolutely sure that you want to take this permanent step to prevent you from fathering children?

• Could it be possible that you would want another child if you have children now but they died, or if your partner died or your relationship broke up?

• How would you feel if you had a new partner who wanted to have a child with you?

• Are you, or your partner, worried that if you have a vasectomy, sex may not be so enjoyable?

• Do you have any doubts about having a vasectomy? If you do it is very important to talk them over with the doctor before you decide to have the vasectomy.