Here in Australia, we are fortunate to have access to one of the world’s top healthcare systems. Having options when it comes to our health is wonderful, but it can be difficult to navigate providers, hospitals and clinics, and costs. This applies to vasectomy procedures, too. While we can’t make the decision for you, our team at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia has put together some factors to consider when choosing your vasectomy provider.
1. Waiting times
You can get a vasectomy done in a vasectomy clinic, in a hospital as day surgery, or sometimes in a GP clinic.
While having a vasectomy is certainly not something to rush into, considering the waiting times between the public and private systems might be helpful to consider.
Waiting times can vary on your location, however according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare:
- Hospital waiting times for elective surgery are longer in the public system compared to private.
- The average public hospital waiting time was 48 days during 2020–21 for all elective surgeries
Because a vasectomy is considered non-urgent elective surgery, some state health departments have advised wait times are extensive and suggest external providers, such as private clinics.
2. Cost
Vasectomy is considered elective surgery, so the procedure will always incur some kind of cost. This cost could be influenced by a few different factors, including Medicare, provider costs and your health insurance coverage. Understanding vasectomy costs can help you decide on the right provider for you.
Eligibility for Medicare rebate
If you’re an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or applying for your permanent residency, you’re eligible for Medicare. Having access to Medicare means that some medical costs are covered – including for vasectomies.
If you don’t have access to Medicare, you can still undergo a vasectomy procedure, but you will have to pay more overall.
For example, a vasectomy at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia is $770. If you are eligible, Medicare will refund you $263, bringing the total cost to $507, as of May 2023.
You can read more about the cost of vasectomies in Australia here.
Individual clinic/provider costs
Individual vasectomy providers’ fees can vary widely – dependent on demand, location, anaesthetic, and vasectomy technique used. Costs are generally available on providers’ websites, or by contacting them for a quote.
Level of health insurance coverage
Private health funds will cover vasectomies in varying ways – and understanding exactly where you stand can be confusing. The good news is that if you have private hospital insurance, you may have minimal out-of-pocket costs to pay.
For an accurate overview of how much a vasectomy procedure will cost, contact your health provider or our clinic to arrange a quote.
3. Your convenience & comfort
Referral
You don’t need a referral from your GP to undergo a vasectomy procedure. You will need a consultation with your healthcare provider before the procedure, which can be on the same day or in advance if you wish.
This flexibility is good for several reasons. If you wish to talk with your trusted GP prior, they may be able to either refer you or point you towards a vasectomy clinic or specialist, plus give you some background information about the procedure.
Conversely, if you’ve already decided on your vasectomy provider, some – like Circumcision Vasectomy Australia – can provide both your consultation and vasectomy in the same appointment. This means you can be done and dusted within 45 minutes. The vasectomy surgery itself only takes 20 minutes!
Aftercare
Choosing a vasectomy provider that provides comprehensive aftercare and support is key in your recovery – even if it’s just for your own peace of mind.
Here at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, we make sure that we provide you with all the information and documentation you might need after the procedure, including doctor’s note or scripts if you need them. We also give our patients access to a 24-hour aftercare service free of charge in case you are worried about pain or other side effects.
This is the level of care available in smaller private clinics rather than hospitals, which may be something to consider in your decision.
Clinic location
As mentioned above, the clinic location can affect the overall vasectomy cost – however it’s important to consider the convenience of the proximity to your home as well.
If local anaesthetic is used, you will be able drive yourself home to recover. If an IV ‘twilight’ sedation is used, you must be released into the care of a friend or family member, and you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours. Finding an accessible location with office hours that suit you is important to consider when it comes to choosing a vasectomy provider, along with your pre-procedure and post-procedure experience.
4. Expertise
As mentioned, many different health providers perform vasectomies in Australia, including specialists and GPs. Making the decision to have the procedure is a big one, so you should ensure you feel comfortable with the experience and credentials of the provider you choose.
A vasectomy doctor that specialises in the procedure, with specific and detailed training will ensure the experience is as successful and safe as possible.
5. Vasectomy Technique
There are two different techniques used for vasectomies. In brief, they are:
- Open procedure method: one or two small openings are made in the front of your scrotum with a scalpel. The vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm) is then cut and sealed. The opening in the scrotum is closed with stitches.
- No scalpel method: one small puncture is made in your scrotum and the vas deferens are cut. No external stitches are required.
The result of each procedure is the same (sterilisation); however, the latter has decreased recovery time and decreased post-operative pain. Here at Circumcision Vasectomy Australia, our doctors specialise in the no-scalpel technique.
Get in touch with Circumcision Vasectomy Australia
If you’re considering undergoing a vasectomy procedure, our clinic is always happy to help answer any questions you might have so that you can know more about the procedure and the best way we can help you.
