Vasectomy in Vienna — UROMED CompetenceCenter

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is one of the most effective and safest methods of permanent birth control. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia or sedation. The procedure takes around 20–30 minutes in total.

With the most modern vasectomy method — the so-called "No-Scalpel technique" — the scrotal skin and the sheaths around the vas deferens are opened and spread without the use of a surgical blade, to access the vas deferens. The vas deferens is then severed and both ends are sealed in the conventional way.

With the "mini-needle" anaesthesia technique we use, a small amount of anaesthetic is injected directly into the skin and into the two underlying vas deferens. This precise delivery optimises the anaesthesia and minimises tissue damage.

This procedure is associated with relatively few surgery-related complications such as bruising. Wound infections also occur comparatively rarely.

"Sterilisation is an option for both men and women. For men the procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The advantage of this method is that it provides a permanent solution — no need for further contraceptives. In the long term it also saves costs. It is a highly reliable method and has no effect on sexual desire or the ability to experience pleasure."

The Pearl Index indicates how many out of 100 women become pregnant within a year despite using a contraceptive method. With a Pearl Index of 0.1, the vasectomy is one of the safest contraceptive methods available — comparable to the pill, but without daily intake and without hormonal side effects.

Vasectomy or female sterilisation — what is the difference?

The vasectomy is the simpler and lower-risk procedure compared with female sterilisation (tubal ligation): while a vasectomy is performed on an outpatient basis in around 20 minutes under local anaesthesia, tubal ligation takes about 30 minutes and usually requires general anaesthesia with laparoscopy. Recovery after a vasectomy is 2–3 days; after tubal ligation it averages 1–2 weeks. The complication risk also differs significantly: tubal ligation has complications such as bleeding or inflammation in 10–20 out of 1,000 procedures, and serious injuries to internal organs in approximately 1 out of 1,000 — with a vasectomy under local anaesthesia the risk is lower because no entry into the abdominal cavity is required. Both methods are comparable in terms of reliability (Pearl Index vasectomy: 0.1 / tubal ligation: 0.1–0.4), yet the vasectomy is the physically gentler choice for the couple.

Vasectomy costs Vienna — prices & insurance coverage

At UROMED CompetenceCenter Urology, the vasectomy is performed under the highest standards of quality and hygiene. A detailed overview of vasectomy costs and insurance coverage can be found in our guide.

What is the legal situation in Austria?

In Austria the same legal provisions apply to a vasectomy as to female sterilisation. The man must have reached the age of 25 and the procedure must not conflict with public morals. Family planning should already be completed. The consent of other persons is not legally required, although it is advisable to discuss the decision with a spouse or partner.

Preparation and initial consultation for a vasectomy

If your family planning is complete and you are considering a vasectomy, the best first step is to arrange an information consultation at UROMED CompetenceCenter Urology.

During a brief examination we can determine whether any anatomical anomalies are present in the genital area and whether your vas deferens is suitable for a vasectomy under local anaesthesia or sedation. If you then decide to go ahead, a detailed consultation follows, in which you are informed about the procedure and any possible complications. The cost of the consultation is included in the surgical fee.

What to keep in mind after your vasectomy:

For detailed guidance on recovery after a vasectomy, see our guide article.

• First 24 hours: Rest physically, no driving on the day of surgery (due to painkiller use). A cold pack on the groin helps with swelling.
• From day 1: Office work and seated activities are possible again.
• From day 3: Light physical activities that don't strain the pelvic area.
• From day 7: Swimming pool, competitive sports and sexual intercourse are allowed again.
• Up to week 12: Continue using contraception — until sperm-free status is confirmed by two sperm analyses (at 12 and 14 weeks). You will receive written confirmation by post.

What our patients say about their vasectomy at UROMED