Our Services
We offer a wide range of services, including:
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Casualty & Theatre
Our Casualty and Theatre areas are located at Terrigal Medical Centre. We have a full range of equipment including:
- ECG
- Exercise stress tests
- Spirometry
- Cryotherapy
- Hyfrecator and cautery
- Surgical instruments for suturing, excisions etc
- Plastering
- Holter monitor
- Emergency resuscitation equipment
All our instruments are throughly cleaned and sterilised in an autoclave which meets the Australian Standards.
Central Coast Vasectomies
WHAT IS VASECTOMY?
Vasectomy is the name given to surgical sterilization of the male, an operation that prevents sperm traveling out of the testes and into the semen. If there are no sperm in your semen you cannot make a woman pregnant. The operation does not involve removing the testicles and will not affect your ability to produce semen. It will not change your sexual ability or male characteristics. You will still be able to have and enjoy sex and when you ejaculate it will feel the same. The only difference will be that your semen will not contain sperm.
WHAT HAVING A VASECTOMY MEANS
Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. You cannot stop using it if you change your mind. Although you may feel sure now that you will not want to father a child in the future, remember that circumstances can change. Would you still feel the same if you lost a child or changed your partner? Although reversal of vasectomy is often possible, a successful pregnancy after reversal cannot be guaranteed.
THE OPERATION
Vasectomy is a simple and straightforward operation. The surgeon makes 2 small openings in the front of the scrotum, picks up the vas deferens (the tube that carries the sperm) on each side in turn, and cuts and seals the ends of the divided vas. A small portion of each vas deferens is removed. The opening in the scrotum is closed by insertion of a single suture each side. The operation takes about 20 minutes and is carried out under a local anesthetic in the clinic.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Even though the operation takes a short time, you will be asked to allow two to three hours at the clinic for preparation, the operation and observation. When the anesthetic wears off, you will probably feel some pain at the site of the operation and have some bruising. Painkilling medication and tight fitting supportive underpants should relieve the soreness or discomfort. You should rest for a few days and avoid strenuous physical activity that exerts pressure on the groin or scrotum for one week. Normal day-to-day activity is not harmful, but if your work is physically strenuous you may need to take some sick leave. The doctor will tell you when you can shower or bathe, when to remove the dressing and when you can have sexual intercourse again.
HOW SOON IS THE OPERATION EFFECTIVE?
You will still have sperm in your tubes after the operation and it may take as many as 16 ejaculations to clear. You will be asked to take along samples of your semen for testing to a pathology laboratory two months after the operation. You will need to use another form of contraception until these tests show your semen is sperm-free.
WHERE DO THE SPERM GO?
Sperm continue to be produced in the testicles after the operation but are reabsorbed by the body.
SIDE EFFECTS OF A VASECTOMY
Apart from slight soreness, swelling and bruising immediately after the operation and lasting for a few days, there should be no side effects. Some men form sperm antibodies in the blood after the operation, but these do not appear to affect any other part of the body or cause any disease or discomfort. They may, however, be one of the reasons that prevent a man from fathering a child after having a reversal operation.
COMPLICATIONS
A small number of men experience bleeding or infection following a vasectomy. Rest, support for the scrotum, pain relief and antibiotics resolve most problems quickly. Occasionally sperm can leak from the ends of the cut tubes and produce small, hard lumps at the site of the operation. With time, this can occasionally lead to spontaneous rejoining of the tubes.
COSTS
The cost for the procedure is $710, which must be paid in full either by CASH or CREDIT CARD, as we do not accept CHEQUES on the day of the procedure. The Medicare rebate is $158.05 leaving an out-of-pocket expense of $551.95. Vas specimens are sent to Symbion Pathology and are bulk billed. Sperm counts post procedure will incur a cost from the pathology company.
Infant Male Circumcision
What is male circumcision?
Circumcision in the male is the removal of the foreskin of the penis, a practice that dates to ancient times.
In Australia, approximately 20% of male infants are circumcised, compared to 80% in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 15% of men not circumcised as infants will require circumcision later in life.
When is circumcision done?
The preferred timing of infant male circumcision is within 4 weeks of birth. It can be performed in most cases up to 12 weeks of age, but the procedural difficulty and risk rises with age. After 12 weeks, a decision to have a circumcision will have to wait until the infant is at least 12 months old, and will require a surgical referral.
Is it medically necessary?
No, there are no strong medical reasons to have it done. There are both benefits to being circumcised, and risks. These are discussed more fully below. Circumcision is largely a personal choice that the parents make for their infant based on personal preferences and/or religious beliefs.
Benefits of Circumcision
There are reported benefits to newborn male circumcision.
Fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs). Studies have clearly indicated there are fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs) in circumcised males. However, UTIs are rare in both circumcised and uncircumcised males.
Reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Studies indicate that circumcision may reduce the risk of acquiring STIs, including; HIV, Trichomonas, and human papilloma virus (genital warts). However, circumcision does not eliminate the risk of becoming infected with a STI. Additionally, the female partners of men who have been circumcised are at a lower risk of cervical cancer than other women.
Reduced risk of penile cancer. While cancer of the penis is rare, uncircumcised men appear to be at an increased risk for developing the disease. Good hygiene may reduce or negate this increased risk. In addition, several other variables are associated with increased risk of penile cancer, including: smoking, genital warts, and multiple sexual partners.
It is important to note that life style choices (such as number of sexual partners or smoking) are probably much more important risk factors for sexually transmitted disease, penile problems and cancer that circumcision.
Adverse Effects of Circumcision
Procedural risks. The rate of complications associated with circumcision is about 2 per 1000 cases. Most problems are minor. The most common complications are bleeding and local infection. Infection may occur in up to 10% of males after circumcision. It is usually mild and causes inflammation that resolves with local treatment. In very rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as damage to the penis or life threatening infections. If insufficient foreskin is removed, the child may require further surgical treatment at a later date.
Other considerations. The prepuce (a component of the foreskin) contains specialized sensory tissue that is removed during the circumcision. Some experts feel that the end of the penis becomes less sensitive when the foreskin is removed and that sexual sensation may be reduced. However, most circumcised males do not describe psychological trauma or decreased sexual function or desire as a result of the procedure.
Public and Professional Opinions on Circumcision
There are many opinions about the risks and benefits of circumcision. Feelings and beliefs are strong on both sides of the argument. Opponents claim that the procedure causes psychological damage, reduces sexual pleasure and they object to the infant's lack of choice on the matter. Those favouring the procedure cite health benefits such as those noted above.
In general, expert groups acknowledge the benefits of circumcision but do not recommend the procedure for all newborns.
Making a decision to circumcise an infant can be difficult for some parents. It is important to review the risks and benefits of the procedure, and discuss any questions that are generated with a trusted medical professional.
Pain Control During Circumcision
A number of measures are used to help control pain during the procedure. The infant will receive a numbing injection at the base of the penis using lignocaine. The infant may be given a sugar coated dummy or gloved finger tip, which causes natural painkillers (endorphins) to be released in the brain.
The Procedure
The infant will be examined to make sure there are no defects to the penis or scrotum prior to the procedure. The infant is then placed in a restraint, and will receive the anaesthetic needle at the base of the penis. The penis and the area of the skin around the base of the penis are then thoroughly cleansed. A clamp is applied to the foreskin, the glans (or head) of the penis is protected, and the foreskin is removed with a scalpel. The procedure takes about 15 minutes. The carers are then brought into the room to see what the newly circumcised penis looks like, and are shown how to care for the area. A recheck is scheduled (included in the initial fee) for 7 days later.
Costs
The cost of circumcision is $550 paid in cash or credit card at the time of service. This fee includes the one week follow up appointment.
Further information
If you are looking for a more detailed review, click on the site below.
http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-circumcision-in-baby-boys
