Vasectomy
Frequently Asked Questions

What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a quick, safe, and effective method of contraception. It is a minor procedure which takes about 15 minutes and seals the tube (vas deferens) which carries sperm. This will prevent sperm entering your semen, which is the fluid ejaculated during sex. Without the sperm in the semen, an egg cannot be fertilised, which prevents a pregnancy.

It is a permanent method of contraception that cannot easily be reversed, so you should take some time to think about whether this decision is right for you.

What is vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a quick, safe, and effective method of contraception. It is a minor procedure which takes about 15 minutes and seals the tube (vas deferens) which carries sperm. This will prevent sperm entering your semen, which is the fluid ejaculated during sex. Without the sperm in the semen, an egg cannot be fertilised, which prevents a pregnancy.

It is a permanent method of contraception that cannot easily be reversed, so you should take some time to think about whether this decision is right for you.

How much does a vasectomy cost?

If you want to access a privately funded vasectomy procedure, please contact us via our email below.

We provide the non-scalpel vasectomy method under local anaesthetic.

The prices are as follows:

Does a vasectomy work straight away?

No – there will be some sperm left in your tubes after your procedure, so you will need to use another method of contraception until we have confirmed the success of your vasectomy in writing.

We will test your semen at 16 weeks after the procedure. When you have given your sample, we will write to let you know that your vasectomy has been successful and that you can stop using contraception. In some cases this can take several tests.

Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?

A vasectomy will not affect your hormones, orgasm, or ejaculation, so there’s no reason why a vasectomy should affect your sex life. After a vasectomy, the testicles will still produce the hormone testosterone, which is the male sex hormone. Many couples say that they enjoy sex more after a vasectomy. This is because they can choose to have sex more spontaneously, without worrying about an unintended pregnancy.

Will I still be able to ejaculate?

After a vasectomy, you will still be able to ejaculate. Vasectomy does not affect orgasm or the appearance of your semen.

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

Once you have booked an appointment for your vasectomy procedure, you can begin to prepare so that it goes as smoothly as possible.

Taking time off after your vasectomy procedure

We recommend that you arrange to take at least 48 hours to rest after your appointment.

If you have a job or hobbies that involve physical strain, such as heavy lifting or contact sports, we advise that you arrange to take two weeks off.

Eating and drinking before your appointment

On the day of your treatment please ensure that you do have something substantial to eat and drink before you come to the centre. This does not affect the local anaesthetic and will help to ensure you don’t feel lightheaded.

Arranging travel

We will send you a map showing you how to reach the clinic.

It is important to arrange your return travel before you come to your appointment. You must not drive yourself home after your procedure, or drive for 48 hours afterwards. We recommend that you do not use public transport, but you can use a taxi service. If you need to use public transport, we strongly recommend that someone is with you when you travel in case you begin to feel unwell.

What to wear

It is important to wear tight fitting cotton underwear on the day of your appointment, and for a minimum of seven days afterwards. The tighter the better. This is to support your scrotum, to make you more comfortable, and to speed up the healing process. We recommend that you wear underwear that is one or two sizes smaller than normal, with enough fresh pairs for your recovery.

Tight fitting underwear:

Pain relief

24 hours before your appointment, you can prepare some ice packs or ice trays in your freezer as they may be useful if you experience any swelling following your treatment.

You can bring some pain relief with you to your appointment – such as paracetamol and/or ibuprofen if you are able to take these. Do not take aspirin as this can increase the risk of bleeding. If you take aspirin for medical reasons, please let us know so we can discuss this further with you. If you have any questions about using pain relief medication, please talk to one of our nurses.

Drug use

You should not have used any recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you have taken recreational drugs, please tell us. This could affect your treatment and ability to consent.

Drinking alcohol

We recommend that you don’t drink alcohol 24 hours before your appointment. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate which may result in increased bleeding.

Bathing and Octenisan wash lotion

To help reduce the risk of infection prior to your surgical procedure we recommend you purchase Octenisan wash lotion 500mls, readily available online and in the high street pharmacy’s. This product is a mild, antimicrobial wash lotion for skin and hair and helps to reduce the colonisation of skin with bacteria prior to surgical procedures. Please use for 5 days prior to your vasectomy surgical procedure. The instructions for use are on the product.

On the day of your treatment, it’s a good idea to have a bath or shower before leaving home. Please do not shave or trim the hair around the testicles.

How should I care for my wound after a vasectomy?

As we only need to make a small puncture hole in the skin of your scrotum, your wound will be covered using just a simple dressing.

The dressing should be kept dry and held in place for at least 48 hours by wearing tight-fitting, supportive underwear during the day and at night. This provides more support, can reduce pain and swelling, and will be more comfortable. Please avoid taking a bath or shower during this period.

48 hours after your procedure:

Can I have sex after my vasectomy?

You can resume sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable. We advise you refrain from sexual intercourse for 48-72 hours after the procedure. Make sure to use contraception until we confirm in writing that your vasectomy has been successful.

Can I exercise after my vasectomy?

Avoid sports and physical exercise for at least two weeks following the procedure. This includes swimming and golf.

Heavy physical exercise and contact sports should be avoided for four weeks. Examples include rugby, football, squash, cycling, skiing and going to the gym.

You can judge your recovery by how quickly your wound is healing and how fast any swelling or pain goes away. If you are in doubt, please call us for advice.

How will I know if my vasectomy has been successful?

16 weeks after your procedure, we will need to test your semen in a laboratory. You should use another form of contraception You will need to use another method contraception until we have confirmed the success of your vasectomy in writing.

Can I reverse my vasectomy?

When deciding whether you want a vasectomy treatment, please remember that a vasectomy reversal is possible but not guaranteed so it is better to view a vasectomy as a permanent method of contraception. You should only proceed if you are certain you don’t want to have any, or anymore, children.

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