The Vasectomy Procedure

Benefits of a vasectomy

• More than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy
• Straightforward procedure for our experienced surgeons
• No long term effects on sex drive, erections, or ejaculations
• A more reliable and safer form of contraception than alternatives including female contraception

How it works

The vasectomy is a straightforward procedure that takes around 15-20 minutes in total. The vasectomy procedure is carried out using a local anaesthetic and our surgeons and healthcare team will put you at ease, making sure you are as comfortable as possible for the duration of the procedure.

The following steps are followed during your vasectomy:

1. Your doctor will start by injecting the side of the scrotum with local anaesthetic. This feels like a pin prick.
2. Once the area is numb, a small incision is made into the scrotum. This hole is small and precise but big enough for our surgeon to remove a small section of vas deferens.
3. The vas deferens tube is cut, tied and sealed and a small section is removed to prevent the tubes re-joining.
4. This process is repeated on the other side of the scrotum.
5. The sealed tubes are placed back into the scrotum and a dissolving stitch will be used to close the wound, which prevents the need for a follow up consultation for stitches to be removed.
6. Our surgeon will clean and dress the wound as appropriate to protect it from infection.

This procedure is classed as day surgery and you will be free to leave immediately after your visit to our specialist.

Why choose a private healthcare provider?

If you are looking for a vasectomy in Birmingham, Cardiff, Shrewsbury or Wolverhampton you should consider a private provider. When you choose to use a private healthcare provider you can avoid extensive waiting times associated with the NHS, as well as benefit from experienced staff and modern, comfortable clinics and facilities. When you choose a private service, you will enjoy the following:

• No requirement of mandatory counselling that the NHS has in place.
• Consultations and appointments that suit your schedule and can be arranged quickly.
• Professional pre-op advice and care, as well the option of a consultation prior to your procedure to discuss whether this is the right option for you.
• The choice of a vasectomy in Birmingham, Cardiff, Shrewsbury or Wolverhampton.

Aftercare and recovery

Because a vasectomy is non-invasive and a minor surgery, there is very little downtime and recovery. However, there are a few general rules to keep in mind to help your wounds heal quickly and healthily and to ensure minimal discomfort during healing.

• There may be slight bruising or swelling around the scrotum. This will only last a few days and if you feel uncomfortable you can take over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol until the pain has passed.
• There may be some blood in the first few ejaculations following the procedure. This is normal and is not dangerous for you or your partner
• We suggest you avoid heavy lifting and rigorous sport for a week following the procedure to avoid any complications
• We recommend not having sex or masturbating, as well as ejaculating, for at least a week. After a week you can start having sex again when you are comfortable and this varies patient by patient.
• We advise against bathing for 10 days to allow the wound to heal. You can shower after a couple of days.
• Wearing tightly fitting underwear for the first few days following the procedure can help support the scrotum and minimise any swelling or discomfort.
• You should continue to use contraception until we have conducted your sperm analysis and confirmed that there are motile sperm remaining in your ejaculate.

Continue to use a condom if you have a new sexual partner as a vasectomy does not protect against STIs.