Vasectomy is the medical name for male sterilisation. It is a simple surgical procedure which closes off the small sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens) located in the scrotum to prevent sperm from getting into the seminal fluid you ejaculate. After the procedure, although you will climax and ejaculate as before, sperm produced in the testicles can no longer travel through these tubes, therefore eliminating the chance of conception.

If you feel your family is complete or are certain that you don’t want to have children, vasectomy may be the right choice of contraception for you. However it is a permanent procedure and should be considered very carefully before going ahead.

On the day of your vasectomy you will see a counsellor to ensure that you are confident of your decision. If you are under 25, it is recommended that you have extra counselling before making your final decision.

Vasectomy is probably the most effective method of contraception that exists. The failure rate is much less than 1%.

However, there is a slight chance of failure that can occur at any time. This may be due to the sperm-carrying tubes rejoining naturally. 80% of failures occur within two months of the procedure, so if sperm is detected in the follow-up semen tests, the procedure can be repeated at no extra cost.

At Marie Stopes International we perform vasectomy under local anaesthetic. An anaesthetic injection numbs the area and then a very small hole is made in the front of the scrotum. Through this opening, each sperm carrying tube (vas deferen) is cut and sealed off. Once this heals you will have a very small scar on the scrotum which will become invisible over time.

On average, the procedure takes around ten minutes. You will be required at the centre for about an hour and a half.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which might mean a short sharp pain from the injection, but it starts working straight away and will make the area feel numb. You may feel some sensation during the procedure, but this should not be painful. Afterwards you may feel some discomfort, but ordinary painkillers and cold packs will help and the soreness won’t last very long.

In order to prepare for your vasectomy please follow these important instructions:

• Do not use painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication, with the exception of Panadeine®, 24 hours before your procedure. If you are taking aspirin this must be stopped 1 week before your procedure after consultation with your doctor.
• Do not drink alcohol before your procedure.
• Shower the evening before, and again on the day of your vasectomy.
• Wear firm fitting underwear on the day of your vasectomy (ie: don’t wear boxer shorts).
• If you choose to undergo either conscious IV sedation or a general anaesthetic there are necessary fasting requirements which you are required to undertake. These will be explained to you by your doctor.

You will not be sterile straight away. As there will still be some sperm left in your tubes, you will need to use another method of contraception for a few months until your doctor informs you that your semen is free of sperm.

Following the vasectomy, we will ask you to supply a semen sample around three months after the procedure. The sample is checked under a microscope to see if there are any sperm present. When there are no sperm in the semen sample we will send you an ‘all clear’ letter. You can then have sex without using another method of contraception.

Note however that a vasectomy cannot protect you against any sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. To protect yourself and your partner against these infections, you need to use condoms.

It can take quite a number of ejaculations (we recommend at least 20 ejaculations) to clear the tubes of sperm so we may need to ask you for more samples. You will be kept updated throughout the whole process.

Vasectomy is a common, simple and safe procedure and long term effects are very rare. However, like all surgical procedures, there are some risks:

• You may experience some swelling and bruising, however this can be relieved by using an ice pack and painkillers. A small pea-sized lump may develop on the operation site and remain a while. This is your body’s natural healing reaction and does not need treatment.
• A small risk associated with any surgical procedure is infection, but this is easily treated with antibiotics.
• You may sometimes get a small amount of bleeding from the opening of the scrotum. On very rare occasions, particularly if you have engaged in hard physical labour, this may form a swelling deep inside the scrotum but will usually disappear over time.

You will most likely need to rest for a couple of days after the procedure. So if you have a procedure on the Friday, you could rest over the weekend and be back at work on the Monday. If you have a physically demanding job we would advise you to take a week off.

Immediately after the procedure, you should go straight home and relax with your feet up. For a week afterwards, try to avoid long periods of standing or walking.

Physically strenuous sports or exercise should be avoided for at least four weeks. More gentle activity such as swimming can be resumed after about two weeks.

Vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilisation. If there is a chance you might change your mind or you are not 100% certain, you should consider a different method of contraception, such as a condom.

No. A vasectomy cannot protect you against any sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. To protect yourself and your partner against these infections, you need to use condoms.

Vasectomy does not affect your hormones, orgasm or ejaculation so there is no reason for it to have a negative impact on your sex life.

Many couples have found greater sexual freedom once they no longer have the worry of an unplanned pregnancy.

You can have sex again as soon as you feel comfortable. We recommend that you wait a few days for the incision to heal. Remember to use another method of contraception until you are informed that your vasectomy has taken effect.

There is no conclusive evidence that links vasectomy to cancer of the prostate or testicles.

Vasectomy or condoms are the only methods of contraception available to men.

However, there is a permanent sterilisation procedure available to women – female sterilisation. There are also other short and long-term methods of contraception your partner could use. Short-term methods include the pill, condoms or a diaphragm. Long-term methods include IUDs, and contraceptive implants or injections.