Vasectomy

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure which provides a permanent method of contraception for men. It works by cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. After a vasectomy, sperm is no longer present in the semen, preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy is over 99% effective and is considered the most reliable form of male contraception.

Why is a vasectomy performed?

A vasectomy is chosen by men who are certain they do not want any more children. It is a permanent solution and should only be considered if there is no desire for future reversal, as reversing a vasectomy is not always successful.

This procedure may also be chosen for couples who prefer to avoid female contraceptive methods, for example if a partner cannot use hormonal contraception for medical reasons. It is important to note that vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so barrier methods, such as condoms, may still be required.

Preparing for a vasectomy

Before undergoing a vasectomy, a consultation with a doctor is necessary to ensure the procedure is suitable. During this appointment, the doctor will explain how a vasectomy works, its risks, and the permanence of the decision. It is important to consider the long-term implications of the surgery, as reversing a vasectomy is difficult and may not restore fertility.

Some patients may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications or anti-inflammatory drugs before the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding. The patient should arrange for transport home, as driving is not recommended immediately after surgery.

What does a vasectomy involve?

A vasectomy is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but the area being operated on is numb. The procedure is quick, usually lasting around 15 to 30 minutes.

During a vasectomy, the doctor makes a small incision in the scrotum to access the vas deferens. The tubes are then cut and sealed to prevent sperm from entering the semen. The incision is then closed with dissolvable stitches and a dressing is applied to the scrotum to protect the area.

What are the potential risks and complications?

Although vasectomies are generally safe and have a low risk of complications, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

• Infection at the incision site: As with any surgical procedure, there’s a small risk of infection. Proper wound care and following post-operative instructions minimise this risk.
• Bruising, swelling, or pain in the scrotum: It’s common to experience mild swelling and bruising around the incision site. This usually resolves within a few days.
• Formation of a small lump (sperm granuloma): Very rarely a lump can form due to leaking sperm, requiring a further procedure to remedy the issue.
• Rarely, long-term testicular pain (chronic pain syndrome): A small percentage of men may experience chronic pain in the testicles or scrotum following the procedure, known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

In extremely rare cases, the tubes may reconnect, leading to the possibility of pregnancy. This occurs in less than 1 in 2,000 cases. The doctor will discuss these risks before the procedure and provide aftercare instructions.

The cost of a vasectomy varies depending on the healthcare setting, the type of vasectomy, location and other factors. Although the NHS can provide this procedure for free, it can come with a long waiting list, so private surgery is sometimes preferred. Private vasectomy clinics can be hard to find but with the Get Well Soon platform, you can compare vasectomy costs in Birmingham and book a consultation online.  Simply select the hospital and surgeon that best suits your needs.

Private vasectomies also come with several benefits. As we’ve touched on already, the waiting time is significantly less with private consultations often being available the same week. The flexibility of being able to choose the date and time that suits you best allows you to plan around work and family commitments.

Vasectomy recovery time

The recovery time for a vasectomy is generally short. After the procedure, most men can return home the same day, but it is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 to 48 hours. Mild discomfort, bruising, or swelling in the scrotal area may occur and can be managed with painkillers, ice packs, and supportive underwear. Most men can resume normal activities, including work, within a few days.

It is important to avoid heavy lifting or exercise for at least a week after surgery. Sexual activity can usually be resumed after about a week, but contraception must still be used until tests confirm no sperm is present in the semen.

Semen samples are typically checked 8 to 12 weeks after the procedure to ensure the absence of sperm. It is only safe to stop using contraception after receiving confirmation from the doctor.

A vasectomy is highly effective and offers a permanent solution for male contraception. Once confirmed by a semen analysis, the patient can enjoy the benefits of reliable contraception without the need for ongoing birth control methods. However, vasectomy should always be viewed as a permanent decision, as reversal is difficult and not always successful.

Men should continue to use barrier protection, such as condoms, to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as vasectomy does not protect against these.