Vasectomy Service

Vasectomy Service

Information about the no-scalpel vasectomy service offered at the surgery

What Is A Vasectomy?

It is a quick and simple procedure done under local anaesthetic to cut the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. Once complete, the procedure offers a permanent contraceptive solution to men

At Blacketts Medical Practice we offer a “no-scalpel” vasectomy. It means less discomfort, faster healing and far fewer complications than conventional methods

Is A Vasectomy Right For You?

Things To Consider

  • You and your partner do not want any more children and you will not want to have more children in future
  • You have considered all of the options, including other forms of contraceptives such as coils or pills
  • Your oldest child is more than 6 months old
  • If you’re unsure about any of the points above, speak with your GP

Risks and Complications

As with any procedure, there are some risks and potential complications to consider:

  • When injecting local anaesthetic, you might experience some stinging. You might also feel some tugging during the procedure but you shouldn’t feel pain. If you start to feel pain you could alert the clinician
  • Testicular swelling can develop after the procedure and can last for a week or two. For some men, the testicle can swell to twice its normal size. Supportive underwear, ice packs and painkillers can help ease any discomfort
  • Some men will develop a sperm granuloma. This is a firm, pea sized lump in the scrotum caused by leaking sperm. It will usually go away with time. Wearing supportive underwear can reduce this risk
  • 1-3% of men will experience an infection or bleeding after the procedure. Some bruising or mild oozing around the scrotum is normal. Significant bruising, swelling or redness should be reviewed by a GP
  • 0.5% of men will experience failure of the vasectomy, where the tubes re-connect, within the first 3 months. This risk reduces to 0.05% after the first 3 months
  • Persistent pain can affect a very small number of men. This can last for several months and rarely causes significant pain. 0.05% of men will experience aching on a daily basis that requires painkillers. For some of these men, the pain can persist for longer. Resting after the procedure reduces the risk of persistent pain
  • 0.01% of men will experience a more severe complication that could require admission into hospital

On The Day

  • You do not need to do anything to prepare for the procedure, although some men will choose to shave the area. You should bring close-fitting underwear to the appointment
  • Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time to ensure you can check-in. Late arrivals might need to re-book their appointment
  • The tubes in the scrotum are identified and a small hole is made in the centre of the scrotum. The tubes are taken out of the scrotum and a section is removed, before the tubes are replaced
  • The procedure takes around 20-30 minutes and you can drive afterwards provided you feel well

Aftercare and Testing

Non-urgent advice: Contraceptive Advice

It is very important to use an alternative contraception until you have been advised that your semen analysis is negative by the surgery. A vasectomy does not provide immediate contraception and pregnancy may still be possible until your semen analysis results have been confirmed
  • It is recommended to take paracetamol and ibupforen (unless you have previously been advised not to) for the first 48 hours after the procedure
  • Avoid bathing or showering for 48 hours after the procedure. After this period you may shower, but continue to avoid submersing the area in water for 7 days after the procedure. It is recommended to avoid washing the scrotum directly and to dry the area with a cool hairdryer, rather than toweling, for 7 days after the procedure
  • Avoid heavy lifting or exercise for 7 days after the procedure
  • It is normal to experience some bruising, oozing, discomfort and swelling. You might also have a small amount of blood in the semen after the procedure
  • If you experience severe swelling, bleeding, bruising, redness or pain then contact the surgery on 01325 380640. When we’re closed, contact 111 or attend your local Urgent Care Centre
  • If you experience heavy bleeding, contact 111 or attend your local Urgent Care Centre
  • 16 weeks after your procedure we will send a semen analysis kit by post. You should not provide a sample from the first 25 ejaculates after your procedure as these may contain old sperm which could delay confirmation of your results. We recommend collecting and posting the sample from Monday to Thursday to avoid the sample being delayed by the postal service
  • The surgery will contact you with your result within 2 weeks of your sample being received and will provide advice if your sample remains positive
  • If you fail to provide a sample we will be unable to confirm success of your procedure and there is a risk of pregnancy

Frequently Asked Questions

The vasectomy does not have any health risks, but there are some complications which might occur. You can read more about them in the “Risks and Complications” section above
A vasectomy should be considered permanent. The NHS will not fund reversal procedures and privately funded procedures are not guaranteed to work
No. You must use another form of contraception until you receive confirmation from the surgery of a negative semen analysis. Semen analysis kits are sent 16 weeks after the procedure
As soon as you feel able to do so. It is important to use another form of contraception if you have sex before you receive confirmation of a negative semen analysis
It is recommended to rest for the first 48 hours after your procedure. After this time, you can return to work once you feel ready. For men in manual jobs, it is recommended to take 7 days off.
No. A vasectomy does not affect you hormones and will not change your sex drive. It will not cause any erectile problems