A vasectomy is a permanent form of male contraception, offering a reliable way for men who are sure they don’t want to have any, or more, children in the future. Vasectomies have grown in popularity in recent years (over 20,000 are carried out every year), which has unfortunately resulted in lengthy NHS waits for the procedure in some regions – in some areas there is a 2 year wait.
How is a vasectomy carried out?
The procedure is usually quick and straightforward. It’s performed under local anaesthetic, so you’re awake but after an initial small injection you won’t feel pain in the area. The surgeon makes a small incision in the scrotum to access the ‘vas deferens’ —the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. These tubes are then cut, and sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the semen. The whole process takes about 15 minutes and can be done in a GP surgery, sexual health clinic, or hospital.
‘I have performed hundreds of vasectomies – these are a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that can be safely carried out in a day surgery like Haven Medical. Many men are anxious about this being painful, but we use a very fine needle to minimise any sting from the initial injection and after this you should not expect to feel any pain from the procedure itself. We use a no-scalpel technique, with no stitches and reduced risk of complications. Afterwards, you can expect to feel a bit tender for a few days and we would recommend supportive underwear and avoiding strenuous activities for a week or so afterwards.’ Dr Derek Webb, Vasectomy Specialist at Haven Medical.
The Pros and Cons of a Vasectomy
Deciding to have a vasectomy is a significant choice that should not be taken lightly. It is considered a permanent form of contraception. Whilst reversals are possible, there is no guarantee of success—particularly if many years have passed since the original procedure.
Life circumstances can change unexpectedly. Men may enter new relationships, or families may wish to have another child in the future. Such developments are often unpredictable, making careful consideration essential.
‘Most of the men I see for vasectomies have completed their families and know that even if the worst was to happen, a divorce or death, they would not like to father any more children. Contraception is very often something women have had to manage during their fertile years, so, once a family is complete, a vasectomy enables female partners to stop taking hormonal birth control which can be big relief.’ Dr Derek Webb, Vasectomy Specialist at Haven Medical.
The best first step is to consult a medical professional. They will guide you through the procedure, explain aftercare, and help ensure you’ve considered all potential outcomes before deciding on whether to proceed.
Pros:
- Extremely effective, with over a 99% success rate.
- More reliable than condoms or withdrawal method.
- Doesn’t affect hormones, libido, or sexual function.
- Quicker and simpler than female sterilisation.
- Recovery is usually fast—most men return to non-manual work within a day.
- Allows female partners to stop taking hormonal contraception.
Cons:
- Permanent, with reversal not guaranteed.
- Side effects, usually minor, can include infection, bruising, swelling, or small lumps (sperm granulomas), very rarely more significant side effects can occur (see below).
- Doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Recovery and Aftercare
You will be given comprehensive guidance before the procedure on what to expect. This will normally include:
- Wearing tight fitting, supportive underwear for a few days
- Taking over the counter painkillers for a few days as required
- Keeping an eye out for signs of infection
- Ensuring you complete your post vasectomy semen analysis to ensure the procedure has worked, before stopping other forms of contraception.
- Longer term complications are extremely rare, but you should be aware that any medical procedure has risks, for instance chronic scrotum pain is thought to affect up to 1-2% of men.
‘Some men are anxious about how vasectomy will affect sexual function. The procedure blocks sperm exiting the body, by disconnecting the relevant tubes (vas deferens). It does not interfere with testosterone production and will not affect libido or ejaculations, as only a tiny proportion (5%) of seminal fluid that is ejaculated is produced in the testicles.’ Dr Derek Webb, Vasectomy Specialist at Haven Medical.
Things to Consider
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent choice. While reversals are sometimes possible, they aren’t always successful and are rarely available on the NHS. It’s important to be confident that you don’t want children in the future before going ahead. Read more about vasectomy procedures here or call 01202 110303.
