Vasectomy or male sterilisation is a simple and reliable method of contraception. It is usually considered permanent, although in some cases the procedure can be reversed.
How does a vasectomy work?
A vasectomy is a minor operation during which the tubes that carry sperm from a man’s testicles to the penis are cut, blocked or sealed with heat. This prevents sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from a man’s penis during sex.
Vasectomy is a quick and relatively painless surgical procedure, usually carried out under local anaesthetic. In most cases, you will be able to return home the same day.
A vasectomy has no effect on sex drive or ability to enjoy sex. You will still have erections and ejaculate normally. The only difference is that your semen will not contain sperm.
Read more about what happens during a vasectomy.
How long will I have to wait?
In most parts of the UK, a vasectomy is available free of charge from the NHS. However, waiting lists can be several months, depending on where you live.
Speak to your GP about vasectomies in your area. As waiting lists for vasectomies can be long, some men choose to pay to have the procedure carried out privately.
What are the benefits?
A man may choose to have a vasectomy if he does not want more children or has decided not to have any at all. It may be chosen as a simpler, safer and more reliable alternative to female sterilisation.
It is important to view a vasectomy as permanent sterilisation, as although reversal may sometimes be possible, it may not be successful.
Read more about things to consider before a vasectomy.
After a vasectomy
Once it has been carried out successfully and semen tests have shown there is no sperm present, long-term partners may not need to use other forms of contraception.
However, a vasectomy does not protect against HIV infection or any other sexually transmitted infection, so you should continue to protect yourself by using condoms with any new partner.
Read more about vasectomy results.
Recovery
You will normally experience some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of your scrotum for a few days after the vasectomy.
If you have pain or discomfort, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Contact your GP for advice if you are still experiencing considerable pain after taking painkillers.
Advice on some common questions on recovering from a vasectomy is described below.
Hygiene
It is safe for you to bathe or shower after your operation, but make sure you dry your genital area gently and thoroughly.
Returning to work
Most men will be fit to return to work one or two days after their vasectomy, but should avoid sport and heavy lifting for at least one week after the operation, to minimise the risk of developing complications (see below). If any symptoms continue after a few days, consult your GP.
Having sex
You can have sex again as soon as it is comfortable to do so, although it is best to wait for a couple of days. However, you are not sterile immediately after the operation, as it takes time to clear the remaining sperm in your tubes. Until you have had two clear semen tests, you will still need another method of contraception.
Complications
Most men will feel sore and tender for a few days after the operation, but complications are rare. However, in some cases, a vasectomy can cause more serious problems, some of which are outlined below.
Haematoma
A haematoma is when blood collects and clots in the tissue surrounding a broken blood vessel. This can cause your scrotum to become swollen and painful, sometimes requiring surgery.
Sperm granulomas
In rare cases, sperm can leak from the testicles after a vasectomy and collect in the surrounding tissue, forming hard lumps that are known as sperm granulomas.
Infection
After a vasectomy you may be at risk of developing an infection, as a result of bacteria entering through the incisions (cuts) made in your scrotum.
Long-term testicular pain
This can happen a few months or a few years after the operation. It may be occasional or quite frequent and vary from a constant dull ache to episodes of sharp, intense pain.
Full feeling in your testicles
After a vasectomy, some men may develop the sensation that their testicles feel ‘fuller’ than normal.
Fertility
In a very small number of vasectomy cases, the vas deferens reconnects over a period of time, meaning that the vasectomy is no longer effective.
It is important to discuss the risks with your GP before having a vasectomy. Read more information about complications after a vasectomy.
