Vasectomy in London
Men may choose to have a vasectomy for various reasons, including:
Permanent Contraception: One of the most common reasons for men to opt for a vasectomy is to achieve permanent contraception. For couples who have decided not to have any more children or who have completed their desired family size, a vasectomy offers a highly effective and permanent form of birth control.
Shared Responsibility: Your partner may struggle with side effects from the oral contraceptive, depot or coil and you may be keen to help out. Some medial conditions for women limit their ability to use contraception or difficult pregnancy/birth may mean vasectomy is the practical option for a couple to choose.
Convenience: Unlike female sterilization procedures like tubal ligation, which require abdominal surgery and a longer recovery time, vasectomy is a relatively simple and outpatient procedure with a shorter recovery period.
Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, vasectomy can be more cost-effective than other forms of contraception, such as birth control pills or condoms, (or another child!).
Health Concerns: In some cases, men or their partners may have health concerns that make pregnancy risky or undesirable. There may also be genetic concerns a couple may want to avoid passing on to offspring.
Personal Choice: It is important for a man to carefully consider all the options and discuss them with their partner. Ultimately, the decision to have a vasectomy is a personal one
Men considering vasectomy should be aware of several important factors:
Permanent Contraception: Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. While it is sometimes reversible through a more complicated surgical procedure, it should be considered a permanent decision.
Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut or blocked. This prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation.
Effectiveness: Vasectomy is highly effective at preventing pregnancy, but it does not provide immediate protection. Sperm can still be present beyond the vasectomy site, and it can take a few months to be totally clear. Additional contraception is needed until a follow-up test confirms there are no sperm left in the semen.
Recovery Time: Recovery from a vasectomy is usually quick, but some discomfort and swelling can be expected for a few days. Most men can return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week.
Potential Complications: While complications from vasectomy are rare, they can include infection, bleeding, and chronic pain.
Follow-Up Testing: After the procedure, men will need to carry out a semen analysis after 3-4 months. We ask that you ejaculate at least 25 times before this test.
Alternatives: While vasectomy is a highly effective form of contraception, men should also consider other options and discuss them with their healthcare provider. These may include condoms, birth control pills for their partner, or other forms of long-term contraception.
Sexual Function: Vasectomy does not affect sexual function or pleasure. Ejaculate will continue to be produced, but it will not contain sperm.
On the day of your vasectomy, here’s what you can generally expect:
Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, however tighter underwear for immediately after the operation is recommended.
Anaesthesia: This can be carried out under local anaesthesia, gentle sedation or a full general anaesthetic (GA) so you are totally unaware of what is going on. It is your choice. If you opt for a GA you will need an escort to take you home
Procedure: The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll lie on your back on an examination table, and the surgeon will shave, clean and numb the scrotum. Then, a small incision (1cm) will be made on each side of the scrotum to access the vas deferens. The vas deferens will be cut, tied, or sealed to prevent the passage of sperm. The skin will be closed with absorbable sutures so you will not need to have any stitches removed.
Recovery: You may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the scrotal area after the procedure. Most men can resume normal activities within a few days. Some helpful suggestions include wearing supportive underwear, applying ice packs to reduce swelling, and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.
Follow-Up: Miss Sangster will organise a follow-up appointment after 1-2 weeks to discuss any concerns or questions you may have. A semen analysis will then be organised after 3 months.
Contraception: Remember that you won’t be immediately sterile after the procedure. It takes time for any remaining sperm to clear from the reproductive system. So contraception must be continued until we have proven your semen does not contain sperm.