Who can benefit from a vasectomy?

Vasectomy surgery can benefit men who have completed their families and are looking for a permanent method of contraception.

Vasectomy can be a good contraceptive choice for men who are sure they don't want more children or are confident they don't want a family in the future. Vasectomy protects against pregnancy but doesn't prevent STIs. A barrier contraceptive is still essential for infection protection. Treatment options

Vasectomy is the only permanent male form of contraception, but condoms are an alternative male contraceptive. There are other types of contraception available for couples, including:

• Female sterilisation
• Hormone implants
• Coil or intrauterine contraceptive device
• Oral contraceptive pill

Bilateral vasectomy should be considered to be permanent. If you have a wife or partner, it's a good idea to discuss it with them before you decide to proceed. It's better if you reach a consensus about the procedure, but it's not a legal requirement. The London Clinic’s urologists will listen to your opinions and wishes and provide expert assessment and individual advice so that you can make the best choice.

Vasectomy consultation at The London Clinic

The urologists will assess and advise you in The London Clinic's comfortable, private, and well-equipped consulting rooms. They will take a detailed medical history and ask about your future family planning.

If you are unsure about the procedure, they will take the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns. They may recommend counselling to help you make the best choice for you and your family.

In consultation with you, your urologist will then plan your admission for a vasectomy and advise you about any preparation needed. Vasectomy surgery at The London Clinic

The urology surgeons at The London Clinic perform vasectomy under local anaesthetic. However, general or regional anaesthetics are also available. It is usually a day-case procedure, so you will not need to stay in hospital overnight.

Initially, the surgeon will clean your genitals and carefully inject a local anaesthetic into the scrotum. They will ensure the area is completely numb and that you are comfortable before beginning the procedure.

The surgeons offer both traditional vasectomy and an innovative minimally-invasive procedure known as a no-scalpel vasectomy. They will discuss the best option for you during your consultation.

Vasectomy surgery

The surgeon will use a scalpel to make two small incisions in the skin on the side of your scrotum. They will use fine tools to access the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm.

The urologist will cut each tube and remove a section to prevent the ends from joining together again in the future. They will seal the ends using heat, stitches, or clips. Finally, they will stitch together the skin edges using dissolvable stitches that will not need to be removed.

No-scalpel vasectomy

The no-scalpel vasectomy is a keyhole procedure. The surgeon will make a small hole in the skin of your scrotum using a specialist device. They then cut the tubes, removing a segment as in the traditional procedure. They will close the ends using cautery, stitches or clips.

A minimally-invasive vasectomy usually requires no stitches. In expert hands, like the urologists at The London Clinic, it is also associated with less bleeding, reduced pain, and fewer complications than traditional surgery. Recovery and aftercare

You will usually be able to go home on the day of your surgery. The London Clinic’s staff will provide support, give effective painkillers, advise you about your recovery, and arrange follow-up to assess your progress.

Following vasectomy, you'll have some discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the scrotum. Over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol can help. During this time, it’s a good idea to wear clean, supportive underwear to reduce swelling and ease discomfort.

Take time to rest and recover. To prevent bleeding, you should avoid sex and masturbation and refrain from strenuous exercise for a week. Most men can return to work after two days. However, if you have a physical job, you should stay off for around a week.

The contraceptive effects of vasectomy are not immediate. It takes time to clear sperm from the tubes. The London Clinic team will provide checks and follow-up so that you know when it’s safe to have sex without protection.

After you have ejaculated 20 times, the team will ask you for two separate semen samples. These will be sent to The London Clinic’s laboratories for expert analysis.

They will test if there are any sperm in the samples. You should use another form of contraception until you are sperm-free. The team will always be on hand if you have any problems, worries, or questions.