A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for male sterilisation or permanent contraception. It's a highly effective form of birth control.

The procedure is performed under a local anaesthetic, so you'll be numb and shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure itself. Some people report a slight pulling or pressure sensation. Afterwards, you might experience some mild discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

A scalpel-free (or no-scalpel) vasectomy is a modern technique that uses a special instrument to make a tiny puncture in the scrotum instead of a traditional incision. This method is often associated with lower risk of bleeding, a lower risk of infection, and a faster recovery time.

The actual procedure is typically very quick, usually lasting between 15–30 minutes.

The area will be covered with a dressing, and it’s advisable to wear supportive underwear for at least 48 hours to keep everything compressed and stable. We do not expect you to experience swelling and bruising — this only happens in very few cases.

Recovery is generally quick. Most people can return to light activities and desk work within a day or two. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for about a week. You'll be advised on specific post-procedure care to ensure a smooth recovery. You may want to take painkillers, such as paracetamol, to ease any discomfort. Please take care not to knock the area for a few days as it may be tender.

As with any kind of surgery, there’s a chance of infection and, as this is in an intimate area, it’s particularly important to keep it as clean and dry as possible. Applying Vaseline will help reduce the risk of developing an infection. The no-scalpel procedure reduces the risk of infection due to the nature of the procedure — a tiny puncture in the scrotum versus a traditional incision. Please be assured you will be given instructions on how to look after your dressing, and our doctor will confirm if/when you can bathe or shower after your operation.

No. It's important to know that you are not sterile immediately after a vasectomy as there can be sperm in your tubes and it can take a while to fully clear them out. You will need to use an alternative form of birth control until a follow-up test confirms that there are no sperm in your ejaculate. This is typically done about 12 weeks after the procedure or around 30 ejaculations.

Vasectomies are considered very safe. While rare, potential long-term side effects can include chronic testicular pain or an increased risk of certain conditions. We will discuss all potential risks and benefits with you during your consultation.

No, a vasectomy does not affect your testosterone levels, sex drive, or ability to have an erection or ejaculate. The only change is that your ejaculate will no longer contain sperm. We normally advise to refrain from sexual activity for at least a week following a vasectomy, but the doctor will discuss this with you.

While it is possible to have a vasectomy reversed, it doesn’t always work. That’s why a vasectomy is considered as a permanent procedure and should never be entered into lightly. However, if your circumstances have changed you may want to look into getting the procedure reversed. While the vasectomy involves cutting or sealing the tubes that deliver sperm to the semen, a reversal operation is a more complex procedure where those tubes need to be reconstructed so they can transfer sperm again.

A vasectomy reversal operation is deemed successful if, after testing, there’s sperm in your semen again. The chances of the operation being successful will depend on your individual circumstances, including how long it’s been since the original vasectomy. It’s also important to note that a successful reversal still doesn’t guarantee that you and your partner will be able to conceive. This depends on various factors, including the length of time since your vasectomy.

A vasectomy won't protect you against getting an STI, so there may be times that you need to consider using a condom.

Maybe! Many couples find it improves intimacy, since you can enjoy closeness without worrying about unplanned pregnancy.