Vasectomy

A vasectomy involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens.  It provides a highly effective form of permanent contraception, only failing 1 in 2000 men.

Your sex drive will be unaffected and you will still produce semen. The only difference is it doesn't contain sperm because your body will produce sperm but they are re-absorbed by your body.

Vasectomies can be reversed but reversal doesn't guarantee a return of fertility so it's an important decision.

Who is it suitable for?

For all sexually active men who feel either they have either finished having a family or whose partner no longer wishes to use other forms of contraception.

What Can I Expect?

Most vasectomies are carried out under a local anaesthetic but can also be performed under a general anaesthetic.

The operation usually only lasts 10 -15 minutes. Your surgeon might use a no-scalpel method, using something like forceps to create a small incision. Sometimes this isn't suitable and two cuts are made in your scrotum instead.

The tubes are cut and the ends closed off, either by tying or heat sealing - called diathermy. Then dissolvable stitches or adhesive strips are used to close the wounds.

Possible Risks and Side-effects

Tenderness, Swelling and Bruising

Soreness and tenderness may occur, alleviated by taking prescribed painkillers.

Bleeding

Bleeding inside the scrotum can lead to swelling and pain, reduced by wearing supporting underwear and cutting out exercise for 3-4 days after your procedure.

Infection

In extremely rare cases you can develop a small infection at the site of the incision.  Antibiotics will be given to prevent this.

Recovery

We'll give you advice about looking after yourself, and we'll arrange a date for a follow-up appointment to check your progress. You can usually go home when you feel ready.  If you've had a general anaesthetic you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home and look after you for 24 hours.  You can have baths and showers but take care to dry yourself thoroughly.

As it usually takes a few hours to get the feeling back, take great care not to knock yourself. You can use ordinary painkillers to alleviate any discomfort when the numbness wears off.

Most dissolvable stitches disappear within 2-3 weeks but can take longer. It's a good idea to take it easy for a couple of days, but other than that you can go back to work as soon as you feel ready.  Wear close fitting underwear as long as you need to, day and night, to support your scrotum and help ease pain or swelling. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for a week after your operation.

You can have sex as soon as you feel comfortable but it's best to use extra contraception at first.  When your tubes are clear of sperm, about 8 weeks after your operation, we'll take a semen sample to check everything has worked properly.  We might want to re-test you after 12 and 16 weeks too.  Once your tests prove that no sperm are getting through you can stop using extra contraception.

Success Rate

This is an extremely successful operation but there is a very small risk that you could become fertile again.

Impartial and informative cosmetic surgery consultation

As every person has individual requirements, it is vitally important to discuss your goals and expectations before making a decision. We want you to be fully and properly prepared and we'll answer all your questions and concerns.

Our cosmetic surgery consultations are held at our Brighton clinic. They're totally confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. Contact us today for friendly, helpful advice or to book a consultation: Call on 01273 604444, email us or fill in our contact form.

Our commitment to you

Everyone has individual needs. You're unique and we'll treat you that way.  At A New You, we know it's vital to discuss your goals and expectations carefully with experts before making a decision.  We understand this could be the most important decision you've ever made, and can be life-changing.  We're respectful and discreet at all times, and we provide top-quality advice and service in our conveniently located Brighton clinic, for both cosmetic surgery and our extensive range of cosmetic treatments.

Whatever you want, we promise you'll be fully prepared and properly informed  We'll answer all your questions and concerns so that you can make an informed decision, and after your treatment you will receive excellent after-care.  You can trust us to be your local, first-choice cosmetic surgery and treatment partner.