Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent form of male contraception. It works by blocking the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles — so sperm can no longer mix with semen during ejaculation. This prevents pregnancy without affecting sexual performance or hormone levels.

Vasectomy is a minor procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. It typically takes 15–30 minutes and involves making a very small incision (or no incision) in the scrotum. The tubes are divided and sealed, after which the skin is closed with dissolvable sutures or allowed to heal naturally.

After a vasectomy, ejaculation and sexual function remain unchanged, but it takes time for existing sperm to clear from the system. Alternative contraception must be used until follow-up semen tests confirm the absence of sperm, which usually occurs after several months.

Most men recover quickly, returning to light activities within a few days. Vasectomy is one of the most reliable methods of contraception, with a success rate of over 99%.

Dr. Farag will discuss the procedure, expected recovery, potential risks, and the importance of follow-up testing to ensure the vasectomy has been successful.

  • Before a vasectomy, you will have a consultation to confirm that you are certain about proceeding, as vasectomy should be considered permanent.

    Your medical history and medications will be reviewed. You may be advised to stop certain blood-thinning medications beforehand.

    Shaving or trimming the scrotal area may be recommended, and you should arrange transport home after the procedure.

  • A vasectomy is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure.

    The procedure takes approximately 15–30 minutes.

    A small incision (or no-scalpel approach) is made in the scrotum to access the vas deferens on each side. The tubes are divided and sealed, and the skin is closed with dissolvable stitches or left to heal naturally.

    You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure.

  • Most men experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising for a few days.

    Wearing supportive underwear and applying ice packs can help reduce swelling.

    Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is usually sufficient.

    Light activities can be resumed after 1–2 days, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity should be avoided for around one week.

  • Vasectomy is a very safe procedure, but potential risks include:

    • Temporary pain, swelling, or bruising

    • Infection or bleeding at the incision site

    • Sperm granuloma (a small lump caused by sperm leakage)

    • Ongoing testicular discomfort (rare)

    • Failure of the procedure (very rare)

    A vasectomy does not affect erections, ejaculation, testosterone levels, or sexual desire.

  • A vasectomy is not immediately effective.

    You must continue using contraception until semen testing confirms that no sperm are present. This usually requires one or two semen samples provided several months after the procedure.

    Once clearance is confirmed, no further contraception is needed.

  • A vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of contraception. While reversal surgery (vasectomy reversal) is possible in some cases, it is not guaranteed to be successful and should not be relied upon when deciding to have a vasectomy.

    Vasectomy reversal is a more complex operation that involves reconnecting the vas deferens using microsurgical techniques. Success depends on several factors, including the time since the vasectomy, the presence of scar tissue, and the health of the sperm-producing testicles. Pregnancy rates decrease the longer it has been since the vasectomy.

    Even when sperm return to the semen after reversal, pregnancy is not always achieved. In some cases, assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF may be required instead.

    For these reasons, men considering vasectomy should proceed only if they are confident they do not wish to father children in the future. Dr. Farag will discuss these issues with you in detail before surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Book an appointment

Any urgent referral will be reviewed within 24 hours.