We created this guide so you can understand the steps involved in preparing for a vasectomy. If anything is unclear, we are here to support you and give guidance whenever you need it.
While a vasectomy is a short procedure, a little preparation beforehand helps you feel calm and ready on the day. Read through each section at your own pace, and get in touch at any point if you would like to talk anything through.
A vasectomy is a short procedure that stops sperm from reaching your semen. During the procedure, your doctor divides the two tubes that carry sperm from your testicles and blocks both ends. You still have erections and still ejaculate, but your semen no longer contains sperm.
A vasectomy does not stop sperm from reaching your semen straight away, as some sperm may already be in your vas deferens beyond the blockage. These can take some time to clear, so you will need to keep using contraception until we confirm it has worked. A vasectomy also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
A vasectomy is intended to be permanent. It is best to treat your decision as final, because reversal is not guaranteed. Like any operation, a vasectomy carries risks, such as bleeding, bruising, and infection.
Take your time, discuss it with your partner if you have one, and feel free to ask our doctors any questions. You can change your mind at any point before the procedure.
Before your vasectomy, your doctor will ask about your health. This helps us personalise your procedure and aftercare to suit your lifestyle, body, and needs. Clear answers help us look after you properly. If you aren’t sure about whether something matters, tell us anyway.
Tell us about any previous operations you might have had, any problems with your groin or scrotum, and any family history of bleeding or clotting problems.
List everything you take, including blood thinners, aspirin, supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Do not stop taking a prescribed medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Tell us about any allergies you have. Be sure to mention any past reactions to local anaesthetic, latex, antiseptic, plasters, or dressings.
Call us if you develop a new illness, infection, or skin problem before travelling to your appointment. We may need to rearrange your procedure.
There are a few things you can do on the day of your procedure to make your appointment more comfortable:
Comfort matters most on the day. Here is what we suggest you wear and bring along to your appointment.
Plan how you will get to the clinic and return home. Most men feel well enough to drive themselves home afterwards. Your doctor will check in with you after your procedure and give you any advice before you leave.
Having someone drive you can make the journey more comfortable, particularly if you feel nervous, have a history of fainting or are travelling a long distance. You are very welcome to bring your partner, a friend, or another familiar face with you on the day. Some men feel slightly faint afterwards and find it reassuring to have a companion.
If you would rather come alone, our team is here to look after you. Please discuss driving with our team beforehand. Do not drive unless you feel fully alert, can control the vehicle and perform an emergency stop safely, and meet your insurer’s requirements. Ask us about travel and support, either before you come or on the day.
Your doctor will explain what to expect during your appointment, from your consultation to your aftercare advice. If you’re unclear about anything along the way, we’re here to answer your questions.
01
Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and perform a brief exam during your consultation. Let them know about any previous operations you may have had and any risks that particularly concern you. They will examine you to confirm that they can feel both tubes and answer any questions you may have. If you are happy to go ahead, you give your consent.
02
When you are comfortable, your doctor will clean the area thoroughly and give you a local anaesthetic. Depending on your procedure, they may use a small needle or a needle-free device. You will be awake throughout, and your doctor will wait for the area to numb before starting.
03
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. Your doctor will bring each tube forward through a small opening, then divide it and block the ends. They will repeat this on the other side and keep you updated throughout every step.
04
After your procedure, you can rest for a short while. Your doctor will go through your aftercare plan, including pain relief, supportive wear, using ice, and when to reach out to us. You can head home whenever you feel comfortable.
We will guide you through your full recovery plan while you are at our clinic. A little advance preparation can make your first few days at home much easier. Plan to rest at home for the remainder of your procedure day.
Most men return to work within a day or two. If your job is physical, your doctor will advise you on how much time to take off.
It’s best to avoid heavy physical exercise while you recover. Your doctor will give you personal advice for your routine.
Have comfortable clothing, ice packs, and simple meals ready and waiting for you when you get home. You will need to avoid heavy lifting, so ask someone to help you carry items or assist you with any chores.
A vasectomy does not make you sterile straight away. Pregnancy is still possible while sperm remains in your system, which can last for some time after the procedure. Keep using your preferred contraception as usual until we confirm that your vasectomy has worked.
We carry out semen testing 16 weeks after your vasectomy to confirm that it has been successful. You do not need to pay extra, as this semen analysis is included in your upfront fee.
If you have questions before the day, we are here to answer them. Call us on 0333 444 1450 or email us at care@gentleprocedures.co.uk.
Be sure you are happy to go ahead, and double-check that you have booked your preferred technique.
Share your full health history with us before the day, including any medicines you take and any conditions or allergies you may have.
Eat a light meal, shower, and give yourself plenty of time to reach our clinic.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring your photo ID and the essentials from our list.
Decide whether someone will come with you and how you plan to get home.
Give yourself time to rest, make your home comfortable for your recovery, and keep using contraception until we confirm your result.
We offer a no-scalpel vasectomy and a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy using the Pollock Technique™. The main difference is how we apply your local anaesthetic. The Pollock Technique™ uses a pressurised device to deliver anaesthesia just beneath your skin, while the standard method uses a small needle. Besides this, the two procedures follow very similar steps.
When you arrive, you can tell us about your medical history. Let us know about any operations you have already had and any risks that you feel concerned about. Your doctor will then examine you to check that they can feel both tubes. If everything is fine, we can go ahead with your vasectomy.
While most vasectomies are effective, there is a small chance the tubes can rejoin. This happens earlier on in about 1 in 200 cases, and may occur later in about 1 in 2,000 cases. Like any operation, there are some risks to be aware of when having a vasectomy. About 1 in 200 men develop a haematoma (when blood collects in your scrotum) and some may experience long-term pain. Severe complications, like losing a testicle, are extremely rare.
No. If you work mostly at a desk, you may only need 2 to 3 days of rest. If your job is very active or involves lifting, we recommend avoiding heavy physical activity for around 1 week. Tell your doctor about your lifestyle so that they can help you plan the best way to recover.
We normally recommend taking paracetamol for the first 2 to 3 days, even if you don’t experience much discomfort. Unless you are avoiding ibuprofen, you can usually take it starting from 48 hours. For the first 6 hours, we recommend using ice to relieve any discomfort. Hold it against the area wrapped in a towel or your underwear for around 15 minutes each hour.
Your semen test is carried out 16 weeks after your vasectomy. You will receive a sample kit and instructions beforehand. Follow the laboratory’s instructions carefully and continue using contraception until our team confirms that you have the all-clear. Some men need further samples before clearance can be given.
Send us your sample early in the week, ideally between Monday and Wednesday. This avoids any weekend delays that could make your sample unsuitable for testing. Try to ejaculate at least 30 times during the first few months after your procedure. This helps to clear out any sperm still stored in your tubes. If sperm are still present, we may ask for another sample before we can give you clearance.
