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Vasectomy 
 

Private vasectomy in Wrexham, Chester and Shrewsbury

A vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a highly effective form of permanent contraception for men who are confident that they do not wish to have biological children in the future.

The procedure involves dividing or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. You continue to produce semen and can still ejaculate normally, but sperm are no longer present in the semen once the procedure has been confirmed successful.

As a Consultant Urological Surgeon, I provide private vasectomy assessment and treatment for men in Wrexham, Chester and Shrewsbury, with careful pre-operative counselling to ensure that you understand the permanent nature of the procedure, alternatives and potential risks.

Is a vasectomy right for me

A vasectomy may be suitable if you are certain that you do not want to father children in the future.

It is important to understand that vasectomy should be considered a permanent method of contraception. Although vasectomy reversal surgery is sometimes possible, reversal is not guaranteed to restore fertility and should not be relied upon when making the decision to have a vasectomy.

Before proceeding, we will discuss:

  • Your reasons for considering vasectomy

  • Your family circumstances

  • Alternative forms of contraception

  • The permanent nature of the procedure

  • The possibility and limitations of reversal

  • Potential complications

  • The recovery period

  • Post-vasectomy semen testing

How does a vasectomy work?

Sperm are produced in the testicles and travel through the vas deferens before mixing with other fluids to form semen.

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens are divided and the ends are sealed or otherwise interrupted.

After the procedure:

  • You will still produce semen

  • You will still ejaculate

  • You will still experience erections and orgasm

  • Testosterone production is not stopped

  • Sperm will no longer enter the semen once the procedure has been confirmed successful

Vasectomy therefore does not involve removal of the testicles and does not make you impotent.

What happens during a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is usually performed as a day-case procedure using local anaesthetic.

A small opening is made in the scrotum and the sperm-carrying tubes are identified and interrupted.

The procedure itself is usually relatively short.

The exact surgical technique will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Does vasectomy affect sex or testosterone?

Vasectomy does not stop testosterone production.

It should not prevent you from having erections or ejaculating.

There is also no evidence that vasectomy adversely affects long-term sexual performance or enjoyment.

The main purpose of the procedure is contraception rather than treatment of a sexual or hormonal problem.

When does a vasectomy become effective?

A vasectomy is not immediately effective.

Sperm can remain in the reproductive tract for a period after surgery, meaning that another form of contraception must be used until post-vasectomy semen testing confirms that the procedure has been successful.

This is usually assessed around 12 weeks after vasectomy, although the exact timing and number of samples depend on the local laboratory protocol.

You should not assume that you are sterile simply because you have had the operation.

Vasectomy recovery

Most men experience some discomfort, bruising or swelling around the scrotum during the first few days.

You may be advised to:

  • Wear supportive underwear

  • Take appropriate pain relief

  • Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting temporarily

  • Avoid sexual activity for the period advised after surgery

  • Follow the instructions for semen testing

Many men are able to return to work relatively quickly, depending on the nature of their job.

Risks and complications of vasectomy

Vasectomy is generally a safe procedure, but complications can occur.

Possible problems include:

  • Bruising

  • Scrotal swelling

  • Bleeding or haematoma

  • Infection

  • Sperm granuloma

  • Persistent or recurrent testicular discomfort

  • Failure of the procedure

A small number of men develop longer-term testicular pain known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome.

There is also a small possibility that the vas deferens can reconnect or that the procedure does not achieve the intended result. This is why post-operative semen testing is essential.

Vasectomy and sexually transmitted infections

A vasectomy prevents pregnancy but does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Condoms remain important when protection against STIs is required.

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