Comprehensive Guide to Vasectomy Procedure and Recovery

24 August 2024

Male Vasectomy Procedure. What is a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a safe and effective birth control procedure for males. (Also referred to as male sterilisation). It prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm from mixing with the semen during ejaculation. The procedure involves cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. It is known as a form of permanent male birth control. At Newry Private Clinic, our private consultant urologist can discuss the vasectomy procedure with you in detail.

How vasectomy works

The procedure is quick, usually only lasting 20-30 minutes. Once the tubes are cut and sealed, sperm is prevented from mixing with semen during ejaculation, thus avoiding pregnancy. You will still be able to ejaculate, but the chances of pregnancy will essentially be 0. Sperm is still produced but absorbed by the body without mixing with the semen. Although it is an effective form of birth control, it does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases.

Benefits of Vasectomy Procedure

99.9% effective.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Simple procedure with minimal risk of complications.
Cheaper than female sterilisation or long-term use of birth control pills.
One-off permanent contraception with no ongoing management.
Quick recovery 4-7 days.
No effect on sexual function, libido or sex drive, ejaculation or hormone levels.

Side Effects of Male Vasectomy

General risks of surgery - infection, bleeding, pain and swelling.
The procedure is permanent - reversal is possible but it is expensive and not always effective.
Contraception is not effective straight away and can take several months to work.
Chronic pain can occur in 1-2% of patients.
Small risk of a cyst or hydrocele forming within the scrotum.

How effective is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is 99.9% effective as a form of birth control and is considered one of the most effective forms of contraception. By preventing sperm from being present in the semen, ejaculation cannot cause pregnancy. Immediately after the procedure, you may need to take another contraceptive. This is because there may be some leftover sperm present in your semen for a few months after the procedure. After this period, vasectomy becomes fully effective.

What to expect from the Vasectomy Procedure?

On the day, your doctor will use local anaesthetic to numb the area, and make a small cut in your scrotum. They then seal or block the Vas Deferens (the sperm tube) using heat, clips or stitches. They will then close the first cut with glue or stitches.

Recovery is also fast, our patients find they are able to return to normal activities within a few days.

What to Prepare for Your Appointment

Suitability for the procedure can be done by completing our suitability screening form. It will ask about your health and any medications you are taking. Time with the consultant is also offered so you can ask any questions.

You will also need to sign a consent form, showing your awareness of the risks of the operation.

If you are on blood-thinning medication, you will be asked to stop taking these 7 days before the operation.

You will also need to ensure you have good hygiene the day before the procedure. One of our private nurses will help explain what you need to do. This will involve shaving and thoroughly cleaning the genital area.

Ensure you have someone who can bring you and take you home from the clinic as it will be unsafe for you to do so.

Vasectomy After Care

After the vasectomy, you must rest for at least 24 hours to allow yourself to recover. Avoid any strenuous activity or excessive movement as this can interfere with healing.

You will experience some pain, swelling and discomfort around your groin. You can take painkillers like Ibuprofen for this as well as apply ice packs for the first 2 days. Wrap the ice in a towel to prevent direct contact with the scrotum skin.

You should also keep your scrotum supported with a bandage and tight-fitting underwear.

Avoid showering or bathing your dressing for the first 24 hours.

Avoid sexual intercourse for the first week after the operation.

We will ask for a semen sample after 12 weeks to confirm sterilisation. You will not be deemed sterile until this is complete. It takes around 20 ejaculations after a vasectomy to clear any leftover sperm.

Don’t hesitate to contact the clinic if you have any questions about your vasectomy aftercare.

If you experience any fevers, worsening pain, swelling or bleeding, contact the clinic or call 111.

Booking for a Vasectomy appointment at Newry Private Clinic

How to book in for a vasectomy at Newry Private Clinic

Complete the, ‘Talk to us today,’ form to make an appointment, alternatively, call us for a friendly, conﬁdential chat about the treatment you need. We can recommend the most appropriate consultant and arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.

If you need further appointments or follow-up care, your consultant will offer advice and guidance on your next steps.

Book your vasectomy appointment at Newry Private Clinic today.

How much does a vasectomy cost?

To discuss the cost for a vasectomy here at Newry Private Clinic, please get in touch by completing the callback form.

If you are a self-funded patient, you can pay your bill in person when you come for your appointment or contact us by phone at +44 28 3025 7708 where we can take payment over the phone prior to your visit. If you are covered by private health insurance, click below to find information about payment.

Pricing

Introducing Mr. Anthony Glackin, a Consultant Urologist at Newry Private Clinic

Mr Anthony Glackin is our consultant urologist who will be in charge of your care. He has over 15 years of experience, conducted over 50,000 consultations and undertaken 30,000 procedures.

Mr Glackin specialises in male sterilisation, prostate enlargement and circumcision. You can rest assured that your vasectomy will be in good hands.

Mr Glackin’s years of experience make him an expert in the field of urology, providing you with the peace of mind of knowing you are in capable hands and are receiving the best care available.

Mr Glackin graduated in Medicine from University College Dublin in 1998 and received his doctorate from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) in 2005 for research into the treatment of bladder cancer. He is currently the consultant urologist at the Southern Health and Social Care Trust leading the urology cancer multidisciplinary team.

View Mr. Glackin's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Vasectomy Be Reversed?

Yes, vasectomies are reversible, but the procedure is not always effective. It is also more expensive than the initial vasectomy. You should treat the vasectomy as a permanent procedure.

Does a vasectomy hurt?

The vasectomy will not hurt during the procedure. You may feel a sharp scratch from the needle containing the anaesthetic but this will numb the area from pain. After the operation, as the anaesthetic wears off, you will feel some discomfort or pain around the groin. We will provide you with all the necessary pain relief until you have fully healed.

Can you come after a vasectomy?

Yes, you will still be able to ejaculate (come) after a vasectomy. Sperm is only 2-5% of the volume of the ejaculate. After a vasectomy, you will still be able to orgasm and produce seminal fluid which will not contain any sperm.