Vasectomy
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Vasectomy blocks the tubes that carry sperm — preventing pregnancy. Vasectomy is a very effective type of contraception.
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We don't do vasectomy procedures at our clinics. If you want a vasectomy, we can help you work out where to get one. We can also give you plenty of information about vasectomy. A vasectomy is:
- Almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy
- Considered permanent — once it's done, you don’t have to worry about contraception ever again
- A safe and simple medical procedure
- Very unlikely to fail
A vasectomy is not:
- Easily reversible — before you get a vasectomy, you need to be sure that you want permanent contraception. Vasectomy reversal is expensive and not always effective
- Protection against sexually transmissible infections (STIs) — condoms and oral dams can protect against STIs
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How does a vasectomy work?
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Fertilisation, which leads to pregnancy, happens when an egg accepts a sperm. Most cum and pre-cum has sperm in it. Sperm can get to an egg when cum — or pre-cum — goes into a vagina.
Sperm are made in your balls. Sperm travel through your tubes, from your balls, to mix with your cum. When you get a vasectomy, your tubes are cut and tied — blocking sperm from mixing with your cum.
After your vasectomy, there is no sperm in your cum. Your balls will still make sperm, but the sperm will be absorbed by your body, instead of mixing with your cum.
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How well does a vasectomy work?
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Vasectomies are permanent and almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Overall, 1 in 300 vasectomies may fail. After you’ve had a semen sample confirmed sperm-free — about 3 months after the procedure — the chance of failure drops to 1 in 2000.
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How long does a vasectomy work for?
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A vasectomy is permanent — it works forever. Sometimes, it’s possible to reverse a vasectomy, and sometimes it isn't.
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of a vasectomy?
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Advantages:
- Simple and safe procedure
- Highly effective
- Prevents pregnancy 24/7 for the rest of your life
- Very convenient — you don’t have to do anything else to prevent pregnancy
- Doesn’t interfere with sex
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t protect against STIs
- Involves a minor medical procedure
- Possible pain with procedure
- Possible risk of infection with procedure
- If you change your mind, it’s not always possible to reverse a vasectomy
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Where is a vasectomy procedure done?
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A vasectomy is a simple medical procedure.
You can get a vasectomy done at a doctor’s surgery or at a hospital. A doctor or a vasectomy counsellor will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
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How is a vasectomy done?
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In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor feels the tubes under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp.
The doctor makes one tiny puncture with a special instrument. The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached.
The tubes are brought to the surface through the small opening. Different doctors use different techniques — but they all ensure the two ends of the cut tubes remain separate.
No stitches are needed to close the opening, which heals quickly without leaving a scar.
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How do you take care of yourself after your vasectomy procedure?
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You will be given detailed instructions at the time of the procedure.
- You can expect some mild soreness and bruising for a few days
- Plan to stay home and rest
- Ask the doctor about pain relief
- You can probably return to light work after two days
- Avoid heavy lifting, swimming, or strenuous exercise for 7-10 days
- You can have sex after 2-3 days if it’s comfortable — but you still need to use contraception until your follow up semen samples are confirmed sperm-free — usually after about 3 months
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What are the risks or side effects of a vasectomy?
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You may feel some discomfort or pain after your vasectomy — but it shouldn’t be too bad at all. You may also have some bruising and swelling for a few days.
Infection is uncommon and not usually serious.
A painful lump may form in the scrotum where the procedure was done. The pain usually disappears in a few weeks.
Intermittent long-term scrotal pain is possible, but very rare.
Research shows no association between vasectomy, heart disease, or cancer of the testicles or prostate.
If you’re experiencing pain, have a fever, or there’s blood or pus where the doctor cut your scrotum: call your doctor for advice or get help from an after-hours medical centre.
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When does the vasectomy start working?
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If you’re having penis in vagina sex, the person with a vagina will not be protected from pregnancy until your semen samples are sperm-free.
Your doctor will arrange the tests to check your semen samples are sperm-free. They are done about three months after your vasectomy.
Until your doctor confirms your semen is sperm-free, you will need to use another type of contraception.
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Can a vasectomy affect your sex life?
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After a vasectomy you’ll still get hard and cum the same as you always have.
Your cum will look the same as before your vasectomy, and you will cum the same amount as before your vasectomy.
Your hormones don’t change.
Your sex drive and your ability to have sex don’t change.
The only change is: you can't get somebody pregnant. If you consider your decision carefully, and do not feel pressured by anyone, you are unlikely to regret your choice to get a vasectomy.
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Is a vasectomy reversible?
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It’s not always possible to reverse a vasectomy.
Sometimes a person can develop antibodies to their own sperm after a vasectomy. This may make pregnancy after reversal less likely.
A second option after vasectomy is direct retrieval of sperm from your balls, then in vitro fertilisation to achieve pregnancy.
Another option is to freeze some of your sperm so they can be used later.
If this is something you would like to consider, talk it over with your doctor or vasectomy counsellor before your procedure.
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Do you need permission or consent from anyone to have a vasectomy?
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You don’t need anybody’s permission to get a vasectomy. It’s completely up to you if you do or don’t want to get a vasectomy.
The choices that you make about your body, and your reproductive ability, are yours alone. Nobody has the right to make you get a vasectomy, or to stop you from getting a vasectomy.
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How do you get a vasectomy?
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A vasectomy must be done by a trained doctor.
Talk to us, or your doctor, or a nurse about how to get a vasectomy.
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How we can help you
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We don’t do vasectomy procedures.
We can give you advice and information on vasectomy — and help you find someone who can give you a vasectomy.
Anyone can visit our clinics. If you want to talk with us, we want to talk to you.
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Do you need urgent help?
If you require medical advice outside of our opening hours, call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 anytime or get help from an after-hours medical centre or emergency services.