Cringleford Vasectomy Service

People usually consider a vasectomy when they are sure their family is complete.

It is one of the most effective forms of contraception. However, it is a decision that requires careful thought, and it is important to recognise that personal circumstances can change (for example, a tragedy affecting your partner or children, or a new partner in the future). Reversal operations are not always successful, are rarely available on the NHS, and can be costly. Studies suggest that up to 7% of patients later express regret, especially when there have been recent difficulties in their relationship.

Any man can have a vasectomy, regardless of age, marital status, or whether they have children. If you have a permanent partner, their consent is not legally required, but it is recommended that your decision is discussed with them.

If your partner is pregnant, it is also recommended to wait until the baby is born and is at least 6–12 months old before having your vasectomy.

If your partner is 45 or older, consider the impact of menopause in your decision-making. If your partner is nearing the age when her mother experienced menopause, or if she has menopausal symptoms (such as reduced periods or hot flushes), the vasectomy may not be needed for very long, and the risks could outweigh the benefits.

Contraception could be considered unnecessary if a woman is over 50 and has not had a period for 1 year, or between 40–50 years and has not had a period for 2 full years. Remember, a vasectomy does not work immediately; there is at least a three-month wait until the first semen test.

If your partner is considering HRT, the safest method is a progesterone-releasing coil, which can help with menopausal symptoms and provide effective contraception in combination with a tablet or patch. For guidance, discuss your options with your GP or request a phone consultation with one of our doctors.

A vasectomy is over 99% effective. Around 1 in 250 procedures may fail initially if a vas deferens rejoins, which is why a semen test is required at 3 months.

The operation is easier and more effective than female sterilisation.

Failure can occur for two reasons:

1. Very rarely, there may be an additional tube on one or both sides, resulting in a positive semen analysis at three months.

2. The divided ends of one of the tubes may rejoin.

Even after an ‘all clear’ test, pregnancy can still occur many years later if micro-channels develop between the cut ends, though this risk is very low (about 1 in 2,000).

The operation itself takes about 20-25 minutes, and after preparation, you may be asked to wait and rest for around 20 minutes afterward. You must not drive yourself home and should ideally be accompanied.

Each vas deferens is cauterised to prevent sperm from passing through. Sperm produced in the testis then naturally dies and is absorbed into the bloodstream.

If you need to cancel your vasectomy appointment, please contact our medical secretaries on 01603 977 477 (option 3).

When leaving a message on our answerphone, please include:

· Your full name

· Date of birth

· First line of your address

· Appointment details (date and time)

This helps us update our records promptly and offer the slot to another patient.

· The procedure has no impact on libido and does NOT increase the risk of any cancers

· Keep wound dry for 48 hours

· Return to work: Depends on the type of work, but to avoid physical contact to the area for 1 week

· No heavy lifting, no vigorous exercise e.g. cycling or sexual intercourse for 1 week