Vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a small operation that prevents pregnancy.
It does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Vasectomy is intended as a permanent method of contraception. Reversing it isn’t easy, and is not available on the NHS. In most cases, vasectomy is more than 99% effective.
During a vasectomy, the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis are cut, blocked or sealed. This prevents sperm passing from your testicles out of your body through the penis.
You can still ejaculate (come) if you’ve had a vasectomy. It does not affect your sex drive.
The operation is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. You will not feel any pain but it may feel slightly uncomfortable. It takes about 15 minutes. You’ll usually be able to go home the same day.
Before having a vasectomy, you should:
You shouldn’t make the decision about having a vasectomy after a crisis or a big change in your life. For example, if your partner has just had a baby, or has just had an abortion.
Reversal is not available on the NHS and the operation is expensive if done privately. If a reversal is carried out within 10 years of your vasectomy, the success rate is about 55%. This falls to 25% if your reversal is carried out more than 10 years after your vasectomy.
Even if a surgeon manages to join up the vas deferens tubes again, pregnancy may still not be possible. This is why you should be certain before going ahead with the vasectomy.
You can have a vasectomy at any age.
People under 30 are more likely to regret a vasectomy.
Your doctor will talk with you about your situation and can answer any questions you have.
It’s common to have some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of your scrotum for a few days after a vasectomy.
You may have blood in your semen in the first few ejaculations after a vasectomy. This isn’t harmful.
You should be able to return to work 1 or 2 days after a vasectomy.
It can take up to 30 ejaculations for your tubes to be free from sperm, so there’s still a risk of pregnancy.
Up to 3 semen tests are done after the operation to make sure that all the sperm have gone.
Use another type of contraception (such as condoms) until you’re told it’s OK to stop.
Rarely, a vasectomy can cause problems such as:
Depending on where you live in Scotland, you can get a vasectomy at:
You can also go to a private clinic.
Last updated:
20 December 2022