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Use the surgery > Minor Surgery > Vasectomy

Minor Surgery > Vasectomy

Thank you for choosing Bideford Medical Centre for your vasectomy.  The videos on this page give an overview of the procedure.  Please consult your GP who will refer you to our service. 

A vasectomy is an effective and permanent form of contraception. It involves a small operation, performed under a local anaesthetic, in which the vas deferens tube is interrupted . Once this takes place, sperm can no longer pass into the semen that is ejaculated during sexual intercourse.  

 

  • The chances of failure of vasectomy are very small. (1 in 2000) but even after being confirmed sterile there is still a remote chance of the tubes joining together. 
     

  • The chances of early failure (within the first four months) is 1 in 200.

 

  • It is important that you consider vasectomy as a permanent form of contraception and should only make this decision when you are happy that your family is complete. Please note that reversal is not available on the NHS.

 

At Bideford Medical Centre we offer non-scalpel vasectomy.


Non-scalpel vasectomy is a safe and simple procedure which differs from a conventional vasectomy. Instead of two cuts the doctor makes one tiny opening with a special instrument, a type of keyhole surgery. It is performed under local anaesthetic using a fast-acting anaesthetic to numb a small area of skin and the tubes themselves. A loop of the vas tube is cauterised and the ends are sealed. There is very little bleeding and no stitches. The benefits of a non-scalpel vasectomy are less discomfort, a faster recovery and fewer complications than a conventional vasectomy. Non-scalpel is just as effective as a conventional vasectomy.

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Pre-op assessment


You will come to see us for an initial consultation at which we explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have.  The doctor will examine you to ensure that you are suitable for a non-scalpel vasectomy.

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Before the procedure 


Please shave the hair from the front surface of your scrotum below your penis. Please bring tight underpants to give support to the scrotum after your operation.
We recommend that you ask your partner or a friend / relative to take you home afterwards as you must not drive yourself.


It is not necessary for your partner to give her consent, but we strongly encourage you to discuss this issue with her

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What to do post op

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  • The remainder of the day should be spent relaxing, preferably lying down and you should rest as much as possible for the following two days.  

 

  • Most men feel some degree of discomfort during the first few days afterward.  It is usual to experience some pain, which usually settles with simple treatment such as Paracetamol. Some men may also notice some superficial bruising around the testicles which usually fades after a week or two.

 

  • We advise you wear tight underpants to support your scrotum for a couple of days. You can shower 48 hours following your vasectomy but avoid bathing for 7 days.
     

  • Normal activities can be resumed shortly after the operation, but take it easy for at least 3 days and avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for seven to ten days. If your job is non-manual you can return to work. If you have a heavy job involving manual work it is better to wait a week before returning or perform light duties.

 

  • Sexual intercourse can be resumed when you feel comfortable to do so, although we recommend that you wait 10-14 days. Occasionally, a drop of blood may discolour the semen in the first couple of ejaculations after the procedure and is generally of no concern.


You will not be sterile straight away. Remember to use another form of birth control until you have had a negative sperm sample count and received a letter from us confirming that you are sterile.


It is important to remember that you could still be fertile for up to 4 months following the operation. 

 

We encourage you to flush out any remaining sperms in the vas deferens  by having regular ejaculations after your operation, aiming for a minimum of 25 ejaculations to clear the remaining active sperm.


We will provide a testing kit at your appointment and a specimen of semen is required 16 weeks after the procedure. Please refrain from ejaculation for 3-4 days before collecting your sample.  

 

Semen analysis is carried out at North Devon District Hospital, by appointment only. Please contact the laboratory on 01271 335938 or 01271 322799 to make an appointment. Your sample must be delivered to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection (link to NDDH showing map)

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