Vasectomy
Male sterilisation (vasectomy)
Sterilisation is a permanent form of contraception and a vasectomy involves having an operation. You should only consider this if you are sure you don’t want any more children and have considered all other forms of contraception. Your first appointment with us will be a counselling discussion to be sure it is the right choice for you, before going ahead with the operation.
We have clinics at Wheatbridge and Heanor.
How does it work?
A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure which usually takes between 20 - 30 minutes to carry out. During the minor operation, the tubes that carry sperm from a man’s testicles to the penis are cut and blocked or sealed. Stitches are not needed to the skin afterwards.
Although the procedure is quick, we strongly advise that you rest with your feet up for a minimum of 48 hours and carry out lighter activity for seven days.
Advantages
- There are rarely long-term effects on your health
- Vasectomy does not affect your hormone levels or sex drive
- It will not affect the spontaneity of sex or interfere with sex
- Vasectomy may be chosen as a simpler, safer and more reliable alternative to female sterilisation
Disadvantages
- Vasectomy doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Reversal is not available on the NHS
- You need to use contraception after the operation until tests show your semen is free of sperm
Further info
Please contact your GP for a referral into our Vasectomy Service or contact our Vasectomy team for further info on 01246 293702 or email DCHST.vasectomy-services@nhs.net