Local anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic injection
Length of appointments
Approx. 60 minutes
Recovery
Minimise physical activity for a week.
Further actions
Post vasectomy semen analysis 12/16 weeks after the procedure
Locations
Fees
Journey Overview
The consultation and procedure happen in one appointment, as long as it’s safe to do so.
#1 Pre Appointment Questionnaire
To ensure a smooth process and allow time for discussion, we will ask you to complete a simple pre-appointment questionnaire.
Click here to request an appointment.
#2 Consultation
A no-scalpel vasectomy is a straightforward procedure performed in a clinic (outpatient) setting. We will begin the consultation by discussing any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure, including pain relief methods, and ensure that you are ready to proceed with the vasectomy. If you have chosen the same-day procedure option, we will continue directly after the consultation.
Once the consultation is complete, you will be asked to undress in private and lie down on the examination couch. Once you’re ready and comfortable, we will conduct a scrotal examination to ensure that the vas deferens can be easily located and that you are suitable for the vasectomy.
#3 Apply Local Anaesthetic
If it is safe to proceed, your doctor will clean the skin with an antiseptic solution and inject a local anaesthetic at the site of the procedure. This may cause minor discomfort initially, but the anaesthetic will quickly take effect, ensuring you do not feel any sharp sensations during the procedure. While you may still feel touch or pulling, we can administer additional anaesthetic if required to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
#4 Procedure
Once the area is numb, we will use a special instrument to puncture the skin on each side and expose the vas deferens. A small portion will be removed using a Hyfrecator, preventing sperm from traveling from the testes. The tiny puncture made with the no-scalpel technique is so small that no stitches are required, though adhesive strips can be used if needed.
#5 Post-Procedure Monitoring
After the procedure, you can re-dress, and we will ensure you’re feeling well and address any further questions. We will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions.
We will ask you to remain in the clinic for a short period for monitoring to ensure there are no immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or discomfort. Once we confirm that you are stable and comfortable, you can prepare to leave.
#6 Post-Procedure Care & Recovery
As the anaesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort. Over-the-counter painkillers, along with the use of an ice pack, will help alleviate this. It is advisable to take painkillers regularly for the first 1-2 days after the procedure to minimise any discomfort. We recommend resting and avoiding any strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours.
#7 Activity Restrictions
For a week following the procedure, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or activities that may put pressure on the scrotum. Sexual activity can usually be resumed after about one week, but please ensure to use contraception until you receive confirmation from the semen check that the vasectomy has been successful.
#8 Semen Check (by Post)
Before leaving, we will give you a container for a semen sample to be provided 12-16 weeks after your appointment. You can collect the sample by masturbation and post it directly to the lab (results take approximately four working days). It is crucial to note that you may still have viable sperm during this time, so alternative contraception must be used until you receive confirmation that the semen sample is clear.
#9 Clearance Letter
Once the lab confirms there is no sperm in the sample, we will send you a clearance letter, which you can also share with your GP. Your vasectomy is now effective!
Eligibility
Best For
100% sure no future children.
Pregnancy Restrictions
Do not want future family.
Antibiotic Restrictions
No specific anti-biotic restrictions.
Contra-indications
No specific contra-indications.
Consult Your Clinician If...
You want to discuss options.
FAQs
You should only book a no scalpel vasectomy if you are 100% sure you do not and will not want to extend your family at any point in the future. At Clarewell Clinics, we book appointments up to two weeks in advance.
All invasive procedures carry a very small risk of infection, but rest assured that our clinicians are highly trained and our clinic is a highly sanitised environment.
A no scalpel vasectomy is the right option for you if you are totally, 100% certain that you do not and will not want to expand your family at any point in the future.
All of your contraceptive options can be discussed with one of our clinicians in a consultation appointment. Fill out one of our questionnaires to arrange an appointment.
A no scalpel vasectomy is a safe procedure and suitable for most people. However, it is essential that you’re certain that you no longer want to extend your family as the procedure is not easily reversed. This procedure is also safe if you only have one testicle.
As such a no scalpel vasectomy is only available to people over the age of 18. However, if you are under 30 and have had no children, many specialists will advise alternative methods. Sperm production is a continual process throughout the life of a man; if he is still having a sexual relationship and does not want any children/further children, he can undertake the procedure at any age.
It is important to share details of any surgery, injury and undescended testicles with your practitioner. On occasions the tube (vas) may be too short on examination and it may be advised to have the procedure under a general anaesthetic.
Anyone over the age of 18 can request a no scalpel vasectomy.
Most antibiotics do not affect the no scalpel vasectomy process. If you are on any medication at the time of your no scalpel vasectomy, please be sure to make your clinician aware so that they can advice and proceed accordingly.
There is no strict guidance that will stop one from being eligible for having a no scalpel vasectomy apart from being allergic to local anaesthetic (or refusing to take it).
The following factors indicate that the client needs additional counselling or preparation before undergoing no scalpel vasectomy:
- Age under 30 years: associated with increased risk of regret
- Psychological disorders: associated with increased risk of regret
- Diabetes: if not well controlled, refer to NHS
- Currently taking aspirin or other antiplatelet medications: discontinue at least 3 days prior to surgery
- History of easy fainting: discuss with surgeon as this may necessitate adjustments during the procedure (for example, slight head down position during procedure, transfer to recovery via wheelchair, longer recovery time)
The following conditions must be managed before performing no scalpel vasectomy
- Scrotal mass
- Current gastrointestinal, genitourinary or systemic infection that may increase the risk of postoperative infection, including:
- Scrotal skin infection
- Active sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Balanitis
- Epididymitis
- Orchitis
- Gastroenteritis
- Other systemic infection with the following exception: neither having HIV nor being at risk for HIV is a contraindication to no scalpel vasectomy
Clients with the following conditions generally need specialist referral:
- Inability to locate, isolate or move one or both vasa deferentia
- Previous scrotal injury or scrotal surgery with extensive visible scarring
- Large varicocele or large hydrocele
- Severe immunocompromise
Clients with the following conditions cannot have a no scalpel vasectomy and must have specialist referral:
- Cryptorchidism
- Inguinal hernia (unless vas easily palpable)
- Coagulation disorders
- Cardiac pacemaker in situ (these clients may not have a no scalpel vasectomy with cautery)
There are no special requirements to prepare for your no scalpel vasectomy.
Whilst the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, we recommend that someone else drives you home. We would also be more than happy to book a taxi for you.
If your job is desk based, then there is no need to take time off. However, if you have a more physically intensive job, then we recommend taking a week off.
Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.
However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.
Ejaculating prior to a vasectomy procedure does not pose any benefit.
However, we do advise to aim for more than 20-30 ejaculations after having the vasectomy procedure and prior to the semen analysis.
We will ensure the local anaesthesia is working before making an puncture. Most men say the injection is a more painful bit which stings a bit for a few seconds but starts to work straight away. You should not feel any sharp sensation after the local anaesthetic. If you do, we can offer you more local anaesthetic.
During the procedure, you may feel a slight tugging sensation whilst the tube is being cut and tied. Rest assured, it is a quick procedure of less than 10 minutes and you will be home before you know it.
Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.
For more information about our STI tests, please visit this page.
Some patients may not be suitable (please see eligibility section above) in which case we will refer them to a hospital setting for the no scalpel vasectomy to be performed under general anaesthetic.
The no scalpel vasectomy procedure can cause some swelling, bruising and discomfort for a few weeks. It is normal to see blood in your semen for the first few ejaculations after the procedure. However, this will all subside.
As a method of contraception, there should be no ongoing side effects.
A follow up appointment is not usually required. If you have any questions after your procedure, you can contact our receptionists and they will arrange a follow up call for you.
However, after 16 weeks, it will be required to send a sample of semen to be tested in the lab to confirm sterility.
You will need to wait 16 weeks before we can confirm that the method is working. In the meantime, you and your partner(s) will need to use another method of contraception.
It may be necessary to repeat the test if the laboratory cannot confirm the absence of sperm on the first sample. The results will be sent to your GP within 72 working hours of completion of the tests.
We recommend waiting 2-7 days before having any sex. However, if you feel that you need a little more time, then please wait until you are comfortable.
Until we have confirmed that there is no sperm in your semem (i.e. 16 weeks) we do not recommend having unprotected sex.
Patient Feedback
Fees
Same Day Consultation + Procedure + Post Vasectomy Semen Analysis – £750
Like with any medical procedure, a consultation is a required component.
Payment Options
- Self Pay – By Cash/Card), but not American Express
- Health insurance
- Payment plan
Next Steps
Care - In Clinic
Care - Online
Page last reviewed by Dr Praveen Jayadeva on 1 April 2022 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.