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.

Some vasectomies are more difficult than others and I would definitely like a chat with you prior to your operation if you fit in any of the following categories of patients:

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 at BPAS 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)

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.

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.

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: https://www.clarewellclinics.co.uk/sexual-health-clinic/.

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.