The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Private Vasectomy in the UK
Male sterilisation. A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure offering permanent contraception by sealing the tubes that carry sperm.
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a highly effective form of male contraception. It involves making a small cut in the tubes that carry sperm from each testicle and sealing them. This prevents sperm from mixing with your semen.
The procedure is usually considered permanent, although you can choose to have it reversed.
Need to know - vasectomy procedure
A vasectomy is usually done using local anaesthetic, which numbs your scrotum and testicles to block pain during the procedure. Sometimes it may have to be done under general anaesthetic, meaning you'll be asleep, but this approach is less common.
The procedure itself only takes around 15 to 20 minutes in theatre. Your surgeon will make a small incision in your scrotum to reach the vas deferns - the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles. They will cut these tubes and tie them or seal them with heat. They'll then close the area with dissolvable stitches.
Even though the procedure can sometimes be reversed, a vasectomy is usually only recommended if you're certain you don't want to have children. Your consultant will explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have. If you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
You'll usually be able to go home the same day as your procedure. It's normal to feel some discomfort or tenderness in the area for a few days following surgery.
Your consultant will recommend some things you can do to stay as comfortable as possible, such as wearing supportive underwear. They'll let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work.
It can take a few weeks to clear any remaining sperm from your semen, so you'll have a follow-up test to check your semen and confirm it's free from sperm. In the meantime, it's important to use another method of contraception and continue to ejaculate regularly.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our Vasectomy locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.