More than 65,000 men in the UK choose vasectomy as their method of contraception every year and at bpas we’ve been specialising in reproductive healthcare for over 40 years.

Vasectomy has become increasingly popular as a safe, effective and permanent form of contraception. You should only consider it if you are sure you never want children or you and your partner do not want any more children. It is best not to consider a vasectomy immediately or soon after your partner has given birth, or had a miscarriage or an abortion.

What does vasectomy involve?
When you have sex, sperm travels through two tubes (the vas deferens) and mix with semen before you ejaculate. With a vasectomy, the tubes are tied or sealed so that sperm cannot reach the semen. You still ejaculate after a vasectomy but your semen does not have any sperm in it, so the risk of pregnancy is extremely low. For more detailed information about the vasectomy procedure click here.

Non Scalpel Vasectomy
A second form of vasectomy is also available from bpas. It is called non scalpel vasectomy, and is a technique that makes operating time shorter and recovery quicker. The basic difference is that the tubes (vas deferens) are not cut but sealed with a microscopic instrument. For more information click here.

Vasectomy is over 99.9% effective so it’s the most reliable from of male contraception. The procedure is carried out by a highly trained doctor usually using local anaesthetic and only takes 15 minutes.

bpas are specialists in providing vasectomy. All our clinics are registered with the Care Quality Commission.
Our discrete, welcoming clinics provide you with:
–   fast and convenient appointments
–   dedicated time to discuss your treatment on a one to one basis
–   a choice of different treatments
–   our London Central Clinic is able to offer the non scalpel technique.
–   complete aftercare service including a 24 hour support line
–   follow up semen testing
–   total confidentiality

Vasectomy is performed at the following bpas vasectomy centres:
–   Birmingham
–   Brighton
–   Leamington
–   Cannock
–   Doncaster
–   Liverpool
–   London Central - non scalpel procedure available

Vasectomy Reversal is available at our specialist unit in Brighton

What does it cost?
The current (2009) price of vasectomy is £380. Full details of prices for private vasectomy and vasectomy reversal treatment are available here.

In addition,bpas provides vasectomy funded by NHS contracts in some locations, in which case the cost will be covered by the NHS. In order to make an appointment under these contracts, you will usually have to book through your GP or local family planning clinic.

Contact bpas
To book a fast and convenient appointment call 08457 30 40 30 and speak to one of our trained vasectomy advisors, our contact centre is open 7 days a week. If you are calling from outside the UK, please call +44 1789 416569

Will it hurt?
The procedure will be performed under local or general anaesthetic, so the actual operation should be painless. After the operation, most men do feel some discomfort for a week or so. During this time it is important to relax as much as possible, and not take any strenuous exercise. If you do experience discomfort or pain, painkillers should work. But if not, make sure you talk to your bpas clinic or your doctor.

What complications could occur?
About one per cent of men do develop a problem after their vasectomy. Most of these problems are minor and will get better without treatment. It is best to rest after the vasectomy to minimise the risk of bruising or swelling. Non scalpel vasectomies have one-eighth the complication rate of other methods of vasectomy, are quicker to perform, and men are reported to be more comfortable after this procedure.

There are no known long-term effects associated with having a vasectomy. However a very small number of men can occasionally suffer from minor testicular pain.

Will my sex drive be affected?
No. You will still have erections and produce the same amount of semen when you ejaculate. The only difference is that the semen won’t contain sperm. Your body will still produce sperm, but they can't travel out through your penis and are naturally reabsorbed by the body. Some men say that the ‘freedom’ of not worrying about their partners’ contraception helps and even improves their sexual activity.

What are the disadvantages of vasectomy?
You can’t rely on vasectomy to avoid pregnancy until you have had two sperm tests after the procedure.

And vasectomy does not protect you from STIs.

Does anyone need to know I’ve had a vasectomy?
You do not need your partner’s agreement although we do recommend that you discuss such an important decision with them. We will not inform anyone – including your GP – without your permission.

When can I go back to work and to the gym?
You will only be at the clinic for about an hour – the operation takes less than half of that. bpas carry out their non-scalpel operations on Fridays so that you are able to have the weekend to recover. If you have a very physical job, you may need as much as a week off work. You should avoid any physical sports or going to the gym for a couple of weeks after your operation. bpas is happy to advise you on your own situation.

What are the alternatives?
Other contraceptive options include female sterilisation and long acting reversible contraception for women, both of which can be provided by bpas. However, female sterilisation (involving the sealing or severing of a woman’s fallopian tubes) has a slightly lower success rate than vasectomy, has a higher risk of complication, and takes far longer to recover from.

What about vasectomy reversal?
bpas also performs vasectomy reversals. Click here for more information.