On the day of your vasectomy
On the day of your vasectomy procedure
Once you have booked your vasectomy procedure, it is important that you know how to prepare for the day of your appointment, and what to expect when you arrive.
On this page you’ll find information on what to expect on the day of your appointment including pre-procedure checks and what happens during the procedure.
How to prepare for the day of your vasectomy procedure
Ahead of your vasectomy procedure, it is important you take these actions on the day of your appointment.
- Make sure you eat and drink before your appointment.
- Please take a bath or shower before leaving home on the day of your appointment. Please do not shave or trim the hair around the testicles.
- Arrange for someone to drive you straight home after your appointment. You must not drive yourself home.
- We recommend that you bring pain relief with you to your appointment.
- Make sure you have some tight- fitting cotton underwear (one or two sizes smaller than usual) and wear these to your appointment. You will need enough pairs for seven days following your appointment.
Before your vasectomy procedure
Read the below to find out what to expect on the day of your appointment, before your procedure takes place.
We may take your blood pressure to make sure it is safe to proceed with your vasectomy. If the surgeon is concerned with your blood pressure reading it will be reviewed and monitored at the centre. There is a chance that your procedure will have to be re-booked for another day
We will make sure that the vasectomy procedure has been explained fully before you proceed. Please ask any questions you may have. You will be asked to read a consent form and sign to confirm you have understood the procedure, and the possible risks and complications. We will not proceed with the vasectomy until you have consented and signed the form.
After entering the treatment room and meeting the clinical team, you will be asked to remove your underwear so you can be examined by your surgeon. If they are satisfied with the physical examination, the surgeon can start the procedure.
Before the procedure starts, a fast-acting local anaesthetic is injected into the skin of the scrotum with a small needle. The groin area will be covered, and the surgeon will inject a local anaesthetic into your scrotum area, but away from your testes. The injection will be given at two points during the procedure.
What happens during the non-scalpel vasectomy procedure
The groin area will be covered, and the surgeon will begin by injecting a local anaesthetic into your scrotum area, but away from your testes. The injection will be given at two points during the procedure. A puncture hole will be made, which is less than 1cm in size. The vas deferens tubes (the tubes which carry sperm) are heat sealed. A scalpel is not used. Please note there will be an odour caused by the cauterisation process, which you may find noticeable before you enter the treatment room.
The vas deferens are tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles. When a vasectomy is performed, the vas deferens are sealed to stop sperm getting through. A small pair of forceps is used to open the hole to access the vas deferens (tubes that carry the sperm), which are then sealed using heat (cauterisation).
You may experience some discomfort during the procedure, often described as a tugging sensation, but everyone is different. The process only takes around 10-15 minutes.
Your wound will be dressed, and you will be helped into your underwear and trousers. You can then walk into the recovery room where you will rest for around 30 minutes. Your blood pressure will be taken, and you will be encouraged to have a drink and biscuit while you are waiting.
In the recovery room
The Vasectomy Care Assistant (VCA) or Nurse will talk you through your recovery and aftercare advice, give you a recovery pack, and answer any questions you might have before you go home. Once you feel well enough, your dressing has been checked, and the doctor or nurse has assessed you, you will be able to go home.
For advice on vasectomy recovery, click here: Recovery and Aftercare
Learn more about vasectomy
Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception. It is important to know what to expect when accessing our vasectomy services.
Preparing for your appointment
Once you have booked your vasectomy procedure, you can start to prepare.
Recovery and aftercare
When you leave our clinic, your care does not end. Our tips to support your recovery.
Vasectomy FAQs
Answering commonly asked questions about a vasectomy.