What happens? Does it hurt? Will there be any problems afterwards? Male sterilisation explained.

The ‘snip’ – the very word can make some grown men turn pale and cross their legs. But not all. Every year up to 100,000 men opt for a vasectomy in the UK. The idea of having it done may not appeal but the operation is short and simple (it takes 10-15 minutes), it’s done under local anaesthetic and it’s more effective than female sterilisation. Whereas 1 in 2,000 male sterilisations fail, for women the overall failure rate is about 1 in 200. Still, vasectomy is a permanent means of contraception so be sure you don’t want (more) children, before going through with it. There is a reversal operation but it is not always successful. By law you do not need your partner’s permission to have it done but some doctors prefer both partners to agree to the operation.

What is the operation like?
The operation is done in a clinic, hospital outpatients’ department or GP’s surgery under local anaesthetic. The doctor makes a small cut in the skin of your scrotum, to reach the tubes (vas deferens). A small piece of each tube is removed or cut and the ends closed. You may not need any stitches. If you do, dissolvable stitches or surgical tape will be used. The operation takes 10-15 minutes and is done in a clinic, hospital outpatient department or doctor’s surgery.

Are there any problems?
Your scrotum may become bruised, swollen and painful. If you wear tight-fitting underpants to support your scrotum day and night this will help. You should avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week. Some men have bleeding, a swelling, or an infection after a vasectomy. In this case, see your doctor as soon as possible.

How soon can I have sex after a vasectomy?
You can have sex as soon as it is comfortable. After a vasectomy it usually takes a few months for all the sperm to disappear from your semen. You need to use another method of contraception until you have had two semen tests which show that you have no sperm. Your feelings, sex drive, ability to have an erection and climax won’t be affected.For more advice on sterilisation contact your GP or practice nurse or visit the Family Planning Association website: www.fpa.org.uk or ring the FPA helpline on 0845 3101334