Vasectomy
If you have decided that you do not want to have children, or have any more children, a vasectomy is a permanent and effective form of male contraceptionA vasectomy is a simple procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the penis, preventing your partner from becoming pregnant. It is a common procedure amongst many couples who have decided not to have any children or have already had children and don’t want to have any more.
It is important to discuss your options for contraception with a partner before coming to a decision, as a vasectomy is a permanent method that cannot always be reversed. You might also wish to consider some of the alternative methods of contraception, such as:
- Condoms
- Female sterilisation
- Coil
- Oral contraceptive pill
Fast and effective vasectomy treatment for peace of mind
The first step is to book a consultation with a Urologist to determine whether the procedure is right for your needs. If you decide to go ahead with the procedure, a vasectomy generally takes around 20 minutes and you should be able to go home on the same day.
Locations
You can see expert consultants and have a range of scans and tests at either one of our facilities below. If you need a vasectomy procedure, this will be carried out at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone.
KIMS Hospital, Maidstone
Sevenoaks Medical Centre
Prices & payment
The above are guide prices only.
Consultants
FAQs
What does a vasectomy procedure involve?
A vasectomy is performed under local anaesthetic and takes approximately 20 minutes. You may also have local anaesthetic injections to assist with post-operative pain.
Your Consultant will make one small incision in the middle of your scrotum. Each testicle will be examined, and the vas deferens tubes will be located. The Consultant will cut and then clip or cauterise each tube, preventing semen travelling to the penis. This is a quick procedure and the small incision will be closed with a dissolvable stitch.
Where will my surgery take place?
Regardless of where you had your initial consultation, all surgical procedures take place at KIMS Hospital in Maidstone. Most outpatient appointments, including follow up appointments with your Consultant, can take place at either KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre.
What is the recovery period for a vasectomy?
After the operation you will require painkillers; placing a covered cool pack against your scrotum will help reduce bruising. Also, snug and well fitted underwear will help ease discomfort and swelling.
You should be able to go home on the same day; please ensure you have arranged for someone to collect you, settle you back home and remain with you for several hours. Our health team will give you advice and you can call them if you have any major concerns.
It is important to take it easy to allow you to recover from your vasectomy and help the swelling settle down. Your testicles will ache for a few days, but this will then calm down. It is advisable not to do any exercise for at least a week, but you should be able to return to work after a couple of days.
How do I know if the procedure has been successful?
Vasectomies are considered almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, but won’t usually begin to work until around 12 weeks after your procedure.
In order to test if the vasectomy has been successful, you will need to have a semen sample tested for the presence of sperm.
Once the test results have confirmed your semen no longer contains sperm, you can stop using additional contraception.
Please note that KIMS Hospital is not able to provide semen analysis for this procedure. However, we can make recommendations for specialist centres that offer this test. The typical cost is between £100 and £200.
- Make a general enquiry
- Appointment enquiry
Our team are on hand to help answer any queries you might have about coming to KIMS Hospital or Sevenoaks Medical Centre. You can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch. Alternatively to speak to a member of our team, please call 01622 237 727.
Enquiry hours are Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
If you would like to book an appointment, you can use the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Alternatively to speak to a member of our friendly team, please call 01622 237 500 between Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-6pm and Saturday 8am-4pm.
Please be aware, if you are requesting a diagnostic scan such as an MRI, or CT, you must have a referral from a relevant clinician or Allied Health professional such as a physiotherapist.