The Operation

A vasectomy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case, meaning you go home the same day, though occasionally general anaesthetic or sedation is used instead. The surgeon makes a small cut, or sometimes a puncture, in the scrotum to access the vas deferens on each side, which are then cut, sealed, or a small section removed, before the site is closed, often with dissolvable stitches.

Beforehand, you may be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment, and if you're having a general anaesthetic, you'll usually need to avoid eating for around 6 hours and drinking for 2 hours before your appointment. If you're using local anaesthetic, you can generally eat as normal beforehand, which can help support your recovery.

What to Expect Afterwards

It's common to have some pain and swelling in the testicles for around a week afterwards, which painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage. Wearing supportive, tight-fitting underwear for about a week can also help protect the area while it heals, and it's best to avoid sport or heavy lifting for around 1 to 2 weeks, as advised by your care team.

Most people can return to work within 24 hours, though this depends on the nature of the job — those doing heavy physical work may need a few more days. It's recommended to avoid sexual activity, including masturbation, for at least a few days after the procedure.

Crucially, a vasectomy doesn't take effect immediately — sperm can remain in the semen for up to around 12 weeks, so it's essential to keep using another form of contraception until a follow-up semen test confirms the procedure has been successful. You'll usually be asked to provide this sample around 12 to 16 weeks after your operation, and it's important to follow through with this test, since it's the only reliable way to confirm the vasectomy has worked.