The Norwich Vasectomy Clinic is a centrally located clinic accommodating patients within Norfolk. If you have any queries, please contact the practice.

Vasectomy clinics are held on Mondays and Thursdays, please contact the surgery to request an appointment. Alternatively, you can book an appointment using our online services.

What is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is the name given to the procedure which results in permanent and irreversible sterility in a male.  The procedure at The Norwich Vasectomy Clinic is carried out under local anaesthetic and is termed minimally invasive as no scalpel cuts are made during the procedure; instead a cautery pen is used (hyfrecator). By using this technique, the likelihood of any post-operative complications is very low.  The procedure will take between 15 to 30 minutes.

Before an appointment for the procedure, you will receive counselling via a telephone consultation from one of our vasectomy healthcare assistants to ensure you understand everything about the operation, including the details of the procedure, and the potential risks and complications involved.  This is important because we want to make sure that you can then give us your informed, signed consent to proceed.

Requesting Your Appointment

To request an appointment, please visit our Consulting Room.

Before the procedure

What do I need to do before the procedure?

On the night before your vasectomy, you must shave your pubic hair.  This is to stop pubic hair getting into the operating area and to help prevent infection.  Carefully shave any pubic hair around the base of your penis and hair that is on your scrotum and next to your thighs

Do I need to bring anything with me?

After the procedure you will need to wear two supportive pairs of underpants (or tight supportive boxer shorts). Wear one pair and bring the second pair to wear in addition to the first pair afterwards.  You will use these to keep the dressing in place and support the testicles after the procedure.

Can I eat and drink on the day of the procedure?

Yes.  We like to encourage you to remain well hydrated as this reduces the chance of you fainting so make sure you drink plenty of fluids.

After the procedure

What do I need to do after the procedure?

Afterwards you will be asked to remain at the clinic for around 15 minutes before being allowed to go home.  We recommend that you bring a bottle of water and a snack to have during this time.  Although you should be able to drive after the procedure, we recommend you have a friend or relative who can drive you home afterwards.

We would advise that you return home and take the next 2 or 3 days to rest.  Apply topical ice (i.e. a bag of frozen peas) between the 2 sets of underwear for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day for the next 2 to 3 days, or until the swelling has reduced.  Wear the supportive underwear day and night, for at least 3 days after the surgery.

You should not do any heavy lifting and should have no prolonged periods on your feet for the first week.  If your work is desk-based, we recommend that you can return after 2 to 3 days.  If you have a manual job, we recommend that you return after 7 days.

Will I need pain relief?

Any pain that you get should be managed by taking paracetamol.  Start this medication as soon after the surgery as you can and continue with it regularly for at least 48 hours (max 8 a day).  It is easier to prevent pain appearing than trying to subdue it once it occurs.  If the pain is more than can be managed with paracetamol alone, and especially if it is worsening as time goes on, then we would like you to contact us.  Most problems occur when men try to resume normal activities too soon.

When can I exercise?

Post-operative discomfort levels vary enormously, so you must proceed thereafter as you think fit.  We would recommend no exercise for 14 days after the operation.

When can I have sex?

We would recommend waiting 7 days after the surgery before resuming sex.  The first 1 or 2 ejaculations might be blood stained, but thereafter everything should seem normal in terms of appearance and volume of ejaculate.   Remember, you will need to use contraception until it is confirmed that you are sterile.

How do I look after the wound?

We will dress the small wounds on the day. Please remove this dressing the following day before showering and you should require no further dressings. You should wait 7 days to have a bath.  The time it takes for dissolvable or absorbable stitches to disappear can vary.  Most types should start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two, although it may be a few weeks before they disappear completely.

What about smoking and alcohol?

Smoking after your surgery is not a good idea.  Apart from being generally bad for you, it will increase the risk of bleeding immediately after the operation and delays the healing process.  If you do smoke, please avoid doing so for at least 6 hours following surgery.  Drinking alcohol after the procedure is not a good idea either.  We recommend you abstain for at least 24 hours following the surgery.

Confirming you are sterile

12 weeks after the operation

To confirm that you are sterile, 12 weeks after your procedure, you will need to arrange an appointment with the Andrology laboratory at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital.  The laboratory will provide you with a sample bottle and further information when you book your appointment.  To ensure the most accurate result, you need to complete at least 20 ejaculations during the 12-week post-vasectomy period.

Once we receive the result and it shows ‘Zero’ sperm, you will then receive your letter confirming your sterility.

Still have questions?

We are always happy to talk about any aspect of the procedure.  Just give us a call and we will put you through to the best person to help you with your questions.

Vasectomy FAQs

How long is the waiting list?

Once we have received the referral from your GP, your details are added to our waiting list and appointments are then issued in referral date order. The waiting times can vary so feel free to contact the practice for current wait times.

What costs are involved?

There is no cost if you are referred by an NHS GP.

Where will the procedure take place?

The procedure is carried out at the practice by a Consultant Surgeon.

I Have Made My Decision – What Do I Do Next?

Request an appointment to see your own GP, they will discuss with you the pros and cons of this type of permanent contraception. They will then arrange for a referral to be made if you decide to go ahead with the procedure.