Vasectomy – information for Clinicians

Vasectomy is usually carried out in community surgeries, mainly GP surgeries and Sexual Health clinics. This is invariably under local anaesthetic with MIV (Minimally Invasive Surgery – previously called ‘Non-Scalpel Surgery’). It usually involves making a single small hole in the middle of the scrotum, bringing out a small loop of from each side, then sealing and transecting it to prevent sperm getting through and into the ejaculate.

In ASPC, we have been collecting data on vasectomies undertaken in the community for many years, with follow-up data on over 100,000 vasectomies in total. We achieve this using an ASPC standardised Audit Questionnaire on Survey Monkey, available to all members, to show not just ‘how you’re driving’, but also how you are ‘driving compared to other road users.

If you are a GP, an SRH doctor (we have close links with the FSRH) or hospital doctor who operates in a community vasectomy service, please consider contributing your data to our national vasectomy audit (you need to be a member of ASPC to be granted permission to use the survey free-of-charge). Contact our secretary to find out more.

If you are a clinician interested in starting a vasectomy service, then please return to this page in the near future as we are planning to develop an advice page for setting up community surgical services. Meanwhile, please contact our secretary, who in turn will put you in touch with other ASPC members who can help and offer advice. We have an ASPC Vasectomy WhatsApp group where members share information and ask questions.

Many of us are also members of a worldwide vasectomy google group where there are frequent posts regarding items of interest, questions, research etc involving internationally-renowned vasectomy surgeons operating around the world in all continents (except Antarctica!).

If you are already an experienced Vasectomist and would like to consider passing on your skills by training others, then more information can be accessed at: Teacher’s toolbox and Training the Trainers ASPC Guidance or get in touch with our secretary who can put you in touch with our ASPC Vasectomy lead.

Related Resources:

• FSRH 2014 Guidelines on Male and Female Sterilisation
• FRSH 2024 Service Standards for Vasectomy in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services 
   
     

Vasectomy – Information for Patients

Vasectomy is usually carried out free on the NHS in the community out of hospital, mainly GP surgeries and Sexual Health clinics. This is invariably under local anaesthetic with MIV (Minimally Invasive Surgery – previously called ‘Non-Scalpel Surgery’). It usually involves making a single small hole in the middle of the scrotum, bringing out a small loop of vas from each side, then sealing and transecting each one to prevent sperm getting through and into the ejaculate.

Essential information can be found here...

This includes information as to what is involved, who should / should not be considered for vasectomy, the alternatives available for long-term contraception and what could be expected if you book in to have a vasectomy.

Your first step would be for you (and ideally your wife/partner) to book an appointment with your GP or local Sexual Health Clinic to have a discussion as to whether vasectomy is likely to be the best option for you

You can also read up on Primary Care Surgical Services: How it works in Northern Island by Dr Joe Devlin.