Also known as 'male sterilisation', a vasectomy is performed during a minor operation where the tubes that carry sperm from a man's testicles to the penis are sealed, preventing sperm from mixing with the seminal fluid (semen) and being ejaculated during sex. A vasectomy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, and takes about 15 minutes.

Facts about Vasectomy:

+ in most cases, vasectomy is more than 99% effective.

+ male sterilisation is considered permanent – once it's done, you won't have to think about contraception again, it can however be reversed in some cases if the patient wishes, however, reversing the operation isn't easy, and is rarely available on the NHS.

+ patients will still need to use contraception for at least 8 weeks as sperm can stay in the tubes leading to the penis for that duration.

+ Up to 2 semen tests are done after the operation, to ensure that all sperm have gone before the patient is given the 'all-clear'

+ Your scrotum (ball sack) may become bruised, swollen or painful – but this is rare and temporary

+ Vasectomy doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

All male circumcisions at the Cadogan Clinic are performed by our award-winning Consultant Uro-Andrologist, Mr Giulio Garaffa who has over 20 years’ international medical experience in this area. Mr Garaffa has a global reputation for his excellence in urology and is one of the leading experts in vasectomy procedures.