There is a high level of demand for our vasectomy service and the waiting lists are longer than we would like.

Unfortunately wait times are long because we have been facing challenges in finding a new qualified surgeon.

There are no other places in the Derbyshire NHS that can provide this service, we are the main provider of vasectomy services in Derbyshire.

We are trying our best to fix this shortage by working with five local GPs.

What does this mean for you?

  • If you have been referred, you are still on our waiting list.
  • You do not need to contact us. We will keep you updated on any new developments or options.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a small operation to permanently prevent pregnancy.  

It stops sperm from getting into your semen, the fluid that comes out when you ejaculate. This means you will not be able to fertilise a woman’s egg and start a pregnancy. You will still be able to get an erection and orgasm. 

Your vasectomy should be free on the NHS but there can be a long waiting list. 

During a vasectomy a doctor will cut, block or seal the tubes (known as the vas deferens) that carry sperm from your balls (testicles) to your penis. 

It takes about 15 minutes and you will get a local anaesthetic to numb the area. You may need stitches. It depends on the type of vasectomy you have. 

It’s best to rest for two days afterwards and to avoid sport, heavy lifting and sex for the next week. 

You and your partner will need to use another type of contraception for 8 to 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy after the operation. Your doctor will then check if your semen is free of sperm. Once they confirm you have sperm-free semen, you can stop using other contraception. 

Only have a vasectomy if you are sure that you do not want any more children or that you never want children. You can sometimes reverse a vasectomy but it does not always work. 

As it’s a big decision to make, your first appointment with us will be a counselling session to talk it through. If you have a partner, it’s also vital that you chat to them before you decide.

To find out more about what to expect before, during and after a vasectomy, please watch the video below.

 

Pros: 

  • Your hormones and sex life will not be affected.
  • You will never need to worry about contraception again.
  • It is safer, simpler and more reliable than female sterilisation.
  • It is very effective. According to the NHS, just 1 man out of 2,000 who have had a vasectomy will get a woman pregnant during the rest of his lifetime. 

Cons:

  • It won’t protect you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 
  • Your ball sack (scrotum) might become swollen, bruised or painful. 1 in 10 men get ongoing pain and may need more surgery to treat it. 
  • You may get complications, such as a blood clot inside your scrotum.
  • The tubes taking sperm from your testicles to your penis can sometimes reconnect, but this is rare. 

Our clinic in Wheatbridge and several GPs around Derbyshire offer vasectomy services. You will need a referral from your GP. 

You can also contact our vasectomy team for further info on 01246 293 702 or email DCHST.vasectomy-services@nhs.net.