Vasectomy FAQs

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for men. It’s a minor surgery (usually performed with local anaesthetic) that prevents sperm from reaching the penis. It is one of the most effective forms of birth control at over 99% effective. The procedure is safe, reliable, and is often chosen by men who decide they don’t want to have any more children. The procedure is quick and takes less than 25 minutes.

Traditional Vasectomy Vs No-scalpel vasectomy

While traditional methods of vasectomy require large incisions, the no-scalpel technique requires just a small incision in the scrotum. There’s less bleeding, less discomfort, and patients don’t need to wait for a long time before leaving the clinic.

How long does it take to recover?

The recovery time from vasectomy is usually quick, with most men able to return to work after a couple of days, depending on the type of work. Often, it’s recommended that normal sexual activity is resumed after one to two weeks. Some minor swelling and bruising may occur post-procedure, but these side effects usually subside within a week.

How effective is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of contraception available, with a success rate of over 99%. It is considered a permanent method of birth control. The benefit over other forms, is that it’s reliable without requiring physical, chemical, or hormonal contraceptives.

The failure rate of vasectomy is roughly 1 in every 2000. comparing this to traditionally used condoms, those can fail in 5 to 10 cases out of 100. Compared to the contraceptive pill, this fails 3 to 6 times in every 100 people. The coil is closest to vasectomy, coming in at a failure rate of 1 in every 1500.

How do I prepare for my procedure?

We recommend taking a bath or shower on the day of the procedure. Shaving the testicles is crucial to reduce the risk of infection; however, if you prefer, the medical staff can perform this task at the surgery. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to address any last-minute inquiries. On the day of your vasectomy, please ensure that you wear well-fitting underwear, as it provides post-procedure support and contributes to reducing the likelihood of postoperative bleeding and discomfort.

Read more about the procedure here.

Can I drive home after the procedure?

We often recommend that you have someone drive you home, for your comfort, and also to minimise the possibility of complications.

How much is a vasectomy in Ireland?

The vasectomy procedure costs €650 – this includes preparation with our team, the vasectomy procedure itself, and a follow-up semen analysis to confirm the success of the procedure. If you have private medical insurance, your vasectomy could cost half that after tax rebates.

If you are a medical card holder, you could avail of a free vasectomy. However, it is dependent on factors such as your address. There is also a waiting list, so it is advisable to contact us directly to explore a GMS/medical card vasectomy. If you have any further questions about the cost of a vasectomy in Ireland or would like to schedule an appointment at our clinic, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you and provide more information about our services.

Can a vasectomy be undone/reversed?

It’s often thought that undoing a vasectomy is as simple as reattaching the tubes. However, we find that it is not a simple process, and cannot be relied upon to work. Therefore, we recommend that, if you are unsure, you should wait a longer period of time before deciding to have a vasectomy. Our team can help counsel you and your partner if required, to explain the reasons we might suggest holding off on the procedure.

Does a vasectomy affect having sex?

A vasectomy will not have any impact on your sexual function, apart from the fact that you will no longer be able to conceive a child via intercourse. It has no effect on libido, hormone levels, erection ability, or orgasm. The only change is that sperm will not be present in the ejaculate.

Resuming normal sexual activity after your procedure

14 days is the most common period between the procedure and resuming sexual activity. However, another effective form of contraception must be used until the semen analysis has been completed, and the all-clear has been given that there is no longer a trace of sperm in the semen. It can take over ten weeks for sperm to fully clear out of your semen. 

How long until I can return to work?

We recommend that those working in office jobs/low impact jobs can return to work within one to two days. For those who partake in more manual or physical jobs, it is recommended to wait at least a week. If you are unsure, chat with our team pre-procedure to determine how long it might be best to wait.

How long until I can return to sports?

Similar to work that requires manual labour, we recommend you wait at least two weeks before going back to sports, especially contact sports. It is also advisable to wear a protective scrotal support or jock strap for a couple of weeks after the procedure.

The volume and appearance of semen are typically unchanged post-vasectomy. The volume of semen made up by sperm is considerably lower than one might think.

Many patients choose to check the success of their vasectomy with Semen testing. There is no additional cost incurred to have this done.