Urology · London
Private vasectomy in London, by a consultant urologist.
A quick no-scalpel vasectomy by a consultant urologist - with a proper pre-op conversation and confirmatory semen analysis included. Reversal exists but is not the plan.
Indicative pricing
What a private vasectomy costs in London.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£900–£1,800, with a follow-up semen analysis at 12–16 weeks.
| Option | Indicative range | Typical duration | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-scalpel vasectomy (LA) | £900–£1,800 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
| Vasectomy under sedation | £1,500–£3,000 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Vasectomy under general anaesthetic | £2,500–£4,500 | Half-day | Same visit |
| Post-vasectomy semen analysis (single) | £120–£250 | 10 min | 3–5 days |
| Vasectomy reversal | £4,000–£10,000 | Half-day | 6–12 months to fertility |
| Consultation only | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by consultant, and by whether you choose sedation or general anaesthetic.
The problem
A small operation that deserves a proper conversation.
A vasectomy is technically quick - but it is intended as permanent. The bit worth getting right is the pre-op discussion: reversibility, timing, sperm-banking, and whether now is genuinely the moment. That conversation should come first.
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Worried it will hurt?
The no-scalpel technique is much gentler than most men expect - a puncture, not an incision, under local anaesthetic.
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Worried about sex drive?
A vasectomy does not affect testosterone, libido or erections. Everything downstream stays the same.
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Not sure if you should?
A pre-op consultation is a good use of an afternoon. If you leave uncertain, that is a valid answer.
When it is right
When a vasectomy is the right next step.
A vasectomy is arranged when a considered decision has been made about permanent contraception. These are the most common situations.
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Permanent contraception
When you and your partner want a reliable, permanent method after careful thought.
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Family planning after complete family
For men and couples who feel their family is complete and want to stop worrying about contraception.
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Easier than female sterilisation
Simpler, safer and quicker than tubal ligation - done awake under local anaesthetic.
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Quick recovery vs alternatives
Most men are back to desk work the next day and to normal activity within a week.
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For those who have made a considered decision
A vasectomy is intended as permanent. A proper pre-op conversation, not a rushed consent, is the standard to expect.
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Planned for a specific time window
Fits neatly around annual leave or a quiet week - 20–30 minutes on the day, a fortnight before heavy exercise.
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Minimal downtime · desk work next day
A small puncture heals quickly. Bruising and swelling settle over a few days.
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Red flag: severe scrotal pain, fever, spreading redness
Any of these after your vasectomy is a same-day A&E problem - do not wait.
Your options
Not all vasectomy pathways are the same.
What each option on your referral actually means, and what usually sits alongside it.
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No-scalpel vasectomy (LA)
The standard technique - a tiny puncture, awake, under local anaesthetic. Quick and low-fuss.
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Vasectomy under sedation
Light IV sedation for anxious patients - you are drowsy but breathing on your own.
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Vasectomy under GA
General anaesthetic if you would rather be fully asleep or have specific anatomical reasons.
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Consultation only
A pre-op conversation to think it through properly before committing to a date.
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Post-vasectomy semen analysis
The lab test at ~12–16 weeks that confirms the vasectomy has worked.
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Vasectomy reversal
A microsurgical procedure to rejoin the vas deferens - possible but not guaranteed and expensive.
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Chronic post-vasectomy pain review
A specialist review if you have ongoing scrotal pain months after the procedure.
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Fertility freeze before vasectomy
Sperm-banking beforehand for anyone who wants an insurance policy - worth considering.
Safety and eligibility
Safer, and easier, than most men expect.
A vasectomy is a well-established, low-risk operation. The things worth planning are the pre-op decision itself, and what to expect in the weeks that follow.
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Intended as permanent contraception
A vasectomy is designed to be permanent. Reversal exists but is expensive, not guaranteed, and not the plan.
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Not effective until confirmed
The vasectomy is not effective until a semen analysis at ~12–16 weeks confirms no sperm remain.
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Keep using other contraception
Until confirmation, you and your partner must continue with your current method - do not skip this step.
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Brief scrotal bruising and swelling
Some bruising, tenderness and swelling in the first few days is normal and settles with rest and support.
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Usually back to desk work next day
Most men are back at a desk the following day. Physical jobs may need 2–3 days off.
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Avoid heavy exercise for 1–2 weeks
No running, cycling, gym or lifting for at least a week - longer for anything strenuous.
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Sperm-banking before is worth considering
A small insurance policy against a change of circumstances.
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Chronic post-vasectomy pain (~1–2%)
A small minority develop ongoing scrotal pain. Uncommon, but worth knowing about beforehand.
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Reversal is possible but not guaranteed
Microsurgical reversal has variable success and is expensive. Consider a vasectomy permanent when you agree to it.
Reading your report
An operation note can look clinical. It isn’t.
Whatever the exact technique, the note keeps to the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
Operative language is precise and can read coldly - ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
If anything is unclear, ask your clinician to talk you through the note and the semen-analysis schedule.
- 01 Header
Indication and discussion documented
Your details, why you chose a vasectomy, and confirmation that reversibility, sperm-banking and cooling-off were discussed.
- 02 Technique
Approach and closure
Which technique was used - no-scalpel, LA/sedation/GA - how each vas was identified, divided and closed.
- 03 Findings
Anything unusual on the day
A note of any difficulty locating a vas or of unexpected anatomy - usually a very short paragraph or "no issues".
- 04 Impression
Recovery expectations and semen-analysis schedule
Read this first - how to recover, when to expect discomfort to settle, and exactly when to submit your semen sample.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Frequently asked
Common questions about vasectomy.
Quick answers on pain, cost, sex drive, and when contraception can stop.
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What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a small operation that cuts and seals the vas deferens - the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. It is intended as permanent contraception and does not affect testosterone, sex drive or erections.
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Does a vasectomy hurt?
Less than most men expect. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure and pushing rather than pain. The anaesthetic injection itself stings briefly. Some tenderness and bruising follow for a few days.
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Will a vasectomy affect my sex drive or erections?
No. A vasectomy does not change testosterone levels, libido or the ability to get an erection. Sperm is a very small part of the ejaculate, so the volume looks essentially unchanged too.
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How much does a private vasectomy cost in London?
A no-scalpel vasectomy under local anaesthetic is typically £900–£1,800. Sedation adds around £600–£1,200 and general anaesthetic £1,600–£2,700.
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When can I stop using other contraception?
Only after a semen analysis - usually at 12–16 weeks post-vasectomy - confirms there are no sperm left. Until then, keep using your current method. This step is not optional.
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Can a vasectomy be reversed?
A microsurgical reversal is possible but not guaranteed to restore fertility, takes 6–12 months to have effect, and costs £4,000–£10,000. Consider a vasectomy permanent when you agree to it.
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Does a vasectomy increase the risk of cancer?
Current evidence does not support a link between vasectomy and prostate or testicular cancer. Large studies have looked at this and reassured on it.
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How much time off work will I need?
Most men are back at a desk the next day. Physical jobs usually need 2–3 days. Avoid heavy exercise, cycling and gym for 1–2 weeks.
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Should I bank sperm before a vasectomy?
It is worth thinking about - a small insurance policy against a change of circumstances.
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When should I see a GP or go to A&E urgently after a vasectomy?
Severe scrotal pain, a rapidly enlarging swelling, fever, or spreading redness are same-day A&E problems - do not wait. Mild bruising, tenderness and swelling are normal.