Services
Vasectomy
Our expert vasectomy services in Edinburgh offer a safe, simple, and effective option for men seeking long-term birth control. With experienced doctors, minimal downtime, and a discreet clinical environment, our Edinburgh clinic ensures professional care every step of the way.
MEET OUR VASECTOMY SURGEON
Dr Terrina Dickson MBChB DPD is a highly accomplished and respected professional in medicine. As a Private GP, Minor Surgery Specialist, Vasectomy Surgeon and Skin Specialist, Dr Terrina has an extensive background in healthcare.
Working with the Lister Institute, she developed both Dermatology, Minor Surgery and Men’s Health Courses for Primary Care. She’s helped set up both Midlothian and Lothian Minor Surgery Services. She’s also a recognised trainer for vasectomy, having completed over 10,000 vasectomies.
vasectomy
procedure
What to expect from Vasectomy counselling:
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Face-to-face or phone consultations available across Edinburgh.
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Full explanation of the vasectomy procedure, risks, and benefits.
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A medical assessment ensures you’re fit and suitable for the operation.
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Ample opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
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Counselling is ideally scheduled at least 7 days before your procedure date.
What happens on the day of Vasectomy procedure?
Following your counselling session, you’ll be able to book your vasectomy procedure from 7 days later. We provide a safe and comfortable environment for men across Edinburgh seeking long-term contraception.
On the Day of Your Vasectomy:
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Arrive 15 minutes early for a short pre-op check.
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The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes, performed under local anaesthetic or sedation.
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After your vasectomy, relax with tea and biscuits before you go.
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You’ll receive full post-operative care instructions.
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You can normally be collected 30 minutes after your procedure.
Note: Post-vasectomy semen analysis is charged separately.
commonly asked
questions
How is it done?
The tube (vas deferens) is divided and tied to prevent the sperm travelling from the testes to the penis for ejaculation. The procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic for most patients, but there is an option to have the procedure done under sedation. The procedure takes 15 – 20 minutes and you will have one small wound which is closed with a single dissolvable stitch.
What happens before the procedure?
All patients require a counselling session before a vasectomy procedure. This usually takes place at least 7 days before the procedure and can be done as a face-to-face appointment or a phone consultation. During this the procedure is explained, the risks and benefits are discussed, and the post op care explained. There is an opportunity to ask any questions.
What happens on the day of procedure?
You will need to arrive at the clinic 15 minutes before the operation. A few pre op checks will be carried out. The procedure itself takes 15 – 20 minutes and after the procedure you can have a cup of tea and biscuits while running through the post op advice. Driving is not recommended immediately after treatment.
What happens after the procedure?
You will be given advice on self-care following the procedure and a contact number for any questions or queries.
Roughly 12 weeks after the procedure you will need to send in a sample to confirm the procedure has been successful. Whilst you will not need to use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, some contraceptives, such as a condom, can still offer protection against STDs.
What are the side effects/risks?
A vasectomy does not directly cause impotence or affect your sexual function. It does not increase your risk of prostate or testicular cancer and is not believed to increase your risk of serious disease.
For most men there are no significant problems after a vasectomy.
There may be a small amount of bruising to the skin and a little localized discomfort which usually settles with simple pain relief, rest, and supportive underwear. Occasionally there may be some bleeding into the scrotum – a haematoma – this can settle spontaneously or may need surgical drainage. Sperm granulomas can occur as sperm can leak from the closed ends of the vas. This can be a tender lump but generally settles with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
Post op infection is uncommon, however if any redness or swelling occurs it is important to seek advice.
A rare risk is Chronic Scrotal Pain- a recognised complication following vasectomy.
Returning to work, exercise or have sex?
For desk jobs, we recommend 2-3 days, and for manual jobs 1-2 weeks. As for exercise we advise a rest period of 48-72 hours. Sex can resume as soon as you feel comfortable, but we advise waiting a minimum of 48 hours.
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