It's a small operation to cut a part of the penis, the vas deferens, so that sperm doesn't travel into the semen and make a woman pregnant.

It's a simple operation done under local anaesthetic (your scrotum and testicles will be numb) - but if you are allergic to local anaesthetic or faint easily you might have a general anaesthetic.

What actually happens?

First you have a chat with your GP. He or she will ask you a number of questions to check that there are no health reasons why you might not be able to have a vasectomy and that it's a decision that you and your partner have made together.

It's very important that you, your partner and your GP are absolutely sure that this is the right thing to do and that you don't want children. Although a vasectomy can be reversed it's often unsuccessful.

You can have the procedure at a hospital, clinic or at your doctor's surgery. There are two types of procedure:

Conventional vasectomy

After anaesthetic two small incisions are made on each side of the scrotum so that the surgeon can cut the two tubes that carry sperm to the penis (vas deferens). The ends of the cut tubes are sealed either by surgical tie or using a special instrument that uses heat to close the tubes.

The incisions are sewn up with dissolvable stitches.

No-scalpel vasectomy

This is a procedure usually done in a private clinic.

The surgeon finds the vas deferens with his hands and then holds in it place using a special clip. Then a special tool is used to make a tiny hole in the skin where the surgeon can cut the tubes and seal them. Research suggests that the no-scalpel procedure is less painful and less likely to cause complications.

How do you know if you really want a vasectomy?

Having a vasectomy is a decision you can't make lightly. Once you have had a vasectomy you cannot be a biological father again. And although vasectomies are reversible many are unsuccessful and aren't available on the NHS.

Because it's a big decision it needs to be discussed with your partner, if you have one, friends or family members and your doctor, you might even want counselling - your doctor can refer you to someone.

The pros of a vasectomy

A vasectomy (either procedure) only takes between 15-30 minutes
It carries much less risk than female sterilisation
Pain is minimal and complications are rare
You can go home the same day
It's a very successful operation for most men
If you want a male doctor you can request one
Recovery is quick, just a few days. You'll probably only experience a little discomfort such as swelling and bruising.

The cons of a vasectomy

The procedure is free on the NHS but the waiting list can be long so you might prefer to go to a private clinic, which you'll have to pay for.
You can't have sex straight away. You need to have two check-ups after the procedure because there may be some sperm in your semen.
Until the tests for sperm are clear you'll have to use some form of contraception
A vasectomy doesn't stop the spread of STIs so if you have an infection or you have a new partner you must use a condom.
A reversal is possible but most are unsuccessful and are not available on the NHS
It's rare for a doctor to agree for a man under the age of 30 to have a vasectomy as research shows that they often regret having the operation.

Complications

A vasectomy is a very safe and successful procedure, however, in a small number of cases there are complications:

1. Fertility - in rare cases the tube that has been cut rejoins and makes you fertile again so you could make a woman pregnant.

2. Full-feeling testicles - sometimes a man develops a 'full' feeling in his testicles, as if they feel fuller than normal. This might sound strange but it is quite normal and will naturally disappear after a few weeks, however if this sensation goes on for a while it's worth seeing your GP just to put your mind at rest.

3. Pain - occasionally, after a vasectomy some men feel a dull ache or sharp pain in the testicles. This is usually due to a pinched nerve or scarring. You might need further surgery to correct the problem - your GP will be able to advise.

4. Infection - As with any minor or major surgery infection is a risk and this is due to bacteria entering the body via the cut made during the op. It's important to keep your genital area clean and dry and to seek the advice of your doctor.

A doctor has the right to refuse to carry out the procedure if he or she believes it's not in your best interests.