MALE
STERILISATION
Other names: Vasectomy
WHAT IS MALE STERILISATION?
Male Sterilisation, also known as a vasectomy, is a permanent surgical contraceptive method which involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis. Since it is permanent and highly effective, it is an option for those who never want to have children, or who don't wish to have any more.
A note on gender
Gender identification is a personal journey. Not everyone with a male body is a man and not everyone with a female body is a woman. This information is for people of all genders including transgender, non-binary and intersex individuals.
OVERVIEW
EFFICACY
99%+
FREQUENCY
PERMANENT
EFFECT ON FERTILITY
PERMANENT
BLOOD CLOT RISK
NONE
MALE STERILISATION IS A TYPE OF PERMANENT METHOD OF CONTRACEPTION
Male sterilisation belongs to a category of contraception known as permanent contraception. These methods are permanent and can’t usually be reversed.
HOW DOES MALE STERILISATION PREVENT PREGNANCY?
A vasectomy (male sterilisation) is a permanent surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry sperm.
It prevents pregnancy by stopping sperm getting into the semen which is ejaculated during sex.
Without any sperm in the semen, an egg cannot be fertilised.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS A VASECTOMY?
Vasectomy is intended to be permanent and is over 99% effective. In rare cases, however, the tubes that carry sperm can grow back together and a repeat vasectomy will be needed.
PERFECT USE*
99%+
Effective
Approximately 1 out of every 100 women in a year will experience an unintended pregnancy.
* Perfect use of a contraceptive method is when it is used correctly all the time.
TYPICAL USE*
99%+
Effective
Approximately 1 out of every 100 women in a year will experience an unintended pregnancy.
* Typical use is what generally happens in real life. It takes into account human error e.g. forgetting to take your pill. Typical use is the same as perfect use for male sterilisation
PREPARING FOR YOUR GP APPOINTMENT
TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR
Get the information you need for an informed discussion with your doctor.
PP-UN-WHC-GB-0307 July 2025