No scalpel Vasectomy Clinic in Carryduff, Belfast
Simple, Cost-effective Vasectomy Procedure with Low Complication Rate. Based just outside Belfast, Carryduff, Northern Ireland now with the option to split payments over 3 months
About Us
Dr Quinn and his team of of nursing and admin support have significant experience in delivering vasectomy services across Northern Ireland. We are happy to answer any queries.
NHS WAITING TIMES
The average current waiting time from referral for an NHS Vasectomy is approximately 24 months. We can offer a cost effective procedure with a week or two of an initial query. Please complete the contact form for further information
Dr Peter Quinn
Dr Peter Quinn MB BCH BAO (2003) MRCGP DFFP ASPC
Dr Quinn has been undertaking primary care minor surgery since 2006 and has been a primary care vasectomist since 2017. He is current clinical lead for the NHS federation-led Vasectomy services. He is a vasectomy trainer having trained other surgeons the no scalpel technique. He performs hundreds of vasectomies each year both within the NHS and independent sector. He specialises in difficult to perform procedures, nervous patients and takes referrals from other clinics for patients that require a more experienced vasectomy surgeon. He has a particular interest in men’s health, primary care minor surgery and joint injections. He is a huge advocate for vasectomy as a form of contraception.
About Non Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control for men. Some methods require surgeons to make a small incision in the scrotum, but the “no-scalpel” vasectomy is done without the need for a scalpel.
The no-scalpel vasectomy is popular among men for many reasons. It’s less invasive than a conventional vasectomy and it reduces the risk of complications including hematoma, infection and discomfort. Recovery is also faster after a no-scalpel vasectomy.
How is No Scalpel Vasectomy Performed?
The doctor will administer local anaesthesia before the procedure so that your skin and vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm) are numb. A small hole is made in the skin and the Vas deferens are brought to the surface where they are sealed or tied to prevent sperm from travelling from the testes.
The procedure is usually performed through one incision but occasionally another is required depending on your anatomy.
In total, the procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes from start to finish. You are awake during the procedure but should feel little or no discomfort. Men often comment that it is easier than going to the dentist!
After the procedure, the vas deferens is passed back into the scrotum. Usually, no stitches are required and the wound is sealed. There is usually a bit of discomfort for a few days but most men return to normal activities after a few days and heavy activities after a week.
It is important to note that you are not sterile right away and that contraception must be continued for a further four months until a semen analysis shows no sperm present.
The no-scalpel vasectomy is popular among men for many reasons. It’s less invasive than a traditional vasectomy, shorter recovery period and there is reduced risk of complications.
Benefits of No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)
In Belfast, Northern Ireland the current wait for NHS community vasectomy services was 18 months months until October 2023. With the withdrawal of funding for the primary care vasectomy service, this is likely now to be many years if at all. We aim to offer all our patients an appointment within several weeks. We run clinics at convenient times such as evenings and weekends.
- Fewer complications when compared with traditional vasectomy
- Less pain and bleeding both during and after the procedure
- Procedure takes less time
- Faster recovery compared to a traditional vasectomy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is minor surgical procedure to cut the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. We perform this using the Non Scalpel Vasectomy technique (NSV) resulting in fewer complications that a traditional vasectomy.
Is a vasectomy permanent?
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent method of contraception. There have been reported instances of a man becoming fertile again (1 in 2000) but this is rare. It is one of the most effective permanent methods of contraception being at least 10 times as effective as female sterilisation.
Does a vasectomy hurt?
The operation is done under local anaesthetic which takes away most of the pain. However, some men may need a little more anaesthetic during the operation. After the vasectomy, you should rest and put ice packs on your scrotum to help the pain. You should also wear tight-fitting underpants for a couple of days. You can take a mild painkiller (no aspirin) if you need it. You might have a little ache for a few days after the operation, especially if you do too much. You may also notice that your scrotum has some bruises and is a little swollen.
What can I do after a vasectomy?
You’ll need to go directly home and rest. The best choice is to have a driver take you home. You must NOT walk or cycle home!
You should carry out only light activity on the following two days.
When can I shower after my vasectomy?
You may take a shower the day after your surgery. However, don’t take tub baths or sit in water for about one week. This gives your wound time to heal.
Will I be sterile right away?
Sperm can remain in your semen for up to 12 weeks after a vasectomy. We recommend doing a semen analysis at 4 months and occasionally again at 7 months. You must not stop contraception until you have been advised that the procedure has been a success
What if I change my mind?
You should not consider a vasectomy if you are not sure your family is complete. Vasectomies in some cases can be reversed but the success rate is low and it can be expensive. We would advise alternative methods of contraception until your are sure that you do not want any more children.
Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?
A vasectomy will have no effect on your hormone levels, sex drive or ejaculation. Many couples find that their sex lives improve when they do not have to worry about contraception or having any more children.
When can I return to work?
You may return to work after the third postoperative day if you are comfortable and do not have to perform manual labour (e.g. building work). If your job consists of heavy manual labour, you are advised to carry out light duty for the first few days; if this is tolerated, you can advance to a full workload. It will take most men an average of 7 days to return to full strength. All men heal differently and you should take as long as needed. The above advice is simply for guidance.
when can I have sex?
You may have sex in one week, if you want to. Remember, though, that you won’ be sterile until an average of 12-16 weeks after the operation. So, keep using contraception until you have the test to check for sperm in your semen and have been given the “all clear”.
How much does a Vasectomy Cost?
Vasectomy Package £650
This includes a no scalpel vasectomy at the next available clinic of your choice carried out at our clinic in Carryduff on the outskirts of Belfast. It also includes a semen analysis that is posted to your home 4 months after the procedure. We now offer the option of splitting payments over 3 months.
No Obligation Consultation £85
If you are not sure if a vasectomy is right for you and would prefer to have a consultation with the doctor. You can arrange a video consultation where an experienced vasectomy surgeon can answer any questions or concerns you may have. If you decide to proceed with a vasectomy, the cost of the consultation will be deducted from the overall price.
Book your appointment
The best way to get in contact is to complete the contact form below. member of admin will contact you shortly.
Book your appointment today and take the first step towards a worry-free future. You can also email us directly at info@vasectomyni.co.uk
Are there any risks with Vasectomy?
Like all surgical procedures, there is a small risk of complications with vasectomies. You will be thoroughly counselled about these prior to your procedure.
- Pain/bruising
- Infection
- Chronic Post Vasectomy Pain (1%)
- Early and late Failure of the procedure
- Sperm Granuloma
- Testicular loss/atrophy (1 in 10000)
Potential Complications
As with all operations, there is a small risk of complications with vasectomy though these are minimised through the no-scalpel technique. Unfortunately, complications can occur though the vast majority of patients report no problems.
Bleeding – a small amount of bleeding is normal from the wound. A small dressing is applied that can be removed after 24 hrs.
Haematoma – Bleeding within the scrotum after the procedure can occur and this can cause the scrotum to swell. This usually presents with swelling and pain. In the vast majority of cases applying ice packs and pain relief is all that is required and the swelling usually resolves within a few weeks. Significant swelling may rarely require admission to the hospital and surgical evacuation. It most often occurs if a patient has been more physically active than advised and you should rest as much as possible in the first few days.
Infection – Wound infections and occasionally infections within the scrotum can occur. These can usually be treated with oral antibiotics that can be obtained from your GP. Details of the correct antibiotic will be included with your discharge letter.
Sperm Granulomas – these are small swellings on the tube that occur where the tube has been divided. They are not generally problematic but can cause concern and usually, reassurance that they are a result of the procedure is all that is needed.
Post vasectomy Pain syndrome – This is a rare complication that is poorly understood. This is usually a discomfort, ache or throbbing that can persist many months or years after the procedure. It may be nerve pain or from congestion in the tubes. The incidence is around 1-2%.
Early Failure – The chance of the procedure not being a success is around 0.5% usually due to the tubes re-joining. Sometimes more than one semen analysis is required to prove the success of the operation due to the ongoing presence of sperm in the semen.
Late Failure/canalisation – Thankfully a lot rarer but occasionally the tubes can re-join months or years after a successful vasectomy. The risk of this is usually quoted at about 1 in 2000. It is 10 times more effective than female sterilisation. I have not had a late failure in my practice but like all methods of contraception, there is a small failure rate.
Testicular loss – There have been reports of testicular loss or atrophy (shrinkage) after a vasectomy. The risk of this is quoted as 1 in 10000 but thankfully I have never had a case in my practice.
What to expect after the procedure
After the procedure, the area will be numb. The anaesthetic usually wears off after a few hours and you may become aware of a dull ache or throbbing in the scrotum. This is normal and you should take regular paracetamol to help with any discomfort.
You should try and rest for the rest of the day and apply an ice pack to the scrotum for 15 minutes at a time as often as possible. We recommend taking regular painkillers for at least the first 3 days.
You should avoid heavy manual work for at least the first 7 days. Light work is fine from day 3.
You can resume sexual intercourse after one week but be aware that your semen will still contain sperm for up to 16 weeks after your procedure and you cannot abandon contraception until you have completed a semen analysis. This is posted out to your home and is posted back to the accredited laboratory. As soon as we have the results we will let you know that the procedure has been a success.