Vasectomy in Dublin

Vasectomy in Ireland is a common and safe procedure. Vasectomy has been performed in Morehampton Clinic in Dublin for over 30 years.
Vasectomy is contraception for men that is safe, convenient and effective. Vasectomy is a minor procedure that seals the tubes which carry the sperm from a man's testicles to his penis. This is carried out under local anaesthetic and there are no needles, scalpels or stitches involved. Afterwards, the man's semen will no longer contain any sperm, removing risk of pregnancy. A follow-up test is performed to confirm the absence of sperm. It’s a cost effective solution to contraception.
Dr Gavin Keane carries out the vasectomies at Morehampton Clinic. He will be happy to chat to you about the procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also check out our FAQs below.
What is a Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a short procedure performed in our Donnybrook clinic in Dublin, it takes less than 30 minutes. There is also a quick recovery time. Vasectomy does not affect a man’s libido, hormones or sexual performance. Ejaculation will still happen as usual afterwards, but the semen will not contain sperm cells, preventing unplanned pregnancies.
​
Considering a Vasectomy?
If you would like to know more about vasectomy contact us today to meet with or talk to Dr Keane. If you would like to book directly, you can do so here.
Why Vasectomy?
It's Effective
Vasectomy is the most effective of all the methods of contraception, with a success rate of >99%.
It's Safe
Vasectomy ranks among the safest and most effective of any surgery. Technique has advanced by becoming less and less invasive. Now we use no needles, no scalpels and no stitches at all.
It's Convenient
The procedure is completed at our wonderful Donnybrook clinic on a date that suits you - and it takes less than 30 minutes.
It's Painless
There is of course a big variety in people’s perception of pain, but the vast majority of men report that the discomfort is mild and that there is no pain after receiving the anaesthetic. For many, imagining the worst beforehand is a lot worse than the actual procedure!
A Quick Recovery Time
You must rest on the day of the procedure and avoid strenuous activity for one week but you can return to normal work and light activity from the very next day.
The Freedom
Enjoy the freedom from other contraceptive methods which can interfere with sex, freedom from worrying about accidental pregnancy, or freedom from concern about the effects of the pill on your partner's health.
How It Works
​
Before your procedure
A few things we would recommend prior to having your vasectomy:
-
Have someone to drive you to/from our Dublin clinic (or take a taxi).
-
You should also avoid Aspirin, ibuprofen/Nurofen and other anti- inflammatories two days before vasectomy. Paracetamol is fine at any time.
-
Please wash the scrotum and groin area well the night before or the day of your vasectomy.
-
Please shave or trim away the hair from the front of the scrotum.
-
Wear a clean pair of snug-fitting underwear that give support to the scrotum. You could wear bike shorts or a Speedo if that’s easier for you.
-
Eat plenty on the day of your procedure – do NOT fast.
At the Clinic
You should plan to spend between 30 to 45 minutes at the clinic. Again, you should be driven home by someone else for your safety and comfort.
Anatomy
Before describing the vasectomy procedure in detail, we will first discuss the male anatomy.
Each testicle is an oval gland that sits in the scrotum. It produces sperm, which travels through the tubes within the testicle out to the epididymis, which sits on top of the testicle. From there, the sperm travels through another long tube out of the scrotum, through the prostate (where semen is added to enable sperm to travel easier) and out of the penis. The tube that carries sperm out of the testicle is called the vas deferens. In a vasectomy, we interrupt both of these (left and right), thus preventing sperm from exiting altogether.The testes also produce the male hormone testosterone. It leaves the area via blood vessels, so this function is not affected by vasectomy in any way. Likewise, the nerves and blood flow that control erections are not in any way involved in a vasectomy. Crucially, sperm can be stored at various junctures along this path for several weeks, which is the reason why alternative contraception must be used after vasectomy, until a test of success after 12 weeks confirms that residual sperm is gone.
The Vasectomy Technique
Vasectomy technique has advanced, becoming less and less invasive. Now we use no scalpel incision at all and no skin stitches. We administer local anaesthetic - without any needles, using a high powered spray device - to numb the skin and the areas involved. After this, while you will feel movements and some pressure, there should be no pain.
The Surgical Procedure
If you do not want to know all the details of the procedure; you may skip over this section. Others may want to know more – we are happy to address all questions.
​
You will lie down on the exam couch. We often use a hot water bottle to help heat and relax the scrotum. Dr Keane will examine your genitals. He will clean the scrotum with a warm antiseptic liquid. To begin, he finds the vas deferens or tube on each side and administers local anesthetic. This numbs the superficial skin and both tubes. He then holds the first tube at the front of the scrotum and makes a tiny puncture opening in the skin to expose the tube, which is then brought out through the opening. The central part of the tube is blocked by electrocautery, which creates firm scar tissue. The tube is then separated and stretched apart. One end of the tube is then sealed behind a layer of tissue with a small clip. This method has proven to have a very high success rate. The tube is then put back in place and then the second tube is located and held where it can be reached through the same central opening. The second tube is sealed and separated, just like on the other side. The opening is closed and then covered with a plaster and you’re done - no stitches involved!
​
After Care
After a few minutes you get dressed and go home. To prevent complications you must go directly home from the clinic after your vasectomy and rest until the next day. You should wear tight underwear for a few days to keep the plaster in place for at least 24 hours. For the next 7 days you can return to office or light work, however you must avoid strenuous exercise and swimming.
All-in price €530
This includes:
-
Optional pre-consultation in person
-
Meet Dr. Keane & see the clinic
-
-
The procedure
-
no needles, no scalpels, no stitches
-
-
All follow-up care as needed
-
Semen testing to ensure success