Deciding to have a vasectomy

You should only have a vasectomy if you are certain that you do not want to have any more children. If you have any doubts, you should consider an alternative method of contraception until you are completely sure.

It is not advisable to make your decision about having a vasectomy following a crisis, or a big change in your life - for example, if your partner has just had a baby, or if they have just terminated their pregnancy.

Discussing your vasectomy

If you have a partner, before deciding to have a vasectomy, you should discuss it with them. If possible, it is best for you to both agree to the procedure before you proceed. Some doctors prefer both partners to agree to the procedure after providing information and counseling. However, it is not a legal requirement to get your partner's permission in order to have a vasectomy.

A vasectomy can be performed at any stage of adult life. However, many doctors are reluctant to carry out the procedure on young men, particularly if they do not have any children. Research has shown that men under 30 years of age are most likely to regret having a vasectomy later on in life.

If you are a young male wishing to have a vasectomy, your doctor does have the right to refuse to carry out the procedure, or refer you for the procedure, if they do not believe it is in your best interests. If this is the case, you may have to pay to have a vasectomy carried out privately.