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Vasectomy
Scope
This guideline covers the assessment, counselling and procedural considerations for male sterilisation options in the western locality.
Please note East Cornwall patients are covered by the NHS Kernow male sterilisation commissioning policy.
Background:
- Sterilisation is a common method of contraception worldwide
- Requests for sterilisation should come from the patient and be considered irrespective of marital status
- It is recommended that all patients undergo careful counselling and this process is documented when obtaining informed consent
- Information should be delivered with respect for the religious and cultural beliefs of the patient
- Sterilisation is a subject of intense medico-legal activity; therefore it is important to clearly document all aspects of the clinical history, examination, counselling and consent process
Advantages:
- Concealed method
- Cost effective contraception
- Not dependent on patient compliance
- No significant long-term adverse effects
- Does not interfere with intercourse
Out of Scope
- It does not include reversible contraceptive options
- East Cornwall patients are covered by the NHS Kernow male sterilisation commissioning policy.
History and Examination
The following criteria are essential when assessing suitability for sterilisation:
- Patient has chosen permanent contraception
- Patient is competent to make a choice
- Patient is a suitable candidate for surgery (consider using World Health Organization [WHO] medical eligibility criteria to assess suitability)
Patients with the following criteria may not be suitable for sterilisation:
Increased likelihood of regret:
- Under age 30 years
- Few or no children
- Unstable relationship
- Diminished mental capacity
- Suspected coercion
- Insufficient time to consider decision
If patient is unsuitable for a Vasectomy
- Discuss alternative methods of contraception
Referral Criteria
All patients will be offered referral to a primary care service for a vasectomy under local anaesthetic (LA). There are some patients who may require general anaesthetic (GA); often these patients will be assessed in primary care first.
Please include in referral letter:
- BMI
- Previous testicular surgery
- Patients receiving anticoagulant treatment
- History of allergy to local anaesthetic
Referral Instructions
e-Referral service selection
- Speciality: Urology
- Clinic Type: Vasectomy
- Service: DRSS-Western-Urology (Vasectomy)-Devon ICB-15N
Referral Form
Patient Information
Sentinel provides a vasectomy service for the Western locality from a number of community settings
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.
Publication date: February 2016
