Community vasectomy service

Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception. It is a surgical procedure to seal off the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, making the patient sterile.  

Most vasectomies are ‘non scalpel’, sometimes known as ‘keyhole vasectomies. This vasectomy procedure is a popular, reliable and straightforward method of permanent contraception, which does not require an overnight stay in hospital.  

All men seeking a vasectomy must be fully assessed and counselled to make sure this is the right procedure for them and that they fully consent. If you are considering a vasectomy, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your options in more detail. In most cases your GP will need to refer you into the service.

There are different services providing vasectomies depending on where you live.

Community vasectomy providers 

Provide Wellbeing

Provide Wellbeing offers a service for men registered with a Hertfordshire GP. The Provide Wellbeing website has more information about the ‘No-Scalpel’ vasectomy service including local clinics and contact details.

If you are registered with a GP in south and west Hertfordshire, you can refer yourself into the Provide Wellbeing service without needing to see your GP first.

Patients registered with a GP in east and north Hertfordshire will need to be referred into the service by their GP.

Marie Stopes International Reproductive Choices

Marie Stopes International Reproductive Choices offers a service for men registered with a GP in east and north Hertfordshire and west Essex. Find out more about the community vasectomy service provided by Marie Stopes International Reproductive Choices or ask your GP for more information. Your GP will need to refer you into this service.

GP surgeries

Some GP surgeries provide vasectomies for west Hertfordshire patients. These are provided by specialist GPs who are qualified and experienced in providing this procedure.

Can I have a vasectomy in a hospital? 

We do not normally fund vasectomies in hospital (also known as secondary care) unless there are exceptional medical circumstances, which are identified by a specialist GP following a consultation with you. The GP will need to make an individual funding request on your behalf and will need to show that there are exceptional medical circumstances why you should have a vasectomy in hospital. This will be considered on case-by-case basis by the Individual Funding Request panel.