The vasectomy (ligation)
Small intervention, maximum safety
“Prof. Bonkat was absolutely fantastic during the procedure. He explained every step calmly and clearly, so I knew exactly what was happening at all times. I felt well-informed and safe.”
– H. M.
Vasectomy (ligation) - The optimal contraception
Once family planning has been completed, the question of optimal contraception arises for many couples. The permanent cutting of the vas deferens (vasectomy) in men offers a gentle and, above all, safe option. Vasectomy is also called ligation, vasectomy and sterilization in men.
Our experts on the subject of vasectomy
"As a general rule, a vasectomy should only be performed when family planning is truly finalized, as the procedure is not always reversible."
Contraceptive methods for men - a comparison
Compared to women, there are only a few applicable contraceptive methods for men.
Graded according to their safety, these are in descending order:
Vasectomy
Pearl index from
0.1
Condom
Pearl index from
2-12
Coitus interruptus
Pearl index from
4-18
The safety of the above methods can be expressed in figures via the so-called
Pearl index. The Pearl index is a measure of how many women out of 100 became pregnant via the corresponding contraceptive method when the method is used for one year. The smaller the Pearl index, the safer the contraceptive method.
Vasectomy is by far the safest method, with a value of 0.1 compared to 2-12 for the condom and 4-18 for
coitus interruptus. The Pearl index for the female pill is 0.1-0.9, meaning that the probability of producing a pregnancy after vasectomy is 1:2000, which is about 10x safer than the female pill. Many couples make the decision for a vasectomy together and consciously, in order to spare the woman a stressful hormonal contraception such as the pill.
Before treatment
Before the vasectomy, we’ll have a preliminary consultation at our office. During this consultation, we’ll explain the procedure to you in detail. We’ll also perform a physical examination. After the consultation, you’ll have plenty of time to think it over. If you decide to have a vasectomy right after the consultation, you can schedule an appointment immediately.
On the day of the operation
Food & Drink: You do not need to fast before the procedure. You may and should eat and drink normally beforehand to keep your circulation stable.
Personal Hygiene & Hair Removal: To minimize the risk of infection, we ask that you trim the pubic area (scrotum and base of the penis) on the day of the procedure or the evening before (e.g., with an electric trimmer).
Important: Please do not use a wet razor, as even the smallest cuts to the skin can increase the risk of infection. If you are unable to trim the hair yourself, we will be happy to do so for you shortly before the procedure.
Clothing: Please bring a pair of tight-fitting briefs (not loose boxer shorts) with you on the day of the procedure. These provide the necessary support for the scrotum after the procedure, reduce swelling, and increase your comfort.
Virtual reality to relax
We have recently started offering the VR goggles for our patients. The VR goggles are a unique virtual reality concept to calm, relax, distract, reduce anxiety and pain, and create a positive mood for patients and staff. Based on scientific research and numerous scientific partnerships.
Operation sequence
Vasectomies are performed on an outpatient basis at our clinic. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. As an option, alta uro offers controlled doses of nitrous oxide to patients who are anxious or nervous. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
Step 1
A small incision in the scrotum
First, the vas deferens are palpated. This is followed by a small skin incision on the scrotum. The skin opening is performed via an incision in the middle or alternatively right and left with two incisions. This depends on the mobility of the vas deferens.
Step 2
vas deferens is cut
The vas deferens is then exposed, dissected, and cut. A section of the vas deferens is removed during this procedure. The ends of the vas deferens are then cauterized using electricity (electrocoagulation).
Step 3
Spermatic cord ends are sunk
Finally, the ends of the vas deferens are buried in different layers of tissue. This ensures that the two ends of the vas deferens do not spontaneously reconnect and re-establish a passage.
Step 4
Skin opening is sutured
Finally, the small incision is closed with a spray-on adhesive bandage or a skin suture using dissolvable sutures. This means the sutures do not need to be removed. The same procedure is performed on the opposite side.
After the procedure
If the procedure was performed under local anesthesia only, you should take a short rest in the practice. After this, you may go home immediately and independently. However, please note that after the application of this nasal spray, for safety reasons, you will have to spend some time in the practice after the procedure in any case and may not actively participate in road traffic. Therefore, please ensure that you are accompanied home by a companion after the operation.
After the procedure
If the procedure was performed under local anesthesia only, you should take a short rest at the office. After that, you may go home immediately on your own.
The first days after vasectomy
Pain: The local anesthetic remains effective for about 8–10 hours. After that, most patients feel only a slight pulling sensation in the groin area.
Medication: Pain relievers are generally not strictly necessary. However, we will provide you with ibuprofen, which you can take if needed.
Rest: Take it easy on the day of the procedure, preferably on the sofa.
Cooling: Local cooling with a gel pad is highly recommended—please wrap it in a cloth to protect your skin.
Exercise & Activity: Please refrain from exercise, cycling, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for 1 week.
Showering: You may shower again starting the day after the procedure. Please clean the surgical area gently without rubbing, and use shower gel and soap sparingly. Then gently pat the skin dry. You should avoid full baths, saunas, and swimming for 1 week.
Having problems after a vasectomy? You can find help here.
The procedure is minimally invasive, and complications are very rare. Should any problems arise after the procedure (severe swelling, post-operative bleeding, fever), we are here to assist you as follows:
● During office hours: Call us directly at 061 226 30 00
● At night (Mon–Thu): Contact the Merian Iselin Clinic at 061 305 11 11 and ask for the doctor on duty from alta uro AG.
● On weekends (starting Friday evening) & on holidays: Please contact the emergency department at the University Hospital of Basel: 061 265 25 25
Follow-up after 3 months
Important: You are not immediately infertile! Even after the procedure, there are still sperm capable of fertilization in the vas deferens. You must therefore continue to use contraception.
The success of the vasectomy must first be confirmed by a semen analysis.
When: At the earliest after 3 months AND after approximately 25–30 ejaculations. Tip: Keep a simple tally on your phone to stay organized. Checking too early often leads to unnecessary repeat tests.
How: We will provide you with a sample kit on the day of surgery. Please call to schedule an appointment to drop off the sample at Viollier ART (see below).
The contact details for the delivery of the spermiogram are:
Andrology ART Basel, Bethesda Hospital ART for Infertility,
Gellertstrasse 144, 4052 Basel, on the 1st floor
Phone :
061 317 5905Test Results & Approval for Unprotected Sex: After you have submitted your sample, please contact us by phone at 061 226 30 00 or by email at alta-uro@hin.ch to schedule an appointment to discuss your results over the phone.
Please note that unprotected sexual intercourse is only permitted after your treating physician has explicitly given you the “green light.”
FAQs
When should a vasectomy be performed?
In principle, a vasectomy should only be performed if family planning is really finalized, since the procedure is not always reversible.
Influence on your sexuality?
Vasectomy is not castration (removal of the testicles). Impairment of sexuality after vasectomy is extremely rare and usually has psychological causes. Nevertheless, the rumor persists that erectile dysfunction can occur or testosterone levels can drop after a vasectomy. There is no scientific evidence for this.
Is the "non-scalpel vasectomy" gentler?
In a “no-scalpel vasectomy,” the vas deferens is palpated from the outside and secured with a special clamp. The skin is then carefully punctured—usually with a special sharp instrument—and spread apart. The vas deferens, now exposed, is then pulled out of the scrotum. The subsequent procedure is identical to that of a standard vasectomy. While this method promises fewer complications, the risks of the procedure are nonetheless comparable to those of a traditional vasectomy.
At what point is vasectomy effective?
Caution. Immediately after the vasectomy you are still capable of procreation! Therefore, you must absolutely continue to use contraception after the vasectomy.
Do I still have ejaculation after vasectomy?
After vasectomy, men continue to ejaculate because most of the seminal fluid is formed in the
prostate and seminal vesicles. The volume of ejaculation changes only minimally (about 5%). This is not perceived during ejaculation.
Does vasectomy promote prostate cancer?
This question arose in the 1980s, when scientists were looking at risk factors for the development of prostate cancer. Initially, studies showed that there could be a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. In the meantime, however, these results have been refuted in more recent and very thoroughly conducted studies. Consequently, at the present time, there is no evidence that vasectomy is a risk factor for the development of prostate cancer.
Is the vasectomy painful?
No. In experienced hands, you should not feel any pain during the vasectomy. For anxious patients* we can use nitrous oxide at the beginning of the operation for further calming and pain control. The gas is inhaled through a special mask. The effect is rapid. The sensation of pain is decisively dampened. Once the local anesthetic has been administered, most patients do not require nitrous oxide.
Will I experience pain after a vasectomy?
Once the local anesthetic has worn off, slight pain may occur. Here, a painkiller can be taken if necessary. Increased sensitivity to touch of the testicles is also not uncommon in the first few days after the procedure, but usually disappears quickly. If necessary, a mild painkiller (e.g. Dafalgan, Brufen) can also be taken.
Vasectomies are final?
Vasectomy is a procedure that permanently leads to infertility. In principle, therefore, vasectomy should be performed only when the man or the couple are really sure that family planning is complete. However, life circumstances and plans can change. Thanks to the advancement of microsurgical techniques in recent decades, a reversal of vasectomy, known as vasovasostomy, now shows a very high success rate.
Physical rest
It is important that you take it easy for the rest of the day after the operation. This especially reduces the risk of post-operative bleeding. Local cooling, preferably with a gel pad, is also recommended. For about 10 days you should take it easy physically and avoid sports, cycling and sexual activity.
When can I take a shower?
Showering is allowed as early as the next day after the procedure. However, avoid strong rubbing as well as intensive use of soaps and shower gel in the surgical area. Dry yourself well after showering. A full bath is possible again after one week.
When can I have sexual intercourse?
Sexual intercourse is possible again one week after vasectomy.
Does a vasectomy protect against sexually transmitted diseases?
No. A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Who can I contact in case of emergency?
If you experience severe swelling, increased redness, severe pain, fever, or chills, please contact us immediately. The doctor on call at our practice can always be reached for emergencies through the Merian Iselin Clinic switchboard at 061 305 1111, even outside of regular business hours. If we are closed for holidays or on weekends, you will be transferred directly to the emergency department at the University Hospital of Basel (direct line: 061 265 25 25). Please do not hesitate to contact us directly if you have any further questions.
What is the cost of a vasectomy and how is it made up?
Vasectomy is a self-pay service, i.e. the compulsory health insurance does not cover the costs. However, it is worth asking, as some health insurance companies provide a small subsidy. If you have taken out supplementary insurance, this will often cover a large part of the costs. It is worth asking. We charge a flat rate of CHF 980. This package price includes Preliminary consultation with preliminary examination, operation and assistance, dressing material and any emergency presentations. The two necessary seminal fluid tests (spermiograms) are not included in this flat rate and will be invoiced separately by the processing laboratory.
In the best hands
"I was satisfied with everything. The quality of the examination, the consultation, and the entire treatment were thorough and professional. The practice itself also makes a neat and well-organized impression. For me, everything was perfect from start to finish. I can definitely recommend this practice."
December 11, 2025 I Faik S.
"Surgery, examination, consultation—everything was great. Dr. Rieken and Dr. Müller are two leading experts in prostate surgery! Thank you again, my quality of life has improved."
December 8, 2025 I René W.
"From making the appointment to the examination, everything went extremely smoothly and professionally. The practice impresses with its very clean premises and a consistently friendly, attentive team. Thank you very much for the excellent and smooth care."
December 3, 2025 I Agron i.
"The consultation with Prof. Dr. Bonkat and the blood sampling couldn't have been better!"
November 19, 2025 I Erhard K.
"I have never been informed and educated about the existing problem and possible treatments as openly and in as much detail as Dr. Malte Rieken has done. All this in a completely relaxed atmosphere without any time pressure. I felt comfortable and taken seriously at all times. I can recommend alta uro to every man."
November 15, 2025 I Bruno S.
"The doctors are very competent and discuss the illness etc. with the patient. The practice team can also provide information and are very friendly. I would always recommend this practice."
October 13, 2025 I Ruedi N.
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Bus lines 30, 50 and 48
Intern
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Member of the Swiss Society of Urology
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Certified cooperation partner of the German Cancer Society
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