Is "the snip" available to all on NHS?

chirpychick

I'm aware I could just phone the GP and ask but I'm going through quite a horrible situation at the moment and I just wanted to ask.

So we have a 4 year old little boy who took 6 years to conceive and I had 9 chemical pregnancies before he came along. Last year I was told we would never conceive naturally again and the consultant was shocked we had one healthy child. Roll on to a few weeks back when I found out I was pregnant. Totally shocked and thrilled.
Then I started to miscarry at 8 weeks. The whole thing has been really traumatic and awful for both my husband and myself. I'm still going through it now. My husband said he doesn't ever want to see me go through this again and he wants to go for the snip in the new year. I'm ok with this, i'm so worried of what could have happened to me or could happen to me and the result of that on my son who has special needs that I never ever ever want to go through this again.

So i'm just wondering if the procedure is free on the NHS or whether we need to factor in saving up for this and how much it might cost, husband is due to receive bupa cover from work maybe they would cover it?

Also is it dangerous? I'd hate for hubby to take a risk for me.

Lambyr

According to this, in most parts of the UK, vasectomies are free but there may be a waiting list.

Your husband's GP can agree to carry out the procedure after your husband answers some questions.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception-guide/pages/vasectomy-male-sterilisation.aspx

elsien

From the NHS choices website:

"You shouldn't make the decision about having a vasectomy after a crisis or a big change in your life – for example, if your partner has just had a baby, or has just terminated a pregnancy."

This might impact on your GPs willingness to refer straight away - it's a very big decision to make after the traumatic time you've had and they may want to be sure it's the right long decision for the both of you.

Happier_Me

My husband had the snip within a matter of weeks of me experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. We had two children and our family was complete but a coil failure resulted in a third 'unwanted' pregnancy.

Whilst being monitored and tested to determine viability of the pregnancy we were trying to get our heads around the idea of a possible terrmination, a decision neither of us had ever thought we would have to make! The whole thing ended in emergency surgery. By the time I was out of hospital he'd booked himself in for the snip! He had no problems getting referred.

Rain_Shadow

chirpychick wrote: »

Also is it dangerous? I'd hate for hubby to take a risk for me.

All operations carry a risk but it is a simple one done under local anaesthetic, often at your GP's surgery. I had it done about 16 years ago. The whole procedure lasted no more than 15 minutes.
I took the rest of the day and the following day off work although that was more than I needed. It was a bit uncomfortable for a few days and for the next six months or so I got very occasional pains. Since then there have been no problems at all and I noticed no difference at all in any aspect of 'performance'.

PuzzledDave

chirpychick wrote: »

Also is it dangerous? I'd hate for hubby to take a risk for me.

Apart from the usual risks with any surgery (infection, accident e.t.c.), there is also a small risk that leave some men with significant permanent pain. Google PVPS if you wish to know more.

AndyBSG

Most places it's free but more and more NHS trusts are cutting back on funding so waiting lists are getting longer and longer.

Completely stupid short sighted thinking by the NHS IMO. I'd imagine the cost of a vasectomy is a lot lower than the costs of a full pregnancy and delivery as well as any costs that 'accidental' birth racks up in free NHS treatment before they turn 16!

Guest101

AndyBSG wrote: »

Most places it's free but more and more NHS trusts are cutting back on funding so waiting lists are getting longer and longer.

Completely stupid short sighted thinking by the NHS IMO. I'd imagine the cost of a vasectomy is a lot lower than the costs of a full pregnancy and delivery as well as any costs that 'accidental' birth racks up in free NHS treatment before they turn 16!

Do you think there's a surgeon who does just vasectomies?


It's a straight forward operation and waiting lists are increasing due to demand by older generations and people generally living longer.


Priority is given to those patients most in need. I suppose the NHS could save money by not giving help to those over 75...

LannieDuck

Guest101 wrote: »

Do you think there's a surgeon who does just vasectomies?


It's a straight forward operation and waiting lists are increasing due to demand by older generations and people generally living longer.


Priority is given to those patients most in need. I suppose the NHS could save money by not giving help to those over 75...

I think Andy's point was that, where there's a limited amount of cash, a small investment in preventative medicine can be warranted if it saves a larger outlay in responsive medicine at a later date.

We're seeing the same thing with women's contraceptive services - cut backs mean it's increasingly difficult to get coils fitted (and that doesn't require surgeons).

gabriel1980

I just had a vasectomy last week through the NHS. Obviously free and no problems. Literally a 10 minute operation

Upsidedown_Bear

You can an idea of the cost privately here.