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Vasectomy not available on NHS?

24 replies

PickIeRick · 22/09/2017 14:31

Hi all, my wife’s had issues with the pill, the injection and now the coil so it’s my turn to step up. My GP surgery has just told me that the vasectomy procedure is no longer offered on the NHS and they can’t even do it privately at the surgery as I’m registered as an NHS patient?
The lady didn’t sound very confident and was stumbling with the info - is this correct? I’m struggling to find info online and the NHS page hasn’t been updated to confirm this.
Thanks!

OP posts:
divafever99 · 22/09/2017 14:35

Ok My husband has recently been to see his gp about this and had ben referred for the procedure. He was given a choice of several different nhs hospitals/clinics. No mention of having to go private.

PickIeRick · 22/09/2017 14:38

Interesting, I have a call back scheduled for next week with the doctor. Is it likely it just hasn’t rolled out nationwide yet? Do I have an option of using a different NHS surgery?

OP posts:
Mustardnowletsnotbesilly · 22/09/2017 14:42

It is completely available on the NHS.

missyB1 · 22/09/2017 15:02

its worth noting that different areas are now rationing or no longer offering certain procedures / treatments / operations.

So for example some areas are rationing cataract operations - yes really! And some GPs have been told not to refer patients for a hip replacement but offer more painkillers instead!

it may be that your GPs have been requested not to refer patients for vasectomy on the NHS any more.

dementedpixie · 22/09/2017 15:05

My dh self referred for a vasectomy on nhs a few months ago. We are in Scotland though, don't know if that makes a difference

LostwithSawyer · 22/09/2017 15:09

The only reason it's not available on the NHS is if your under 30.
It would have to be exceptional circumstances in this case.
Otherwise she's no idea what she's taking about.
Query it.

PickIeRick · 22/09/2017 15:27

If that’s the case and it’s still available on the NHS, just not my particular surgery, what options do I have?

I’m over 30 with 2 kids and been with partner 14 years, I should qualify.
Thanks for everyone’s input

OP posts:
LostwithSawyer · 22/09/2017 15:52

If your surgery won't do it they can refer you to either your local hospital or another surgery that offers this procedure.

Justgotosleepnow · 21/10/2017 08:46

It depends what your local NHS trust policy is. In Essex there's no more vasectomies. But in London you do get it on the NHS.

You could speak to your gp practice manager as they will know/ can find out your trusts policy. If you can't get it on the NHS then just call your local private hospital and ask them to send you info to get it done there.

PickIeRick · 22/10/2017 00:57

My GP confirmed my area of Herts no longer offers this procedure for free. He specialises in vasectomies but as he’s my doctor I’m not allowed to use him. It’s just crazy, you’d think when weighing up value for money procedures, this would be high up on the list. My options are to spend around £400 or wait for policy change. Thanks to all who commented.

OP posts:
Waddlingwanda · 22/10/2017 01:01

Does your GP do it elsewhere?
It's worth asking.
It wasn't for vasectomy but I needed a procedure (can't remember name of) that happened to be my GPs specialism. He worked at another practice where it was offered and so I called and made an appointment there and got it done instead.

NoCryLilSoftSoft · 22/10/2017 01:02

It is quite ridiculous! What does a healthy pregnancy and childbirth cost the NHS? What about the cost of the child to the NHS? They should be handing out free vasectomies to every man that wants one. Hell, they should be fucking promoting the things!

Isadora2007 · 22/10/2017 01:06

£400 is a helluva lot cheaper than an unwanted baby and fairly cheap for a procedure which will help you and your wife be happier.
I pay that for glasses even though being short sighted is not a choice. There are some things the NHS clearly can’t always afford to cover sadly.

Want2bSupermum · 24/10/2017 06:17

Get it confirmed that this isn't covered first and then go visit your MP. Issues like this need to be followed up. It's purely a funding issue.

scaevola · 24/10/2017 06:35

It is a funding issue - vasectomy is more expensive then 15 years of mirena, and that's not allowing for the costs of treating those who fall into the 10% serious complications rate.

Many areas now ration this. Often by finding iOS to a certain level, but when that pot of money is spent, there will be no more in that financial year. It might be worth seeing if/when new funds will be released (April) and if you can be on the list for then.

But, as it takes around 4 months to get the proper all clear (and some men are much, much slower) you might not want to wait for that long. Lobby for more finding in your PCT for sterilisation is not likely to produce a quicker operation for you with, though might make it easier for those seeking procedures in future years.

Marie Stopes clinics have a good reputation in providing vasectomies, and doctors who do the procedure all the time (this reducing the risk of complication arising from error).

And also, as a minor issue, don't think of this as 'taking turns'. Turn taking is for reversible contraception, where yes, she's done a lot and your only choice is condones. But surgery is a whole different level, and neither of you has had a turn at that yet. You have however made a joint decision on what is best for you as a couple. That's an important difference, and in line with bodily autonomy (a very important principle)

Ifailed · 24/10/2017 06:49

According to this www.nhs.uk/Conditions/contraception-guide/Pages/vasectomy-male-sterilisation.aspx#long it may not be available in your area.
At the end of the day it's your body, your decision, but if you've decided you don't want to father any more children, then you've two options: abstain from sex or have a vasectomy.

sashh · 24/10/2017 06:50

BPAS also do vasectomy at about the same price as you have been quoted.

If you have the money (or a credit card) as has already been said it is cheaper than a baby.

Want2bSupermum · 24/10/2017 07:35

scaevola Mirena and the pill do not work for everyone. DS was born holding the damn mirena coil.

A vasectomy is a valid choice of birth control which is significantly cheaper than additional children or managing complications due to birth control. For £400 the NHS should cover that. My health insurance here in the US is interesting. Sterilization is free. Abortion is $50. Having a baby $6k.

AdalindSchade · 24/10/2017 07:37

Why not pay the £400? It's not that much

Rejectedwoman · 24/10/2017 07:42

My area changed their policy recently and it was £300 to have it done and it's done in the dr surgery and not at hospital now as well

DrDreReturns · 24/10/2017 07:44

Perhaps he hasn't got £400 spare to pay for it AdalindShade!

bigbluebus · 24/10/2017 08:10

Friend recently started a new nursing post in a different NHS Trust. As part of her induction she was given a list of procedures, medication and supplies that are no longer available on the NHS. She said it ran into pages and was appalled at some of the things on the list.

Your local CCG will have drawn up a list of things they consider to be 'unecessary' and will have told GPs and hospitals they will not be paid for carrying these out.

scaevola · 24/10/2017 08:17

I know they don't work well for everyone in terms of unacceptable side effects, and that they have a failure rate (which is about the same as the fail rate for vasectomy).

As do the NHS planners and budgeters. But they work for the majority, which is a factor in why the budget is set as it is.

Want2bSupermum · 24/10/2017 13:12

I'd really like to know if female sterilization is on the prohibited list. If not there needs to be a serious think about why.

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