Vasectomy in Malta: what to expect, recovery and reversibility
A fifteen-minute procedure under local anaesthetic, a few days of rest, and a decision that should be treated as permanent. The practical questions, answered plainly.
The procedure
A vasectomy divides and seals the two tubes (the vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles. It is done under local anaesthetic in clinic, takes around fifteen to twenty minutes, and most men walk out and go home.
The no-scalpel technique uses a tiny puncture rather than an incision, which means less bruising and a faster recovery.
Before
A consultation to confirm the decision, discuss alternatives, and check for anything that would make the procedure more complex. Partners are welcome. We ask directly whether you are certain, because the procedure should be treated as permanent.
Recovery
- Rest for two to three days with supportive underwear
- Mild ache and bruising for up to a week
- No heavy lifting or cycling for about a week
- Sex when comfortable, usually after a week, with contraception continued
When it works
Not immediately. Sperm remain in the tubes beyond the vasectomy for weeks. A semen test at around twelve weeks confirms clearance, and only then can other contraception stop.
Risks
Infection, a small collection of blood (haematoma), and in a small minority a persisting ache. Failure, where the tubes rejoin, is rare but is the reason for the confirmation test.
Reversibility
Reversal is a microsurgical operation; it is possible but not guaranteed, and success falls with time since the vasectomy. Men who think they may want children later should consider sperm storage beforehand, or a different method.
Hormones and sex drive
A vasectomy does not affect testosterone, erections or ejaculation volume in any meaningful way. The fluid is produced mostly by the prostate and seminal vesicles, which are untouched.
Related: Testosterone: when low is low.
