Vasectomy as a Day Surgery in Singapore
Written by Dr Gerard Ee. Medically reviewed by Dr Nathaniel Heah, Urologist. Last medically reviewed 7 November 2026.
Key points
- Consultant urologist Dr Nathaniel Heah performs vasectomy at The Clifford Surgery, an MOH-approved day surgery centre at Raffles Place.
- The procedure takes about half an hour and you go home the same day.
- Every vasectomy uses local anaesthetic. Sedation or general anaesthesia can be added.
- Most office workers return to work within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting, hard exercise and sex for about a week.
- The fee is $5,000, or $5,800 with sedation. MediSave can be used.
A vasectomy blocks the two tubes that carry sperm, so the semen you ejaculate no longer holds sperm. At The Clifford Surgery it is done as a day surgery. You walk in, the procedure takes about half an hour, and you leave the same day. Consultant urologist Dr Nathaniel Heah performs it, with Dr Law Zhi Wei assisting. The Clifford Surgery is an MOH-approved Ambulatory Surgery Centre at Raffles Place.
Before Your Vasectomy Day
You first see Dr Heah at a consultation. He examines you, explains the risks and checks that you are sure you want no more biological children. A vasectomy is intended to be lifelong. A vasectomy reversal is possible here but does not always work. Tell him about any blood thinners, bleeding problems or past surgery on the groin or scrotum.
On the day, shower and wear loose clothes. Bring a pair of snug, supportive underwear for the trip home. If you choose sedation or general anaesthesia, do not eat beforehand as instructed, and arrange for someone to take you home.
Vasectomy Anaesthesia Choices
Every vasectomy uses local anaesthetic to numb the skin of the scrotum and the tubes. You can add sedation, or general anaesthesia if you want to be asleep.
| Anaesthesia | What you feel | Going home |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic only | The sting of the numbing injection, then pressure or tugging | Soon after the procedure |
| Local with sedation | Drowsy and relaxed, often with little memory of the procedure | After a short rest, with someone to take you home |
| General anaesthesia | Asleep throughout | After recovery from the anaesthetic, with someone to take you home |
How the Vasectomy Is Done
Dr Heah offers both methods and chooses after examining you.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
The tube is found under the skin and held with a small ring clamp. A fine instrument makes one tiny opening. Each tube is lifted out, divided and sealed, then slipped back. The opening is so small that it usually needs no stitch. Compared with a conventional cut, a no-scalpel approach caused less bleeding, less bruising, fewer infections and less pain in the trials reviewed by Cochrane. Both methods block the tubes equally well.
Conventional Vasectomy
One or two small cuts are made in the skin of the scrotum. Each tube is divided and sealed in the same way. The skin is closed with dissolving stitches.
After the Procedure, the Same Day
You rest in the recovery area until you feel ready. A nurse checks the wound and goes through your aftercare sheet with you. You get the clinic’s contact number for any worry after hours. Most men walk out on their own if they had local anaesthetic only.
Your First Week After Vasectomy
Mild soreness, bruising and swelling are normal for a few days. Wear supportive underwear, rest on the first day and use the painkillers you are given. Most office workers return to work within a few days. Avoid heavy lifting, hard exercise and sex for about a week.
Call the clinic straight away for pain that keeps getting worse, swelling that keeps growing, fever, or discharge from the wound.
When the Vasectomy Starts to Work
A vasectomy does not protect you straight away. Sperm left in the tubes beyond the sealed point take time to clear. Your first semen test is 12 to 16 weeks after the procedure, after at least 20 ejaculations. Keep using contraception until Dr Heah tells you the result is clear.
Vasectomy Fee at The Clifford Surgery
The fee is $5,000 under local anaesthetic, or $5,800 with sedation. MediSave can be used up to the CPF limits. Full details of what the fee covers, MediSave, insurance and booking are on the vasectomy in Singapore page of The Clifford Clinic.
Vasectomy Day Surgery Questions
How painful is a vasectomy?
Most men feel the needle of the local anaesthetic, then pressure or a pulling feeling rather than sharp pain. If you are anxious, sedation or general anaesthesia can be added.
How long does a vasectomy take?
About half an hour for the procedure. Allow extra time for checking in and resting afterwards.
Can I drive home after a vasectomy?
After local anaesthetic only, most men can. After sedation or general anaesthesia, do not drive for the rest of the day.
Is the vasectomy done at a hospital?
No. It is done at The Clifford Surgery, an MOH-approved Ambulatory Surgery Centre, as a day procedure with no hospital stay.
Which vasectomy method will I have?
Dr Heah decides after examining you. Most men can have the no-scalpel method.
Book Your Vasectomy
The Clifford Surgery, 50 Raffles Place, #01-01 Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623. Call (65) 6532 2400 or WhatsApp (65) 8318 6332. You do not need a referral. See all urology day surgery at The Clifford Surgery.
References
- Sharlip ID, Belker AM, Honig S, et al. Vasectomy, AUA guideline. J Urol 2012, 188(6 Suppl), 2482–2491. doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.09.080
- Cook LA, Pun A, Gallo MF, Lopez LM, Van Vliet HA. Scalpel versus no-scalpel incision for vasectomy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014, (3), CD004112. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004112.pub4
- Arnold JJ, Villanueva D, Puntkattalee MJ. Vasectomy, common questions and answers. Am Fam Physician 2025, 112(3), 264–269. PMID 40961303
