Vasectomy in Singapore by a Consultant Urologist
Written by Dr Gerard Ee. Medically reviewed by Dr Nathaniel Heah, Urologist. Last medically reviewed 6 November 2026.
Key points
- A vasectomy in Singapore is a short day procedure that blocks the tubes carrying sperm. It is a long-lasting form of contraception for men.
- At The Clifford Surgery in Raffles Place, consultant urologist Dr Nathaniel Heah performs no-scalpel and conventional vasectomy.
- It takes about half an hour under local anaesthetic, with sedation if you prefer. You go home the same day.
- The fee is $5,000 under local anaesthetic, or $5,800 with sedation. MediSave can be used and no referral is needed.
- A vasectomy does not work straight away. Keep using contraception until a semen test at 12 to 16 weeks is clear.
The Clifford Surgery is the MOH-approved Ambulatory Surgery Centre of The Clifford Clinic at Raffles Place. This page covers the vasectomy procedure, recovery, semen testing, cost and MediSave.
Vasectomy in Singapore at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who performs it? | Consultant urologist Dr Nathaniel Heah, assisted by Dr Law Zhi Wei. |
| Can a vasectomy be undone? | It is intended to be lifelong. Choose it only when you are sure you want no more biological children. A reversal is possible but does not always work. |
| Is it immediately effective? | No. Continue contraception until PVSA confirms clearance. |
| How effective is it? | Very effective. In the first year about one or two in every 1,000 fail. After a clear semen test the chance of pregnancy is about 1 in 2,000. |
| Does it affect testosterone or erections? | No reliable evidence shows vasectomy lowers testosterone or causes erectile dysfunction. |
| Does it protect against STIs? | No. It is a contraceptive procedure only. |
| When is semen testing done? | At 12 to 16 weeks and after 20 ejaculations. Your urologist confirms when contraception can stop. |
| Cost at The Clifford Surgery | $5,000 under local anaesthetic, or $5,800 with sedation. The $100 first consultation is included in the procedure fee if you go ahead. MediSave and insurance depend on eligibility. |
Your Vasectomy Urologist, Dr Nathaniel Heah
Dr Nathaniel Heah, consultant urologist
Your vasectomy is done by Dr Nathaniel Heah, a consultant urologist. A urologist is a surgeon who treats the bladder, the prostate and the male reproductive organs.
Dr Heah holds an MBBS from Monash University and finished his specialist training in urology in 2020. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, in urology. He completed a fellowship in reconstructive urology at University College London Hospital in the UK.
He is a visiting consultant at Woodlands Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. He sits on the executive committees of the Singapore Urological Association and the Society of Men’s Health Singapore. His main interests are men’s health and andrology, the care of male fertility and sexual health.
Dr Heah sees you at your first consultation, performs the vasectomy and goes through your semen test result with you. He offers both no-scalpel and conventional vasectomy.
Dr Law Zhi Wei, assisting doctor
Dr Law Zhi Wei assists Dr Heah during the procedure. Dr Law holds a medical degree from the National University of Singapore and is a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He has worked in urology, general surgery and paediatric surgery at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore General Hospital and Changi General Hospital.
What Is a Vasectomy and How Does It Work?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts, ties, or blocks the vas deferens, the two tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra. After a vasectomy, sperm can no longer enter the semen. Ejaculation continues normally, but the semen no longer contains sperm. This makes pregnancy highly unlikely once the procedure is confirmed successful through post-vasectomy semen analysis.
A vasectomy is a long-lasting form of male contraception. It prevents pregnancy for more than 99 in every 100 couples. NUH regards it as sterilisation that is intended to be lifelong. Men considering a vasectomy should treat it as a lifelong decision.
Who Is a Vasectomy Suitable For?
Vasectomy may be suitable for men who are certain they do not want future biological children, have completed their family, and are making a fully informed, independent decision. It is also an appropriate option for couples who prefer a male sterilisation procedure over a female sterilisation.
Men who are uncertain about having future children, or who have medical factors that may affect suitability, should have a careful consultation. Your doctor will review factors including any history of bleeding disorders, anticoagulation therapy, prior scrotal surgery, known allergy to local anaesthetics, or significant anatomical variations.
What Happens During a Vasectomy Procedure
The process begins with a consultation. The $100 first consultation is included in the procedure fee if you go ahead. The doctor explains the procedure, the risks, the success rates, and the available techniques. Partners are welcome to attend the consultation, but not required.
On the procedure day, local anaesthesia numbs the scrotal area. Intravenous sedation is also available. The doctor accesses the vas deferens through a small incision or puncture, cuts and seals each tube, and closes the access site. The procedure takes approximately half an hour and is performed as a day surgery at an accredited facility. Patients are discharged the same day with written aftercare instructions and emergency contact details.
Book a discreet appointment to learn about your options and receive personalised medical advice.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy in Singapore
Dr Heah offers both no-scalpel and conventional vasectomy at The Clifford Surgery. In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor reaches the tubes through one tiny puncture in the skin instead of a cut. The opening is so small that it usually needs no stitches. Studies comparing the two methods found less bleeding, less bruising, fewer infections and less pain with the no-scalpel method. Both methods block the tubes equally well. The doctor chooses the method after examining you. Both are done as a day procedure under local anaesthetic, with sedation if you prefer.
Conventional Vasectomy
A conventional vasectomy uses one or two small incisions to access the vas deferens. The tubes are then cut and sealed. The skin may be closed with stitches, often dissolvable.
This is a well-established method and may still be suitable in many cases.
How a No-Scalpel Vasectomy Is Done
A no-scalpel vasectomy uses a small puncture rather than a traditional incision. The doctor gently opens the skin to access the vas deferens, then seals the tubes.
Men often ask for a no-scalpel vasectomy because the opening is smaller and healing is often quicker. Whether this method is suitable depends on the doctor’s assessment and the patient’s anatomy.
Modern methods of local anaesthesia, such as the fine mini-needle and no-needle jet techniques, makes the procedure comfortable for most men. General anaesthesia is also available where preferred or clinically indicated.
Our team can walk you through how vasectomy works, what to expect before and after the procedure, and the key questions to consider before proceeding.
Vasectomy Safety and Side Effects
Vasectomy has a strong long-term safety record and is more effective than female tubal ligation. In the first year only about one or two in every 1,000 fail. It does not affect sexual function and has no proven causal link to heart disease, immune conditions, testicular cancer or prostate cancer. This is consistent with AUA and ACOG guidance. Major complications are rare, and minor ones such as bruising or swelling are usually self-limiting. About one or two in every 100 men develop post-vasectomy pain syndrome (chronic scrotal discomfort), which is usually manageable and discussed at your consultation.
Vasectomy Recovery
Recovery is typically less than a week. Most normal activities resume within a few days. Sexual activity should be avoided for approximately one week. Mild soreness, bruising and swelling are normal and improve with rest. Supportive underwear and painkillers will help manage discomfort.
Contact the clinic promptly if you experience worsening pain, increasing swelling, fever above 38 degrees Celsius, wound discharge, or any other concerns. Emergency contact details are provided at discharge.
See the day by day vasectomy recovery timeline.
Semen Testing After Vasectomy
Vasectomy is not immediately effective. Post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) is required to confirm success. At The Clifford Clinic, PVSA is overseen by your attending urologist, while the semen sample is processed at an external accredited laboratory or andrology centre because a fresh specimen must reach the laboratory immediately. The process works like this.
- First sample. At least 12 to 16 weeks after surgery.
- Ejaculations. At least 20 before the first sample, to clear the sperm left in the tubes.
- Abstinence. No sex or masturbation for 2 to 7 days before each sample.
- Collection. Masturbation into the sterile container supplied for the test. The whole sample must be collected. Some andrology centres provide a private room on site for collecting and handing in the sample
- Transport. The sample must reach the analysing laboratory within 50 minutes of collection, kept at body temperature in transit. The short window means it cannot be sent by courier or specimen dispatch service
- Second sample. If sperm that do not move are found, a second sample is requested 4 to 6 weeks later
- Results. Your urologist gives you the result in person. Keep using contraception until you are told you are clear.
Because the sample must be analysed within 50 minutes, PVSA is done at an external accredited laboratory rather than by courier. Your urologist provides the laboratory order. Centres we refer patients to include Parkway Laboratory (Gleneagles Medical Centre), Mount Elizabeth Fertility Centre (The Heeren) and Sincere Andrology Lab (Novena Specialist Centre). The laboratory fee is paid directly to the provider.
Vasectomy Cost in Singapore
A vasectomy at The Clifford Surgery costs $5,000 under local anaesthetic, or $5,800 with sedation. General anaesthesia is also available if you prefer it. The fee includes the day surgery centre, the anaesthetic, medicines and follow-up. The $100 first consultation is included in the procedure fee if you go ahead. There are no other add-on charges from the clinic.
The semen test after a vasectomy is done at an outside laboratory, and you pay the laboratory directly. A full semen analysis costs about $88 to $95.
MediSave can pay part of the bill, up to the CPF limits and your available balance. MediShield Life generally does not cover vasectomy. Some private insurance plans may, so check with your insurer before you book. Our billing team gives you a written estimate before the procedure.
Vasectomy Price at The Clifford Surgery
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Vasectomy under local anaesthetic | $5,000 |
| Vasectomy with sedation | $5,800 |
| First consultation | $100, included in the procedure fee if you go ahead |
| What the fee includes | Day surgery centre, anaesthesia, medicines and follow-up |
| Semen test at an outside laboratory | Paid to the laboratory, about $88 to $95 |
| MediSave | Up to the CPF limits and your available balance |
| Your cash payment | Depends on your MediSave claim and any insurance cover |
Arrange a consultation to get clear guidance on your options, expected fees, claim considerations, and the right approach for your needs.
Vasectomy MediSave Claims
The Clifford Clinic processes MediSave claims. Vasectomy is an approved day surgery procedure under the MOH Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), and MediSave may be applied toward the procedure cost, subject to withdrawal limits and your available balance. The exact amount MediSave offsets depends on the TOSP surgical withdrawal limit, the day-surgery hospital limit, and your available balance, so out-of-pocket cost varies between patients. Our billing team will advise on the applicable TOSP code and your personalised estimate at the consultation.
Vasectomy Insurance and MediShield Life
Vasectomy is generally not MediShield Life claimable. MediShield Life explicitly excludes contraceptive operations and their related complications.
For private insurance, The Clifford Clinic assists patients with pre-authorisation submissions. Patients with policies from AIA, Great Eastern, NTUC Income, Cigna, Bupa and other major insurers have gone through this process with our support. Coverage varies by policy. Obtain written confirmation from your insurer before confirming the procedure date.
Vasectomy Reversal and Sperm Banking
A vasectomy is intended to be lifelong. A reversal is a longer operation to rejoin the tubes. It can work, but the chance falls the longer it has been since the vasectomy, and success is not guaranteed. Some men freeze sperm before a vasectomy to keep the option of a child later.
Vasectomy reversal in Singapore · Sperm banking before vasectomy
Book a Vasectomy Consultation at Raffles Place
Book a private consultation with Dr Nathaniel Heah at The Clifford Surgery, 50 Raffles Place, #01-01 Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623. Call (65) 6532 2400 or WhatsApp (65) 8318 6332. We are open Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. You do not need a referral. More on the centre itself is on the urology day surgery page of The Clifford Surgery.
Vasectomy Questions Men Ask
Consultant urologist Dr Nathaniel Heah performs your vasectomy. Dr Law Zhi Wei assists him. Both are trained in no-scalpel and conventional vasectomy.
Yes. Dr Heah performs no-scalpel vasectomy at The Clifford Surgery at Raffles Place. The doctor reaches the tubes through one tiny puncture instead of a cut, so most men need no stitches. The doctor confirms at the consultation whether it suits you.
No. You can book a consultation with Dr Heah directly. Bring a list of your medicines and any past operations on the groin or scrotum.
Yes. Partners are welcome at the consultation with Dr Heah, but it is not required. Many couples find it helps to hear the facts together before they decide.
Sperm are still stored in the tubes beyond the point where they are sealed. It takes time and about 20 ejaculations to clear them. The first semen test is done 12 to 16 weeks after the vasectomy. Until your urologist confirms a clear result, keep using contraception.
Yes. A polyclinic or GP can refer you to a public hospital urology clinic for a subsidised vasectomy, with a waiting time. At The Clifford Surgery you can book Dr Heah directly without a referral. Read more on public vs private vasectomy in Singapore.
A vasectomy prevents pregnancy for more than 99 in every 100 couples. Success is confirmed by a semen test at least 12 to 16 weeks after the procedure. Your urologist oversees the test, and the sample is checked at an outside accredited laboratory.
$5,000 under local anaesthetic, or $5,800 with sedation. The $100 first consultation is included in the procedure fee if you go ahead.
The fee includes the day surgery facility, anaesthesia, medicines and follow-up. The semen test is done at an outside laboratory and paid to the laboratory directly.
A vasectomy does not affect sex drive, testosterone, erections or ejaculation as the vas deferens has no role in testosterone production or sexual function. This information is confirmed by both NUH and Raffles Medical.
Sometimes. The chance of success falls the longer it has been since the vasectomy, and it is not guaranteed. Treat a vasectomy as lifelong.
No. Vasectomy is a contraceptive procedure only. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states it does not protect against STIs such as HIV.
Only after your urologist personally confirms clearance based on your semen analysis result.
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
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 208, Benefits and Risks of Sterilization. Obstet Gynecol 2019, 133(3), e194–e207. doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000003111
- 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
Vasectomy Guides
- Vasectomy cost in Singapore
- No-Scalpel vs Conventional Vasectomy
- Vasectomy Recovery Timeline
- Vasectomy, Sex Drive & Testosterone Myths
- Is Vasectomy Right for Me?
- Vasectomy Reversal in Singapore
- Public vs Private Vasectomy in Singapore
- Sperm Banking Before Vasectomy
Medical Disclaimer
Information on this page is general and educational. It does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical professional. MediSave and insurance details are based on publicly available MOH/CPF guidelines and are subject to change. Confirm all financing details with the clinic and CPF before proceeding.