No Scalpal Vasectomy
General Information about No-Scalpel Vasectomy
A vasectomy is one of the oldest forms of sterilization and is considered to be one of the most safe and effective forms of a long-term birth control method. Multiple scientific studies have shown that there are no long-term adverse effects from a vasectomy. A vasectomy does not make a man impotent or affect him sexually. It does not change erections or ejaculation or the ability to reach an orgasm. The majority of fluid from the ejaculate comes from the seminal vesicles and the prostate with the testicles contributing less than 15% of the overall seminal fluid. It should be viewed as a permanent procedure, as a vasectomy causes permanent scarring of the ends of the vas deferens. The vasectomy can be reversed; however, it is usually expensive, not covered by insurance, and there are no guarantees as to the successful outcome. The vasectomy is for men who are 100% certain they have no interest in getting their partner pregnant, do not wish to father future children, and are satisfied with their family planning so far.
A vasectomy is considered to be 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancies -- very similar to a tubal ligation in a female. There are reported cases of self reversing vasectomy despite attention to good surgical technique. There are no realistic 100% effective birth control methods without significant invasive surgical intervention.
This minimally invasive minor surgical procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia only. Driving to and from the procedure is acceptable. The procedure is performed on the vas deferens themselves. No part of the procedure is performed on the testicle. A small 3 mm nick is made in the midline of the scrotum and this little nick in the skin allows access to both of the vas deferens. The vas deferens are cut, the tips are cauterized and two little titanium clips are placed on the free ends of the vas deferens on both sides. Using this no scalpel technique we have had excellent success in providing patients a safe comfortable and effective long-term answer to birth-control. After initial injection of lidocaine, the procedure is usually completely painless with the sensation of only mild pressure.
There is typically a very mild degree of discomfort associated with the procedure. This is usually a mild achy or heavy feeling in the scrotum or the lower abdomen that can last up to one week. Occasionally greater discomfort has been reported, but it is not something that we typically see. Usually it does not require any pain medication; however, a prescription will be provided. We recommend taking things easy for the first 24 to 48 hours, doing at most- walking around. Right after the procedure, we strongly recommend application of ice to the scrotum. Ice should be applied 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for 4-6 hours.
A desk job can be resumed within 48 hours. More strenuous occupations will require approximately 48 to 72 hours off and then to be resumed in a subdued manner. Tight fitting underwear or a scrotal support are recommended for at least one week. We do not recommend engaging in any strenuous activity for at least one to two weeks after the procedure. After this time, we recommend a gradual resumption of physical activity.
It is recommended that no sexual activity be performed for at least one week after the procedure. Resumption of normal sexual activity can occur after that time using acceptable birth control method. Men are not sterile after the procedure and it usually takes six weeks to clear out all of the sperm from the semen or about 20 ejaculations. You're not considered sterile until a semen sample is checked in our office and we have contacted you regarding your status.
The night before your vasectomy, we recommend that you shave your scrotum and take a bath or shower and wash the shaved area thoroughly on the morning of the procedure. Make sure you have something to eat on the day of the procedure. Most importantly, we recommend our patients to relax and ignore all of the stories that they may have heard about the procedure.
