In our goal of providing our patients with the least invasive treatment options, we have chosen to offer a no-scalpel vasectomy for our male patients who are seeking a permanent birth control option. This procedure lowers the recovery time and pain that patients having a vasectomy experience.
About the Procedure
The no-scalpel vasectomy uses a small clamp with pointed ends instead of a scalpel. The clamp is inserted through the skin and then opened. This effectively severs the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm to the penis, without the need for a traditional incision. The small holes that are created when the clamp is inserted heal in about 24 hours, providing far less discomfort for the patient. No sutures are required. The no-scalpel vasectomy is as effective as a traditional vasectomy in preventing male fertility. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic.
After the Vasectomy
After having a vasectomy, you can expect the scrotum to remain numb for a few hours. If you experience any discomfort after the feeling returns, using an ice pack will help alleviate the pain. Swelling can occur for a few days after surgery, but you can return to your normal work activities after one or two days of recovering, provided you do not have to do any heavy lifting.
You will need to return to the clinic to provide us with follow-up sperm counts for the first two months after your procedure. Until your sperm counts reach zero, you can still get your partner pregnant, so we must verify that the procedure worked as expected. Until your sperm count reaches zero, you will need to use a backup birth control method when having intercourse.
Risks and Considerations
A vasectomy will not interfere with your ability to have intercourse as you normally would. It simply blocks the sperm from entering the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. Neither you nor your partner will notice a difference after the procedure.
There are few risks associated with the vasectomy procedure. Swelling, bruising, and pain are common, but temporary. Infection can occur, but this risk is greatly reduced with the no-scalpel vasectomy. Finally, on rare occasions the vas deferens grow back together and the patient becomes fertile. Again, this is rare, and vasectomy is 99.85% effective as a permanent birth control method.
