What is no-scalpel vasectomy?
The No-scalpel vasectomy is a procedure first introduced to the United States in 1985. Although the end result is the same, the No-Scalpel, No-Needle approach differs significantly from the older more traditional method.
What does “no-needle” mean?
“No-needle” refers to the way anesthesia is given. The doctor uses a special device rather than needle injections to numb the vas, which causes less discomfort.
How does no-scalpel vasectomy differ from a traditional one?
A traditional vasectomy involves the use of a scalpel to make two incisions in the skin of the scrotum (as opposed to a single small skin puncture with the no-scalpel approach). This requires more anesthesia (needle sticks) and the risks of infection and bleeding are higher.
Is a vasectomy painful?
Most men feel little, if any, pain with a no-scalpel vasectomy. There is mild discomfort with the application of anesthesia. You may experience a slight tugging sensation during the procedure. The effects of the anesthesia will last for several hours and this will allow you time to go home, lie down and apply an ice pack. Tylenol or ibuprofen will be all that you require later for inflammation and pain relief. There will be a small amount of swell-ing that may last for three to seven days.
What can I expect at your clinic?
The no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy will be performed by one of our two Board-Certified urologist who have had years of experience in the No-Scalpel approach. You will be scheduled for an initial consult. The vasectomy can be performed any time thereafter.
Will I need to miss work?
We recommend that you remain sedentary for two days following your vasectomy. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for one week. Most men who have the procedure on a Friday or Saturday will be back to work on Monday.
What are the advantages of vasectomy over tubal ligation?
A vasectomy is faster, cheaper and, most importantly, safer than a tubal ligation. Unlike a vasectomy, a tubal ligation requires general or regional anesthesia, a day-surgery setting, and is performed inside the abdominal cavity. Because it is a more complicated procedure, a tubal ligation carries greater health risks and has a longer recovery period than a vasectomy.
Am I immediately sterile?
No. Sperm will remain “downstream” within the vas deferens for several months. It will take about a dozen ejaculations or more to evacuate the vas deferens of sperm and, obviously, it is important that you and your partner continue another form of birth control until the system has cleared.
How will I know when I am sterile?
You will be given two specimen containers before you leave the clinic. Approximately six weeks (and after about 12 ejaculations) after your vasectomy, you will be asked to bring in your first sample. We highly recommend you continue some other form of birth control until we see two consecutive samples free of sperm.
What are the possible complications?
As with any surgery, regardless of how minor, there are risks of bleeding, pain and infection. This is exceedingly rare with the no-scalpel approach and occurs less than 1 in 3,000 patients. Occasionally, tender swelling at the end of the vas may occur. This is called a sperm granuloma. In most cases no treatment is required.
What are the chances of my vasectomy failing?
This is called recanalization and occurs in less than 1 per 2,000 patients. This rare complica-tion means that you are NOT sterile and can be diagnosed by the presence of sperm in the post-vasectomy specimens.
Are there long-term health risks associated with a vasectomy?
No. Vasectomies were first performed in the U.S. during the late 1930s. Many studies have since looked at the lasting health effects and found no long-term health risks associated with vasectomy. In 1993 a panel assembled by the National Institutes of Health reaffirmed the conclusion of most medical experts that vasec-tomy is safe.
Will a vasectomy affect my sex life?
Your vasectomy will have no effect on your erections, sex drive (libido), hormone levels or performance in any way. Some people feel intercourse is more spontaneous when there is no fear of unwanted pregnancy.
Is my vasectomy reversible?
In most cases the vasectomy can be surgically reversed. The success rate depends on the number of years that have passed from the time of your vasectomy to the time of the reversal. The procedure is quite expensive and requires several hours of micro-surgery. A vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilization.
When can I resume sex?
Most patients can resume intercourse within the first week following their vasectomy. You must continue to use some form of effective birth control until two consecutive post-surgical semen tests show that no sperm is present.
Is it possible to store my sperm before my vasectomy?
Yes. For more information regarding cryo-pres-ervation of sperm call the Pacific Northwest Fertility Clinic at (206) 515-0000. They are located on the Swedish Medical Center First Hill Campus.
Will my insurance pay for my vasectomy?
This, of course, depends on your individual health care plan. In most cases a basic health care plan does cover elective sterilization. Please call our business office at (425) 394-0773.
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