What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
What can I expect during the procedure?
During a no-scalpel vasectomy, we will puncture the scrotum instead of creating an incision. Only one puncture is required. The vas deferens are then located under the skin and are held with a small clamp. A special instrument is used to make the tiny puncture in the skin, and after the opening is stretched, we can cut and tie the vas deferens. This approach produces very little bleeding and stitches are not needed to close the single puncture. This means that there will be less bruising and little to no surgical scar.
No-scalpel vasectomies are minor surgical procedures that are performed usually under local anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. It is well-tolerated, and patients can drive themselves to and from the procedure if performed under local. All of the SBU physicians routinely perform vasectomies, and have excellent operative techniques to minimize the chance of pain and swelling after the procedure.
Vasectomy benefits
- Quick, safe, and permanent sterilization procedure for men
- Can be done comfortably under local anesthesia or IV sedation
- Does NOT affect testosterone levels, erections or sexual function
- Ejaculation looks and feels the same
- There is NO long term risks of cancer or other urologic issues
How permanent are vasectomies?
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent birth control procedure. The goal is to remove the sperm from your ejaculate. This prevents sperm from entering the semen (ejaculate) so that the female egg cannot be fertilized after intercourse. After the procedure, sperm will continue to be produced within the testis, but it will disintegrate and is reabsorbed by the body.
Vasectomies can be reversed, if necessary, and the success rates of a vasectomy reversal can be extremely high.