No-Scalpel Vasectomy

     A vasectomy surgically blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from becoming part of the seminal fluid that leaves the body at sexual climax. Vas deferens are the thin tubes in the scrotum that would normally carry sperm from the testicles to become part of the ejaculate. When the sperm channel is interrupted, the man becomes sterile and can no longer father a child.

     A typical vasectomy is done in the doctor’s office. Although your experience may vary somewhat, the following describes what you can expect…

     The two most common vasectomy techniques are the traditional vasectomy, and the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV). Both methods accomplish the same result, but the No-Scalpel Vasectomy has become more popular with both doctors and patients, and is the method used by the physicians here at our offices in St. Petersburg, FL.

General Expectations.

What a vasectomy is:

• It is a safe and simple male sterilization procedure.
• It is highly effective (over 99 percent), but it is not guaranteed.
• It is considered a permanent procedure.

What vasectomy isn't:

• It usually isn't painful - a local anesthetic takes care of that.
• It isn't as invasive or as expensive as the sterilization procedure for women (tubal ligation).
• It shouldn't be considered uniformly reversible.
• It isn’t immediately effective because sperm in the vas deferens may be viable for many weeks.

What vasectomy doesn't do:

• It doesn't affect male hormone levels, since testosterone is released into the bloodstream, not through the vas.
• It doesn't affect sexual function. Vasectomy doesn't reduce sex drive or sensation. The semen appears the same, although the sperm is missing.
• It doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• A vasectomy will not affect your manliness. The amount and appearance of semen will not change noticeably and sex will feel the same.

BEFORE: Preparing for your vasectomy.

There are some simple things that you can do to get ready for your office visit in advance of your appointment.

1. Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. Nuprin®, Advil®, Motrin®) for 10 days before the procedure. Such medication can increase the risk of bleeding.
2. Your doctor will ask you to shave the front portion of the scrotum. Shower thoroughly and wear or bring clean, snug underwear or an athletic supporter on the day of your appointment.
3. Arrange in advance for someone to drive you to and from the procedure. Due to the use of sedatives, you will NOT be able to drive.
4. Prepare questions that you may have for your doctor. You will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you understand the risks involved and that sterility cannot be guaranteed.
5. Your total appointment may last as much as an hour, but the vasectomy procedure itself only requires about 20 minutes in most cases.

DURING: The usual steps in a No-Scalpel Vasectomy.

1. The procedure site will be washed and shaved (if you haven’t done so prior to arrival).
2. Sterile drapes will be placed over you to guard against infection.
3. After a local anesthetic is administered, a small puncture is made in the scrotum. (The punctures in the skin do not require a scalpel.

4. Either the right or left vas deferens is lifted through this opening. The vas is cut, and a section may or may not be removed. You may feel a pulling sensation during this process. The two ends of the vas are heat sealed (cauterized), tied or clipped, before being returned to the scrotum.
5. The opposite vas deferens is then lifted through the opening for the same procedure. The remaining opening can heal with closure by stitches or naturally without stitches.

AFTER: Care following the vasectomy.

     Follow your doctor’s instructions. It’s a good idea to read written instructions in advance, review them with your spouse and make preparations, if needed.

     Any discomfort is usually mild and pain relievers should be used if necessary. The local anesthetic begins to wear off after an hour or so. Recovery time after a No-Scalpel Vasectomy is usually less than after a traditional vasectomy.

Here are a few general guidelines following an uneventful vasectomy:

• Go directly home and rest; elevate your feet. Plan to stay off your feet as much as possible for a couple of days.
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed if needed after your procedure to help alleviate pain.
• Apply an ice pack to the scrotum periodically during the first 24 hours after the procedure to ease swelling.
• Wear snug cotton briefs or an athletic supporter to help apply pressure against the procedure area and for support of the scrotum for the first week or two.
• You will need to continue birth control until your sperm count is 0. A sperm count will need to be done six to eight weeks (between 15 and 20 ejaculations) at an independent lab approved by your insurance. You will be given a prescription to take your specimen directly to your lab. It is very important to have this test performed to confirm that you have no sperm prior to resuming sexual intercourse.
• Contact your doctor if you experience fever and chills, increasing pain, drainage (sign of infection), a growing mass (sign of internal bleeding or infection), or other concerns.
• There is a slight risk of chronic (long-standing or permanent) pain from the procedure.
• Early studies indicate a possible link between vasectomies and an increased risk for prostate cancer; however, this link has not been supported by follow-up studies.