Why is the method called no scalpel?

The method is called no-scalpel because it does not use a knife to cut the scrotum.

How is no-scalpel vasectomy done?

First the doctor locates the vas under the skin with the fingers . He injects a drug that numbs the area. The surgeon then secures the vas in this spot with a special clamp that does not injure the skin.  The tip of a sharp forcep is used to pierce the scrotal skin. Both tips of the forceps are then inserted and spread to stretch a small opening exposing the vas. The vas is lifted out the lumen fibrosed with cautery and a segment excised and a clip placed over the fascia to separate the ends . The second vas is lifted out through the same opening and blocked. No stitches are used to close the tiny wound.

How does the no-scalpel method differ from the conventional vasectomy technique?

No-scalpel vasectomy is different from the conventional vasectomy technique in the way the surgeon gets to the tubes. Instead of making two incisions in the scrotum the physician makes one tiny puncture.

Is no-scalpel vasectomy safe?

Vasectomy in general is a safe, simple procedure with few complications, and no-scalpel is even safer.

How much pain or discomfort will be experienced during the procedure?

This varies with the individual, but most men say the discomfort is quite mild, and that there is no pain after the anaesthetic is given.

Can I have the vasectomy reversed?

With microscopic surgery by a skilled and experienced surgeon the vas can in most cases be reconnected. Even after reversal up to fifty percent of couples will not succeed in having children. Vasectomy should be considered a permanent operation.

Are there any long term effects of Vasectomy?

Vasectomy has been in use since the early 1900`s and over 10 million American men have had vasectomy for sterilization. Yet aside from complications mentioned above, no long term adverse side effects have been associated with a vasectomy. Medical scientists continue to study this area, but it is unlikely that any serious consequences will be discovered.

Does the Vasectomy ever fail later?

If you once have a negative semen check there is an exceedingly small chance that you will experience a late failure with spontaneous reappearance of sperm in the semen. You are welcome to bring in a fresh semen specimen for repeat testing at any time that you wish reassurance of sterility.

Are there men who should not have a Vasectomy?

Yes. If a man does not want a vasectomy and is having it because he is told he should, he may feel resentment.

If he is having problems with impotence, sexual fears or an unhappy marriage, it is not likely that a vasectomy will help any of these problems.

If a man is unsure whether or not he is going to want more children, he should not have a vasectomy.

If a man's sexual fulfillment or his partner's satisfaction depend upon his being able to cause pregnancy, then sterilization would probably create a sexual problem for him.

What happens to the sperm after a vasectomy?

The testes continue to produce sperm cells which go through the same life cycle as before. The unused sperm cells are reabsorbed naturally, as are other unused or old cells in the body. Sperm antibodies may form to help in the removal process, but these are not harmful to the body.

What can I expect afterwards?

There may be some dull aching in the testicles after the local anaesthetic has worn off in about an hour. This ache is usually mild and may be felt from time to time over the first few days, especially with activities such as jumping or turning quickly.

There may be a small amount of oozing from the incision for a few days and there is commonly a temporary bruised color on the scrotum after 2-3 days.

Will my sex life be affected?

Sex drive, erection, orgasm and ejaculation are not interfered with by the operation. Vasectomy only blocks the sperm from coming out. The male sex hormones in the blood do not change. If a man or his partner had negative feelings about a vasectomy like other feelings it could affect sexual performance. However, many men and women have said that the relief from worry about pregnancy has improved their sex lives after vasectomy.

When I have an orgasm will I still ejaculate?

Yes. The amount of semen a man ejaculates after vasectomy is only decreased by about 5%. Without a microscope you could not notice the absence of sperm in the fluid.

Why is a Vasectomy not effective immediately?

During Vasectomy the vas deferens from each side is cut high in the scrotum. The sperm stored "downstream" in the seminal vesicles can still be ejaculated and cause pregnancy until the system is emptied which is usually complete after 25 ejaculations.

What complications can occur?

EPIDIDYMITIS - a tender inflammation around the testis may occur after 4-5 days. This occasionally can result in a chronic ache and very seldom becomes severe

Treatment: Anti-inflammatory drugs, usually subsides within a few days

BLEEDING - from the skin incision