No-Scalpel Vasectomy

No Scalpel Vasectomy: Permanent Birth Control for Men

A PERMANENT DECISION:



A vasectomy is a safe, simple, and effective surgical procedure that makes a man sterile (unable to father a child). "No-scalpel" is a special technique for performing a vasectomy that often results in less swelling and pain than the traditional method. Any vasectomy is a serious step to take and should be considered permanent. You and your partner must be absolutely sure that you won't want children in the future.

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE:



Don't take any aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for 2 weeks before your vasectomy, and tell your doctor about any other medications you take. The day of your surgery, shower and thoroughly clean your scrotum. Bring a pair of snug cotton briefs or an athletic supporter with you to the doctor's office or hospital. If you're nervous before your surgery, you may be given some medication to help you relax.

THE PROCEDURE:



The no-scaplel procedure is similar to a traditional vasectomy in many respects, but it's done without incisions or stitches. This generally results in faster healing.

HOW A VASECTOMY WORKS:



When you have a vasectomy, the two vas deferens are cut to keep sperm from traveling from the testes to the penis. This is the only change in your reproductive system. The testes still produce sperm, but since the sperm have nowhere to go, they die and are absorbed by your body. Your prostate and seminal vesicles still produce fluids, so your semen doesn't look or feel any different. Your male hormone level remains the same, so your hair distribution, the pitch of your voice, and your sexual drive don't change.

DURING THE PROCEDURE:



You're asked to undress and lie on the exam table. Sterile drapes are placed over you to help prevent infection. You're given injections of anesthetic into your scrotum or lower groin to prevent you from feeling pain. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the doctor makes one or two punctures in the scrotum with a pointed clamp. The two vas deferens are lifted through this puncture. The vas deferens are cut, and a section of each may be removed. You may feel a pulling sensation during this process. The two cut ends are sealed by heat (cauterized) and may also be tied or clipped. The puncture heals naturally without stitches.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE:



If you've been given medications to help you relax, you'll need to have an adult drive you home. The local anesthetic begins to wear off after an hour or so. Any discomfort you feel is usually very mild. If you need it, an over the counter pain reliever may help.

HEALING:



Recovery time after a no-scalpel vasectomy is usually less than after a traditional vasectomy. Once you're home, you can do several things to aid in your recovery:

• Stay off your feet as much as possible for the first day to lessen the chance of swelling. An ice pack can also help keep the swelling down.


• Wear snug cotton briefs for support.


• Avoid heavy lifting or excerise for at least 5 days.


• Ask your doctor when you can return to work.


• Ask your doctor when you can begin having sex again.

Possible Risks & Complications:



A no-scalpel vasectomy usually involves less swelling and bleeding than a traditional vasectomy. But a no-scalpel vasectomy still has risks, including bleeding and infection. You may also have any of the following after surgery:

• Sperm granuloma is a small, harmless lump that may form where the vas deferens is sealed off.


• Sperm buildup (congestion) may cause soreness in the testes. Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief.


• Epididymitis is an inflammation that my cause scrotal aching. This often goes away without treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief.


• The vas deferens reconnect in rare cases. This makes you fertile again and can result in an unwanted pregnancy.


• Sperm antibodies are a common response of the body to absorbed sperm. The antibodies can make you sterile, even if you later try to reverse your vasectomy.


• Long-term testicular discomfort may occure after surgery, but it is rare.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call your doctor if you notice any of the following after surgery:

• Increasing pain or swelling in your scrotum


• A large black and blue area or a growing lump


• Fever or chills


• Increasing redness or drainage of the incision


• Trouble urinating

UNTIL YOU'RE STERILE:



After a vasectomy, some sperm remain in your semen. Because sperm are often trapped in the upper part of the vas deferens, it takes a few months before you're sterile. A post operative semen exam can tell you when no sperm are left in your semen. It's absolutely essential that you continue to use another method of birth control after your vasectomy until your doctor tells you that your sperm count is zero.