No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia. The vas deferens is the tube which carries sperm from your testicle to the ejaculatory ducts which open into your urethra. During vasectomy, these tubes (one from each testicle) are sealed off and divided to prevent sperm from entering your ejaculatory fluid. Vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception although in some cases, it can be reversed.

Should my partner get a tubal ligation instead?

Compared to tubal ligation vasectomy is equally effective in preventing pregnancy, faster, safer to perform and more cost-effective. While tubal ligation almost always requires the use of a general anesthetic, vasectomy is usually performed with you awake using local anesthesia. It requires less time of work and the potential complications are less serious.

No-scalpel Vasectomy

In most cases, Dr. Horovitz can perform the procedure without using a scalpel or making a formal surgical incision. Instead, a sharp instrument is used to stretch the skin open and access both vas differentiae. This opening is usually created in the midline of your scrotum (the scrotal raphe) so that the scar, which is only a few millimeters long, is generally hidden. Advantages of this technique are better cosmesis, less pain, quicker recovery, lower chance of bleeding and infection.

After the procedure

Once the local anesthesia wears off, most patients will have discomfort for two or three days although this is usually well controlled using over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil as well as ice packs. A short course of pain medication is usually prescribed. Dr. Horovitz recommends abstaining from sexual activity for one week after the procedure to allow for the surgical site to heal. After the vasectomy, you will not be immediately sterile, as it takes roughly 20 to 30 ejaculations to expel the remainder of the sperm from your ejaculate. Thus, you should perform a semen analysis and follow up with Dr. Horovitz after 3 or 4 months to ensure that your ejaculate is free of sperm before discontinuing the use of contraception.

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