Your Guide To The No Scalpel Vasectomy

The vasectomy is a type of procedure involving cutting the tubes carrying sperm from the testes. Approximately 30,000 Australian men have this procedure performed annually. The aim of the procedure is making a man sterile so that he cannot father children naturally. The vasectomy is a very safe, effective and permanent type of contraception.

The No-Scalpel Vasectomy

This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The surgeon locates the tubes carrying sperm, medically known as vas deferens. The surgical site is then completely anesthetized via the injection of a local anesthetic. If you are having this procedure performed, the anesthetic should take effect immediately, and you should not feel any instruments after this point.

Next, your surgeon would create a small puncture in the skin using a special instrument, stretching the opening to allow for the grasping of the vas deferens, which can then be cut, clipped, or cauterized using sterile titanium clips. Although the clips permanently remain in place, only rarely can they be detected through the skin and will not set off metal detectors.

The no-scalpel method is known for producing minimal bleeding. No stitches are necessary when closing the incision. And the procedure takes only 15 to 30 minutes.

Popular reasons for desiring a vasectomy:

·  Wanting to enjoy sex without pregnancy concerns.

·  Pregnancy would be difficult due to partner’s health problems.

·  One or both partners do not, or cannot, use other types of birth control.

A no-scalpel vasectomy might not be right for you if:

·  You are very young.

·  You only want the procedure to make your partner happy, regardless of your own feelings.

·  You believe that you can reverse the procedure in the future.

No-Scalpel Vasectomy Fast Facts

·  No change of hormonal function.

·  Sex drive and potency unaffected.

·  Less pain and fewer complications than regular vasectomy

What happens to my sperm following the vasectomy?

After your no-scalpel vasectomy, your testes will continue making sperm. Sperm cells disintegrate and are absorbed by your body when they die. This is exactly how your body handles other types of cells when they die and are replaced.

After my no-scalpel vasectomy, can I stop other birth control methods immediately?

Sperm may remain near the treatment site as long as several months after your procedure. It will take post-procedure semen analysis for you to be considered sterile. This analysis is normally performed 12 weeks after the procedure.

What should I do following my no-scalpel vasectomy?

After your procedure, you need to stay off of your feet for the next day or two. This helps reduce the chances of experiencing complications.

Since it will take up to three hours for your anesthetic to wear off, arrange for someone else to drive you home.

Any post-procedure pain or discomfort can normally be dealt with by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or ibuprofen.

You may resume sexual activity in three or four days. As mentioned earlier, be aware that you are not yet sterile at this point.

Is the procedure 100% effective?

Other than completely abstaining, no birth control method is 100% effective. However, this procedure has an extremely high success rate. Only one in every 1,000 men require a repeat vasectomy.

For more information about this procedure, visit our vasectomy page or (07) 5531 3205 to book a consultation or use the contact form on this page.