THE “NO SCALPEL” VASECTOMY
Permanent Birth Control for Men
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.
How a Vasectomy Works
When you have a vasectomy, the two vas deferens tubes 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 you 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.
Possible Risks and 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:
- Minor pain
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- 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 inflammation that may 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 the vasectomy.
- Long-term
testicular discomfort may occur after surgery, but is
very rare.
The Procedure
The no-scalpel procedure is similar to a traditional
vasectomy in many respects, but it’s done without
incisions or stitches. This generally results in faster
healing.
You will be 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 to prevent you from feeling pain. Once the
aesthetic takes effect, the doctor makes two small punctures in the scrotum
with a pointed clamp. The two vas deferens are lifted through the punctures
and cut. A section of each vas 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 someone drive you home. Any discomfort you feel is usually very
mild. Ice or a frozen peas package is helpful. If you need it, an over-the-counter
pain reliever may help.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call you doctor if you notice any of the following after surgery:
- Increasing pain or swelling in you 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.
