Contraception 5 minutes read

What Are The Benefits Of A No-Scalpel Vasectomy?

Posted By Andy McConnell June 20, 2023

If you are thinking about having a vasectomy, think long and hard. Once you are sure that you do not want any more children, you may decide to have a no-scalpel vasectomy. That would be a good decision, and we can stipulate that fact. Let’s dive into the benefits of no-scalpel vasectomy.

What Is A Vasectomy?

All vasectomies have the same goal: to prevent sperm from mixing into your semen. It is a permanent form of birth control and stops sperm from leaving your body during sexual intercourse. How it is performed is different. Both are outpatient procedures and are highly effective. You will still ejaculate but the fluid will not contain any sperm.

In both cases, the procedures are not fully effective until a few months after the procedure. You return for a follow-up appointment in 90 days to check for any remaining sperm left.

How Does A No-Scalpel Vasectomy Differ From A Standard Vasectomy?

Standard Vasectomy

After a local anesthetic is applied, one or two tiny incisions are made into the scrotum to reach each of a man’s vas deferens. These are the ducts that transport sperm to the semen. They are surgically disconnected and sealed closed. The openings are closed with sutures or glue.

A No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Sometimes known as a “keyhole” vasectomy, there are no incisions.  A small puncture is made into the scrotum to allow a doctor to gently separate the skin of the scrotum to reach the vas deferens. When the ducts are sealed, there are no stitches needed and the opening quickly heals.

Advantages Of A No-Scalpel Vasectomy

If you opt for a no-scalpel vasectomy, there are multiple benefits and advantages.

They include the following:

  • Can return to normal activities in days
  • Less bruising and swelling
  • Less invasive
  • Able to return to sexual activity as soon as you want
  • Does not lower sex drive
  • Less chance of bleeding complications
  • No stitches or scarring
  • Lower risk of infection
  • 40-50% faster healing with little pain
  • Less than a 15-minute procedure

The Vasectomy Procedure

Vasectomy is a procedure that is performed in USA ED Center. The procedure will take about 20 minutes. We ask that you read all the information in this article and sign the consent before you go for your procedure. It is important that you read the list of medications not to take. These medications can not be taken a week prior to the vasectomy so it is important that you look at this list well in advance. Tylenol is okay to take at any time before the procedure. If you are on any blood thinners or have a bleeding problem, please let your doctor know.

On the day of your surgery shower and wash the scrotum with betadine or another antiseptic solution. Bring a pair of clean cotton briefs or a jockstrap. Do not wear boxer shorts. You do not need to shave the scrotum.

Surgery

A no-scalpel vasectomy will be performed. This will involve using a special vas-fixation clamp to encircle and firmly secure the vas. The tips of a special clamp are then used to make a small hole in the skin through which the vasectomy is performed. The vas is then exposed with a portion of it being removed.

The ends of the vas are clipped and sealed by heat (cauterized) to try to prevent auto-reversal. In a similar fashion, the second side is performed. A doctor may or may not place a suture in the skin. If a suture is used, it may dissolve in 3 to 7 days.

Post- Surgery

After surgery, it is wise to go home and place an ice pack over the area. It is best to stay off your feet as much as possible that evening. It is best to take it easy to keep swelling down to a minimum. If swelling occurs, it may take a few weeks to go away so you are better off trying to prevent it. Please change the dressing daily for the next day or two. Do not be alarmed at some slight oozing or discoloration of the scrotum after the procedure. If there is significant swelling, i.e., 2 to 3 times the normal size, please call a doctor.

There is a doctor available at all times by calling the office. You make take a shower the following evening. Do not use tub baths for 4 days. Do not have intercourse, do heavy lifting, or participate in significant physical activity for about one week, you may want to plan a slightly lighter day than usual until you see how you do. If you are in an occupation that requires a lot of heavy lifting, please ask your doctor for recommendations. As far as pain, Tylenol or Advil are usually enough for the pain. A doctor may give you a prescription for some pain medicine as well.