No Scalpel Vasectomy

John Beauman, MD, FAAFP has over 15 years experience in performing no scalpel vasectomies and is now offering this procedure for our community.

On the day of your counseling, he will review with you if you are a good candidate, what to expect from the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.

Call for a personalized counseling appointment today (719)553-2201.

What is a Vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the surgical interruption of the two tubes (vas deferens) that carry a man's sperm from his testicles to his ejaculatory ducts, where the sperm are stored before departure from his body during orgasm. Vasectomy prevents sperm from being added to the man's ejaculation fluid (semen); therefore, he can no longer make a woman pregnant. The sperm containing fluid that is blocked by vasectomy constitutes only 3% of a man's semen volume, therefore, a man will not notice any changes in his semen. Vasectomy is simply an effective, inexpensive, easy-to-perform method of contraception. Over 500,000 men in North America choose vasectomy each year.
What is the No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)?
It is a safe minimally invasive procedure that reduces vasectomy's already low complication rate. Instead of cutting the scrotal skin, the skin is punctured and the vas is delivered with two special instruments. Over 15 millions men have undergone the NSV procedure worldwide since 1974. It is rapidly becoming the standard vasectomy technique in the United States.
What are the benefits of No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
The benefits of NSV are:

Less discomfort.
Ten times fewer complications than conventional (scalpel) technique.
No sutures needed.
40 to 50% quicker recovery than conventional vasectomy.

What is different about a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
No-Scalpel Vasectomy is different from a conventional vasectomy in the way the doctor approaches the vas deferens. In addition, an improved method of anesthesia helps make the procedure less painful. In a conventional vasectomy, after the scrotum has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the doctor makes one or two small cuts in the skin and lifts out each tube in turn, cutting and blocking them so the sperm cannot reach the semen. Then the doctorstitches the cuts closed.

In a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the doctor feels for the vas deferens under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a special instrument. The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached. The vas deferens is then blocked using the same methods as conventional vasectomy. There is very little bleeding with the no-scalpel technique. No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening, which heals quickly, with no scar.
Is No-Scalpel Vasectomy safe?
Vasectomy in general is safe and simple. Vasectomy is an operation, and all surgery has some risks, such as bleeding, bruising, and infection. However, serious problems rarely happen.
Is No-Scalpel Vasectomy painful?
No. Since we use a special nerve block anesthetic technique, the No-Scalpel Vasectomy is an almost painless procedure. Before the vasectomy, you will receive a mild sedative to relax you. You may experience mild discomfort when the local anesthesia is administered. However, once it takes effect you should feel no pain. Some men feel a slight "tugging" sensation as the vasa are manipulated.
Will it hurt after No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
Usually not. After surgery you may be a little sore for a few days. Expect to relax and recover for 2 days after the procedure. Sex can usually be resumed 7 days after the procedure. This is one of the advantages of the no scalpel technique, less discomfort because there is less injury to the tissues.
How long will a No-Scalpel Vasectomy take?
It usually takes about 10-15 minutes right in the office.
How can I be sure I need a vasectomy?
Well, first, you must be absolutely sure that you don't want to father a child under any circumstances. Then, talk to your partner; it's a good idea to make the decision together. Consider other kinds of birth control. Talk to a friend or relative who has had a vasectomy. Think about how you would feel if your partner had an unplanned pregnancy. A vasectomy might not be right for you if you are very young, your current relationship is not stable, you are having the vasectomy just to please your partner, you are under a lot of stress, or you are counting on being able to reverse the procedure later.
Will a vasectomy change me sexually?
The only thing that will change is that you will not be able to make your partner pregnant. Your body will continue to produce the hormones that make you a man. You will have the same amount of semen. Vasectomy won't change your beard, your muscles, your sex drive, your erections, or your climaxes. Some men say that without the worry of accidental pregnancy and the bother of other birth control methods, sex is more relaxed and enjoyable than before.
How will vasectomy affect me?
Vasectomy only interrupts the vas deferens that carry sperm from the testes to where they are added to your semen. It does not alter a man's sensation of orgasm and pleasure. Your penis and your testes are not altered in any way. The operation has no noticeable impact on the man's ability to perform sexually, nor does it affect the balance of male hormones, male sex characteristics, or sex drive. As always, testosterone continues to be produced in the testes and delivered into the blood stream. Your body still produces semen, and erections and ejaculations occur normally. As before, the body naturally absorbs unused sperm. The patient will not feel any different physically from the way he felt before. Vasectomy is simply a sterilization procedure; once it has been performed, a man's semen will no longer contain sperm and he can no longer father a child.
Will I be sterile right away?
No. After a vasectomy, there are always some active sperm left in your system. It takes 6 weeks or about at least 25 ejaculations to clear them. You and your partner should use some other form of birth control until your doctor tests your semen and tells you it is free of sperm.
Can I discontinue other birth control methods right away?
No! Sperm can remain in the vas deferens above the operation site for weeks or even months after vasectomy. You will not be considered sterile until two post-vasectomy semen analyses show that no sperm remain in your ejaculate. Until then, you must continue to use other birth control methods to prevent pregnancy.
How soon can I go back to work?
You should not do heavy physical labor for at least 48 hours after your vasectomy. If your job doesn't involve this kind of work, you can go back sooner. Many men have their vasectomies on Friday so they can take it easy over the weekend and go back to work on Monday.
When can I start having sex again?
Sex can usually be resumed 7 days after the procedure, butremember to use some other kind of birth control until the doctor says you are sterile.
Are there potential complications associated with vasectomy?
Yes. All contraceptive methods carry some risks as well as benefits. Vasectomy is a very low risk procedure, but complications are possible.

Bleeding (hematoma) and infections are the most common (although rare) complications of vasectomy. These occur in 0.4% of men undergoing a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, which is far less than tradition vasectomy.
Failure of the procedure. Vasectomy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Even when the procedure is performed perfectly, recanalization, sperm finding their way across the blocked ends of the vas deferens, can occur. This is extremely rare.
Sperm granuloma, a hard, sometimes painful lump, about the size of a pea, may form as a result of sperm leaking from the cut vas deferens. The lump is not dangerous and is almost always resolved by the body in time. Scrotal support and mild pain relievers are usually all that are required to alleviate the symptoms.
Congestion, a sense of fullness or pressure caused by sperm in the testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens, may cause discomfort some 2 to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Like granuloma, congestion is not serious and usually resolves itself in time.

Are there long-term health risks?
Since most men live for a long period of time after a vasectomy, it has been possible to investigate thoroughly, the possibility of long-term health risks associated with vasectomy. Over 10 studies have evaluated more than 20,000 men who have had vasectomies, documenting their progress for up to 25 years after the procedure.The data indicates that men having a vasectomy are no more likely to develop cancer, heart disease or other health problems.
Will it protect me from getting or passing on STDs or AIDS?
No. It will only prevent you from making your partner pregnant. If you or your partner have a sexual disease, or have more than one sexual partner, the best way to protect yourself and your partner is to use a latex condom.
How much will it cost?
Your insurance company may pay for sterilization. Contact them for more info.
Can a vasectomy be reversed?
In many cases, the cut ends of the vas deferens can be surgically reattached. However, this operation, a microsurgical vasovasostomy, is expensive ($5,000-$10,000) and, for a variety of reasons, does not guarantee a return to fertility. Vasectomy should therefore be considered a permanent procedure.