The No-Scalpel Vasectomy 
Over 500,000 vasectomies are done each year in the United States.
Vasectomy is a simple, safe surgical procedure for permanent male fertility control. The tube (called a “vas deferens”) which leads from the testicle is cut and sealed in order to stop sperm from leaving.
The procedure usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Since the procedure simply interrupts the delivery of sperm, it does not change hormonal function — leaving sexual drive and potency unaffected.
The No-Scalpel Vasectomy is a technique used to do the vasectomy through one single puncture. The puncture is made in the scrotum and requires no stitches.
Compared to the conventional vasectomy, the vas deferens is controlled and grasped by the surgeon in a less traumatic manner. This results in less pain and fewer complications after the procedure.
This procedure is done with the aid of a local anesthetic called Xylocaine (similar to Novocaine).
With No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the actual interruption of the vas deferens is identical to the interruption used with conventional vasectomy.
The No-Scalpel technique is simply a safer, more elegant, and less traumatic way for the surgeon to access and interrupt the vas deferens.
Before Your Vasectomy
Your Appointment
Please bring the following to your scheduled appointment:
- Your insurance card or payment if you are not using insurance
- A list of your medications
- Pertinent medical information
- New Patient Form (Click to download.) Please print the forms, complete them in advance, and bring them to your appointment.
Risks and Other Important Information
As with any surgical procedure, the primary risks of vasectomy are infection and bleeding. These risks are very low for this procedure.
It is important to understand that vasectomy is approached as an irreversible procedure. While vasectomy can sometimes be surgically reversed, successful reversal cannot be guaranteed, so you should consider it a permanent decision.
It is also important to know that on rare occasions, the vas deferens can grow back together on its own. This occurs under 0.5% of the time, less than 1 in 200 patients.
Finally, in extremely rare cases a vasectomy can cause chronic testicular pain. Some have quoted this frequency as 1 in 2000.
The Effects of a Vasectomy
A vasectomy leaves the patient unchanged except for the fact that the sperm cord (vas deferens) is blocked. The testes still produce sperm, but the sperm cannot escape and are simply reabsorbed by the body.
Since the ejaculate is mostly seminal fluid, not sperm, its volume decreases only very, very little after a vasectomy. The change should not be noticeable.
The level of male hormone remains the same, and all sexual characteristics and potency remain the same. The ability to have an erection is entirely unchanged.
Preparing for Your Vasectomy
- Shave all hair on the front of your scrotum. This means just under the penis onto the scrotal sac. The area shaved should measure about 2-3 inches around. Do this on the day of the vasectomy.
- After shaving the area, shower or bathe with soap and water to remove any loose hair.
- Bring a scrotal support (jock strap, suspensory, or tight jockey shorts).
- Wear comfortable trousers.
- Bring someone who can drive you home.
- Refrain from eating or drinking for three hours before your vasectomy. (Skip breakfast for a morning procedure; skip lunch for an afternoon procedure.)
After Your Vasectomy
Following your procedure it is important to remain off your feet as much as possible for 24 to 48 hours. This is important because it lowers the chance of a post-surgical complication.
The anesthetic will wear off approximately 1 to 3 hours after surgery. You should have someone else drive you home.
If you have pain or discomfort immediately after the vasectomy, taking Ibuprofen (best option), Tylenol, or naproxen should suffice. Do not take these medications if you have allergies or intolerances to them.
We generally do not recommend ice on the scrotum after your vasectomy but have no objection to it. We do not think it is necessary.
You may shower the morning after your procedure. Sexual activity may be gently resumed in approximately 5-7 days. At this time you are not yet sterile; it may still be possible to get someone pregnant.
You will be asked you to bring in a semen specimen approximately 3 months after your procedure. Continue to use some other method of birth control until you have had your semen specimen analyzed and have been told that you are infertile.