Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a safe and effective method of permanent birth control. It is performed by interrupting the two tubes called vas deferens which deliver sperm. Without sperm in a man’s semen, he can no longer make his partner pregnant. It is performed using local anesthetic, the vas deferens are revealed through a small opening and the tubules are interrupted. Upon completion of the vasectomy, there is no change in the man’s sexuality or the appearance of his semen.

How does the No-Scalpel Vasectomy Differ?

This procedure is safer and less invasive. It was developed in China in 1974 and was brought to the United States in 1988. It differs from conventional vasectomy in that the two vas deferens are accessed through a small puncture with a specialized instrument rather than an incision with a scalpel. It also differs in that it has an improved method of giving anesthesia. In the No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the doctor feels the tubes underneath the skin and holds them in place with an instrument designed to keep them fixed and steady. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a specialized instrument. This same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening and deliver the vas deferens so that it may be blocked. There is very little bleeding with this technique, no stitches are needed and the opening heals quickly.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Vasectomy?

Any man in a stable relationship who has decided, with his partner, that they have all the children they want and do not wish to use other methods of contraception.

Who is not a Good Candidate for Vasectomy?

Those of very young age, those in an unstable relationship, those unsure about their desire for future children, if you are doing it just to please your partner, if you are under a high amount of stress in your life, or if you are considering storing sperm or having the operation reversed at some point in the future.

Will the Procedure Hurt?

Before the operation, you will be given a mild sedative. You will feel some discomfort when the doctor injects the anesthetic. After the anesthetic takes effect, you should feel minimal or no pain.

How Long will I have to take off from Work?

We ask that you avoid heavy physical labor for several days. If your job does not require such labor, you can go back to work as soon as you desire.

Will the Vasectomy affect My Sexual Performance?

No. Your sex drive will not change. Your erection and climax will be no different. Your semen will have the same appearance. Some men actually say without the worry of accidental pregnancy, they feel sex to be more pleasurable and spontaneous.

Will I be Sterile right after the Procedure?

No. It usually takes six weeks and 15 ejaculations to clear the sperm. You must have a semen specimen brought to the office after that time to confirm its success.

What will happen to the Sperm?

Your testes will continue to make sperm, but the cells will die and your body will reabsorb them.

Are there any Medical Problems Associated with Vasectomy?

The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization have concluded that Vasectomy is a safe procedure. The body of evidence continues to reassure us that vasectomized men are no more likely to develop heart disease, cancer or other illnesses.

Are there any Risks to the Procedure?

All surgery involves some risk, but the chance of serious complications is small with Vasectomy. Some of the potential complications are:

Congestion. This is a sense of pressure and swelling at the epididymis located just above the testicle. This occurs in up to one in five men. This is a benign, self-limited problem and is treated with ice, anti-inflammatories and time.

Bleeding and Infection. As in any surgical procedure this is a potential complication, although it is much lower with the No-Scalpel technique. We ask that you don’t take aspirin for one week prior to the procedure and we place ice and support on you immediately after the vasectomy.

Failure. No method of sterilization is 100% effective. Vasectomy is 99.8% effective and is 99.96% effective after a negative semen specimen is confirmed. If the procedure fails, it usually does so early and in such a case it is repeated at no charge.

Sperm Granuloma. This is a hard lump about the size of a pea at the incision site. It poses no danger and usually resolves with time.

Chronic Pain. This is a rare complication, although it has been reported.

Can Vasectomy be Reversed?

Even with improved techniques of reversal, subsequent pregnancy rates are only about 50%. Such procedures are expensive and insurances usually do not pay for these. If you are considering this, we suggest another form of birth control.

What are some of the Alternatives to Vasectomy?

The other primary method of permanent sterilization is tubal ligation. This involves tying the fallopian tubes of a woman to prevent the passage of eggs so that they will not be fertilized. Temporary methods include birth control pills, Depo-Provera, Norplant, IUD and barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms and spermicides. We will be happy to give you further information on any of these techniques.