What is a no-scalpel vasectomy?
A no-scalpel vasectomy (or keyhole vasectomy) is one of two methods to achieve male sterilization, the other being a traditional vasectomy. During a traditional vasectomy, a scalpel is used to make one or two small cuts in the skin of the scrotum. The vas deferens (the duct that carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra) is cut and a small piece may be removed. Then the vas deferens is tied or clipped and the scrotal incision is sewn up. These steps are then repeated on the other side.
The traditional route is more painful and has a slower recovery time. It can also be riskier, and the complications include swelling, bruising, infection and epididymitis (swelling or pain in the back of the testicle). This is why the physicians at South Bay Urology in Torrance, California prefer the no-scalpel option.
What can I expect during the procedure?
During a no-scalpel vasectomy, we will puncture the scrotum instead of creating an incision. Only one puncture is required. The vas deferens are then located under the skin and are held with a small clamp. A special instrument is used to make the tiny puncture in the skin, and after the opening is stretched, we can cut and tie the vas deferens. This approach produces very little bleeding and stitches are not needed to close the single puncture. This means that there will be less bruising and little to no surgical scar.
No-scalpel vasectomies are minor surgical procedures that are performed usually under local anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 10-20 minutes to complete. It is well-tolerated, and patients can drive themselves to and from the procedure if performed under local. All of the SBU physicians routinely perform vasectomies, and have excellent operative techniques to minimize the chance of pain and swelling after the procedure.
Click here to view SBU’s post-vasectomy instruction sheet.
Vasectomy benefits
- Quick, safe, and permanent sterilization procedure for men
- Can be done comfortably under local anesthesia or IV sedation
- Does NOT affect testosterone levels, erections or sexual function
- Ejaculation looks and feels the same
- There is NO long term risks of cancer or other urologic issues
How permanent are vasectomies?
A vasectomy should be considered a permanent birth control procedure. The goal is to remove the sperm from your ejaculate. This prevents sperm from entering the semen (ejaculate) so that the female egg cannot be fertilized after intercourse. After the procedure, sperm will continue to be produced within the testis, but it will disintegrate and is reabsorbed by the body.
Vasectomies can be reversed, if necessary, and the success rates of a vasectomy reversal can be extremely high.
Schedule an appointment in Southern California
If you’re interested in male sterilization, schedule an appointment at South Bay Urology in Southern California. We will address and any questions and concerns that you have about the procedure. To get started, request an appointment online or give us a call at (310) 542-0199.
(310) 542-0199