A vasectomy is a safe and effective method of permanent male birth control. With today’s advances in this surgery, a vasectomy can now be performed with no needles and without a scalpel – thereby reducing the chances of postoperative complications, and allowing a much quicker recovery.
How a vasectomy works is by your urologist cutting or clamping the two tiny tubes that carry sperm, and these tubes are known as the vas deferens. This prevents sperm from traveling through the tubes and entering the semen during ejaculation. It is an ideal birth control option for men who are certain that they do not wish to father a child in the future.
Let’s talk about what’s involved in the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, and where you can go to have this procedure done by an experienced urologist here in the Phoenix area.
The No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy
The most painful part of a traditional vasectomy is receiving the anesthetic; but with a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, there is no pain involved. A special device is used to spray anesthetic directly onto the skin to numb the area. Initially, the spray can feel similar to a mosquito bite, but this sensation soon wears off. After several sprays on each side of the scrotum, the scrotum becomes completely numb.
Once the area is numb, a tiny surgical instrument is used to puncture a tiny hole into the scrotum. This hole is then gently spread open to allow the urologist to access the vas deferens. Because there is no large cut to the skin, and because the skin in that area is stretchy, there is minimal bleeding or trauma to the skin. After locating each of the vas deferens, they are gently, slightly, pulled up through the hole in order to perform the vasectomy. The vas deferens are then gently cut and sealed to block the flow of sperm.
There are different methods for sealing the vas deferens, which may include tying them, cauterizing them, using surgical clips, or using a combination of methods. Once sealed, the vas deferens are then returned inside the scrotum.
Stitches are not required with the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy method, because the tiny puncture on the scrotum naturally closes up and is able to quicky heal itself.
Recovery from a Vasectomy
There is a much lower rate of complications with the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy as compared to traditional methods, which require a cut and stitches. Minimizing movement and keeping certain types of activity to a minimum are recommended for a couple of days after the procedure, as there may be some minor swelling and discomfort in the affected area. Applying a covered ice pack periodically to the area for several days can also help to reduce any inflammation.
After 7-10 days, normal physical and sexual activity can usually be resumed; additional birth control is recommended until your urologist determines that you are no longer fertile. A simple post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) test is used to confirm that your sperm count has reached zero after a vasectomy.
Vasectomy Procedures in Phoenix, AZ
If you are looking for a reliable, permanent, cost-effective male birth control method, make an appointment with experienced urologist Dr. Desi Avila at Ironwood Urology. We perform no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy procedures, and we have offices conveniently located in both Phoenix and Gilbert.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Avila, contact our friendly staff at Ironwood Urology today by calling us at (480) 961-2323 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.
