Men who have decided that they no longer want to have children may decide to get a vasectomy. A vasectomy severs and blocks the sperm ducts that enable the passage of sperm during ejaculation. Your body will still produce semen, but the semen will no longer contain sperm once you have healed after the procedure.
A vasectomy is a highly effective and permanent method of male birth control, boasting over a 99% success rate. In the procedure, the tube between the testicles and the urethra is cut or clamped so that sperm is blocked. This tube is called the vas deferens, which is why the procedure is called a vasectomy.
There are two main types of vasectomies: no-scalpel and conventional. Let’s talk about what’s involved in each one and who you can talk to about getting a vasectomy.
What Is a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
Doctors have been performing no-scalpel vasectomies since the 1980s, so it is a tried-and-true birth control method. In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor first numbs the scrotal skin using a no-needle anesthetic. Then, the doctor makes a tiny puncture in the scrotum to access the vas deferens, and to sever and seal the duct. No stitches are necessary because the puncture in the skin is so small.
Men who undergo no-scalpel vasectomies report little to no postoperative pain. They also report a shorter recovery time and fewer complications following the procedure as compared to men who have a conventional vasectomy.
How Is a Conventional Vasectomy Different?
In a traditional vasectomy, the doctor delivers the anesthetic to the scrotum using a needle injection. Next, the physician cuts into the scrotum using a scalpel, and the vas deferens is cut. Then, the doctor stitches up the incision site.
Because the skin is cut open, patients experience more postoperative pain than patients who undergo a no-scalpel vasectomy. There is more bleeding, and recovery time is longer. Conventional vasectomies also carry a higher infection rate and a greater risk of complications than do no-scalpel vasectomies.
Urology Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona
The no-scalpel vasectomy has made it easier for men to decide to go ahead and get the procedure done. Another major deciding factor is the relatively low cost of the procedure, especially as compared to the cost of a female tubal ligation.
At Ironwood Urology, we routinely perform the safe and effective no-needle no-scalpel vasectomy in our urology clinic. After completing the outpatient procedure, you can expect to resume your normal activities and get back to your sex life very soon.
If you ever change your mind about having children after having a vasectomy, talk to us, since we also perform vasectomy reversals for our patients. Dr. Desi Avila is our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist, and he specializes in vasectomies, vasectomy reversals, male infertility, low testosterone (low-T), erectile dysfunction (ED), and prostate health.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Avila, call (480) 961-2323 or complete our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you.
