When it comes to male contraceptives, the first thing that comes to mind is probably a simple condom. Many people forget, however, that a man can surgically have another type of contraceptive, a vasectomy. While many myths are surrounding this procedure, vasectomy effectiveness is very high. A no-scalpel vasectomy made possible by doctors over the years is perhaps the best form of male contraception around.
What’s a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
A vasectomy is typically a surgical procedure in which a doctor will cut or block the vas deferens that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis. A no-scalpel vasectomy is becoming more common and is even better than its predecessor. As a form of permanent male contraception, both versions of vasectomies stop sperm from getting into the man’s semen, so you will be able to ejaculate, but it won’t cause your partner to become pregnant.
Vasectomy effectiveness is over 99%, and it’s possible at any age, so no matter how old you are, your body is most likely fit for this procedure. A no-scalpel vasectomy is essentially the same as a surgical one, but it’s done differently and puts your body at a lower risk of complications.
Hand of a doctor inspecting a sperm cell through a magnifying class. No-scalpel vasectomies do not allow these cells to be in a male’s semen.
What to Expect
Because it’s an outpatient procedure, you can have your vasectomy at a doctor’s office, a clinic, or a hospital under local anesthesia. A no-scalpel vasectomy does not involve any cuts, incisions, or stitches like conventional ones, but instead includes your doctor using a small clamp to hold the vas deferens in place to make a small hole in the skin of the scrotum. After the hole is opened up, the surgeon can cut out a piece of the tube before sealing it up.
While a surgical vasectomy takes about twenty minutes, a no-scalpel vasectomy is even faster, and the results are entirely permanent. Some side effects that might occur include mild discomfort or pain, a bruised scrotum, swelling, blood in the semen, or bleeding and clotting inside the scrotum. Despite this, most men do not experience a great deal of pain, but if you have swelling or discomfort for a couple of days, using an ice pack can help. To heal properly, it is recommended that you wait about a week before ejaculating, plus you should wear tight-fitting underwear to support your scrotum in the healing process. As per doctor’s orders, you should also keep the area as clean as possible. Along with getting plenty of rest and avoiding heavy lifting, you’ll most likely be able to get back to work after about one to two days, so the recovery time is very short.
It’s important to note, however, that it may take about fifteen to twenty ejaculations for your semen to have absolutely no sperm at all. It is recommended to use other methods of birth control with your partner. About eight to sixteen weeks after the operation, you should get a sperm count test to get back the results of the procedure. After about two semen tests with no sperm, you can have sex without any other methods of contraception. Vasectomy effectiveness is very high, so you can trust that this treatment will work for you. In the long run, your libido, sexual activity, or overall health shouldn’t be affected by a no-scalpel vasectomy.
Man smiling during a checkup at the doctor’s office after getting a vasectomy a few weeks prior.
Should I Get a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
Good reasons to get this permanent form of male contraception include: you are sure you don’t want any more children, you don’t want to put your partner’s health at risk with pregnancy, or you don’t want to pass on a hereditary disease. Although vasectomy effectiveness renders a no-scalpel vasectomy an incredibly great choice for contraception, it has its own risks and complications just like any other procedure. Some risks include infection, hematoma, testicular pain or feeling testicular “fullness,” or sperm granulomas. You should talk to your doctor about whether or not a no-scalpel vasectomy is right for you.
Our doctors at Healthcare Now can help with that, as we offer a free vasectomy consultation for our patients. Come in if you’re interested and we’ll answer any of your questions and concerns. We also provide several other services, from pediatrics to gynecology, so check out our website to schedule an appointment with us!
