No Scalpel Vasectomy: Everything You Need To Know
No scalpel vasectomies are done using the same basic procedure as traditional ones, but they use different techniques to remove the sperm-carrying tubes that connect the testes to the urethra. There are several reasons that this surgery might be preferable, including less discomfort and faster healing times than traditional vasectomy procedures. To find out if you might benefit from a no-scalpel vasectomy, keep reading for everything you need to know about this procedure, from preparation to recovery and more!
Is It Permanent?
No scalpel vasectomies are considered permanent. The term can be misleading, however. It does not mean that a reversal will never occur, it simply means that one is not possible at that time. If a man has a no-scalpel vasectomy and then decides to have children in the future, they will most likely be conceived through artificial insemination or other assisted reproductive technologies.
What Are The Benefits?
It is cost-effective and safe. It’s a permanent method of contraception, so there are no ongoing costs like with other methods of birth control. And it’s also highly effective: less than 1 out of every 2,000 men will get their partner pregnant after having had a vasectomy.
Is There Anything I Should Be Aware Of?
It’s a good idea to think carefully about your decision to have a no-scalpel vasectomy. First, make sure you are in good health and feel okay about not being able to father children in the future. You’ll also want some time before deciding on a procedure like this. A no-scalpel vasectomy takes only about 10 minutes, but since it’s a permanent operation, it is important that any man thinking of having one understands exactly what he is doing and what he can expect in terms of recovery time and risk.
You May Also Like:
How Much Does It Cost?
Since it’s a relatively new procedure, there aren’t any official costs associated with no-scalpel vasectomies, as they vary by clinic. However, on average, expect it to cost anywhere from $400-$2000. The same goes for traditional vasectomies (with a scalpel). Because of their popularity, most insurance companies don’t cover no-scalpel procedures; however, some employers do offer coverage. It’s worth contacting your HR department for more information about what is covered and what your options are if you’re thinking about having one done. We’ve also got some tips that may help you lower your costs in our How To Get An Affordable Vasectomy guide.
When Can I Go Back To Work/Sex?
It’s pretty common for patients to feel some aches and soreness after a vasectomy. This is completely normal, especially for those who exercised or did strenuous physical activity immediately before and after their operation. However, most people are able to return to work within a few days, though each case is different. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid strenuous activities for up to a month after your procedure. If you experience pain during sex (nocturnal emissions) in the first few weeks following surgery, don’t worry — it’s perfectly normal as your body adjusts and heals. You can even take something like ibuprofen about an hour beforehand if it helps with pain management.
Do I Need Local Anesthetic?
No, since a local anesthetic is injected around, but not into, your tubes. However, many men do opt for it as it can help with discomfort during and after surgery. During your consultation with a doctor or clinic, they will discuss whether or not you’re a good candidate for local anesthetic and help you decide if it’s right for you. Local anesthetics are also known by their brand names: Perspex and Elestrin. These generic forms of lidocaine can be found by most chemists without a prescription and work just as well. The main advantage over generic lidocaine is that these products are pre-filled with lidocaine making them easier to use before surgery.
Can I Still Have Kids If I Change My Mind Later On?
If a man has a no-scalpel vasectomy, he can still have biological children by using assisted reproductive technology, or ART. A team of doctors will extract sperm from his testes and inject it into an egg using in vitro fertilization. This procedure is called microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA). It’s expensive and doesn’t always work, though. Men who opt for a vasectomy should ask their doctor whether they would be able to undergo MESA if they changed their minds later on.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Watching a routine procedure such as a vasectomy may not seem like something you want to do. But many men who have had one say it’s reassuring. Dr. Robert Davis, owner of Central California Vasectomy in Fresno, says his clinic encourages patients with nervous partners or children who don’t understand what’s happening to be present during their spouse or partner’s procedure. It helps them see that it isn’t an invasive process and there is little discomfort afterward, he says. Your local clinic may allow observers depending on its policies, so check ahead of time before scheduling your appointment if you think a companion would benefit from being there—and make sure it’s okay with your doctor first.
Can I Watch The Procedure Being Done?
Surgeons usually don’t let their patients watch while they cut and seal off a guy’s sperm ducts. It isn’t pretty, and it is uncomfortable for everyone involved. Many doctors think that allowing someone to watch would increase anxiety during what is already an unpleasant procedure. A few clinics have overcome these issues by installing a one-way mirror in their operating room or having an assistant film on a cellphone. That way, patients can see what happens while minimizing stress and discomfort. Whatever they decide, it’s best to have a game plan before going into any surgery—both mentally and physically.
