No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy
FAQs
The no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy procedure is usually completed in only around 30 minutes.
It’s a very safe procedure, and the risk of complications is very low, affecting approximately 1 percent of patients. There is a small risk of bleeding under the skin, minor infection, or chronic discomfort. The discomfort generally gets better with time. The risk of pregnancy after vasectomy is about 1 in 2,000, as a man never stops making sperm and it’s possible for sperm to make their way across the vasectomy site. But that is the lowest risk of failure of all forms of birth control.
When it comes to vasectomy recovery, most men will experience a bruised or achy feeling for a few days, so it's recommended to wear tight underwear for 7 days and take an anti-inflammatory painkiller as required to help ease discomfort. Most men take a couple of days off work to rest during their vasectomy recovery period, or longer if their job is physical. Heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided for a couple of weeks.
Patients will have a sperm test after 16 weeks and will be notified of the results. Until confirmation of a clear test result, you must use effective contraception such as condoms or the female contraceptive pill. Most men have no sperm in their semen at 16 weeks but the time taken does vary and another test will be booked if necessary.
Yes. A no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy simply stops sperm from entering your ejaculate and acts as a male contraceptive. A patient’s ejaculate will appear just the same as normal.
Regarding sexual performance, vasectomy has no negative effects – erection and male hormone levels remain the same because the testicles are kept attached (it’s only the supply of sperm that’s changed).
Vasectomy reversal is possible but success is not guaranteed and depends largely on how long ago it was done. The decision to opt for a vasectomy remains a highly personal one in which the potential risks and benefits must be considered, including the possibility that you may change your mind, so it is much better to consider it as a permanent procedure.
Sperm do not suddenly build up in the testicle, so the development of an inflammatory cascade, blowout, and scarring of the fine epididymal tubules is avoided.
Sperm flow is directed and absorbed under the skin rather than left to clog up the tubules.
An open-ended vasectomised patient is unlikely to be aware that they have had a vasectomy, unlike the closed-ended vasectomy patients that often experience some form of aching and tenderness.
The nature of this technique prevents the build-up of sperm and the associated congestion (post-vasectomy pain syndrome), a lower rate of postoperative pain, and a better potential for vasectomy reversal in the future
