Copyright 2010. All rights reserved. Last Modified - 12/17/2010
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Vasectomy
What is a no-needle vasectomy (NNV)?
No-needle vasectomy refers to a technique of performing vasectomy where the local anesthetic is
delivered through a jet anesthetic device avoiding the use of a needle. This device delivers the
same type of anesthetic that a regular vasectomy receives. The transient discomfort of placing a
needle into the scrotal skin is alleviated.
Who should perform my vasectomy?
A lot of different types of physicians claim that they perform vasectomies. But only a small fraction of
physicians are fellowship trained to do so and perform them on a regular basis using the most
minimally invasive techniques, guaranteeing your comfort, safety and a high quality of surgery. El
Camino Urology Medical Group has established the California Vasectomy and Reversal Center as
a center of excellence for men desiring a vasectomy procedure and attracts men from all over the
Bay Area and California. Our fellowship trained surgeons specialize in vasectomy and vasectomy
reversal. This elite group of fellowship trained surgeons comprises less than 1% of all physicians
performing vasectomy.
How long is the recovery after a vasectomy?
Usually, the recovery after vasectomy is very short. Oftentimes your physician will recommend light
activity for 1-3 days after the procedure. Most people are able to return to work the next day,
especially if they have a sedentary job. Some people prefer to have the procedure performed on a
Friday and are back to work on Monday.
Will my vasectomy be covered by my insurance?
Most insurance companies will cover the total or partial costs of a vasectomy. It is cheaper for the
insurance company to pay for the vasectomy than it is to pay for another pregnancy. Even if your
insurance carrier does not cover the costs of a vasectomy, most male reproductive surgeons will
perform this procedure for under $1000. Considering the cost to raise a child per year is
approximately $10,000, vasectomy is a very affordable option.
What are the alternatives to vasectomy?
There are many different options for male contraception, however, none of them are as reliable
as a vasectomy. Unfortunately, a reliable male contraceptive pill is not available. A couple can
choose to use condoms. These come in various sizes and brands. Condoms offer the additional
advantage of preventing transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can break and
they must be applied every time prior to intercourse. Many men report decreased satisfaction
during sexual intercourse when they wear a condom. Also, care must be taken not to use a latex
condom in couples who have latex allergies. The "withdrawal" method/coitus interruptus or the
timing method are other techniques used to prevent pregnancy. These techniques are not
reliable and are associated with unacceptable pregnancy rates.
Female contraception includes birth control pills, spermicides, sponges, intra-uterine devices,
implantable hormone pellets, and tubal ligation. Birth control pills and implantable hormone
pellets are reliable forms of contraception but increase the woman's risk of multiple medical
problems such blood clots and cancer. Spermicides and sponges can be irritating to both the
male and female partners. Intra-uterine devices can migrate out of position and require a small
office procedure to place them by a physician. Tubal ligation is an operation that must be done
under general anesthesia and requires abdominal surgery.
Should I freeze sperm (cryopreserve) prior to my vasectomy?
Most people who wish to have a vasectomy are sure that they do not want to have any more
children in the future. Any doubts about their decision to have a vasectomy can be alleviated by
knowing that they have two very important options. The first is to freeze some sperm prior to the
vasectomy. This can be arranged by your physician. Sperm can be frozen for many years. The
latest successful pregnancy after using frozen sperm is 28 years. The other option is to have a
vasectomy reversal. This procedure is greater than 95% successful when done by a fellowship
trained male reproductive surgeon. Vasectomy reversal has been successfully accomplished up
to 30 years after a vasectomy.
How soon can I have unprotected intercourse after my vasectomy?
Normally, your physician will require proof that your vasectomy is successful prior to authorizing
unprotected intercourse. This is usually determined by demonstrating two semen samples without
any sperm. It can take up to 24 ejaculates to clear all of the sperm downstream from the
vasectomy site. Your physician will arrange the timing for your semen analysis. It is important to
remember that vasectomy does not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases. Other
precautions are required in these situations.
El Camino Urology
Medical Group is
proud to offer their
patients the
expertise of one of
the only centers of
excellence in the
Bay Area when it
comes to their
vasectomy, male
infertility and
vasectomy reversal
needs
Additional Info:
visit our other website
California Vasectomy &
Reversal Center
Full length video of No
Scalpel Vasectomy
(NSV) procedure
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is the most common form of surgical sterilization performed in the United States.
Approximately 600,000 vasectomies are performed annually. It is a procedure done to surgically
sterilize the male. Once a vasectomy has been successfully completed and the semen has been
confirmed to be absent of any sperm, then the couple can enjoy intercourse without the fear of
having an unwanted pregnancy. Vasectomy is 99.9% successful.
How is a vasectomy performed?
Vasectomy is usually performed in the doctor's office using a local anesthetic. Only in rare
instances will the vasectomy have to be performed in the operating room. Vasectomy is performed
through a small opening in the scrotal skin. The skin is anesthetized with a local anesthetic similar
to when you have a dental procedure. The vas deferens, the tube carrying sperm from the testicle
to the penis, is isolated. The vas deferens is tied usually in two locations and a small segment of
the vas deferens is cut out. The small opening in the scrotum is then closed. The entire procedure
takes less than 20 minutes.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV)?
No-scalpel vasectomy refers to a special technique of vasectomy where the scrotal skin is not cut
with a scalpel. Instead, a fine pair of instruments is used to create an opening in the scrotum. The
remainder of the procedure is similar to a conventional vasectomy. The advantages of a no-scalpel
vasectomy have been reported to be decreased pain at the vasectomy site and decreased chances
of bleeding. There is a big psychological advantage to the patient knowing that a scalpel will not
be used. Most male reproductive surgeons are well trained to perform this type of procedure.
Please watch the video below for a full unedited demonstration of the NSV procedure performed at
El Camino Urology Medical Group, Inc.