Overview
Roughly 500,000 vasectomies are performed in the United States every year. A significant portion of these vasectomies are performed in the traditional manner, using a scalpel to cut an incision into the scrotum. It is due to this method that many men may feel weary or hesitant toward undergoing a vasectomy.
However, a less invasive, faster-recovering procedure called keyhole vasectomy provides men a safer contraceptive option. Both vasectomy methods, involve stopping the flow of sperm into semen. As the testicles produce sperm, the supply of a male’s sex cells is stored in the epididymis. Upon the anticipation of ejaculation, the vas deferens transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts where it is mixed with semen. Over 97 percent of fluid that comes from ejaculation is produced by the prostate and seminal, meaning only 3 percent is sperm. Vasectomies serve to block sperm from being transported through the vas deferens, providing a highly effective birth control measure.
Traditional Vasectomy vs. No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Traditional Vasectomy
Step 1: The scrotum is numbed with a local anesthetic by injecting a small needle into the selected area.
Step 2: Two small cuts are made in the upper section of the scrotum.
Step 3: The vas deferens are located, and partially removed through the incision points.
Step 4: The vas deferens are cut.
Step 5: The tubes are sealed by tying, cauterizing, or surgical clips.
Step 6: The vas deferens are inserted back inside the scrotum.
Step 7: The incision cuts are stitched or glued closed.
Total Procedure Time: 30 Minutes
Keyhole Vasectomy
Step 1: The scrotum is numbed with a local anesthetic by injecting a small needle into the selected area.
Step 2: The physician will feel for the vas deferens under the skin.
Step 3: Once located, the scrotal skin is stretched and the vas deferens are held in place by clamps.
Step 4: A sharp needle like tool pokes a small hole in the scrotum. The vas deferens are pulled through the hole and cut.
Step 5: The tubes are sealed by tying, cauterizing, or surgical clips.
Step 6: The vas deferens are inserted back into the scrotum.
Step 7: A band aid may be placed over the incision. No stitching or gluing is needed.
Total Procedure Time: 10 Minutes
Occasionally an additional step may be taken by the physician to further ensure no sperm reaches the ejaculatory ducts. In a process called fascial interposition, connective tissue is sewn between the vas deferens cuts. Both vasectomy methods are outpatient procedures that can be performed in a physician’s office.
Advantages of No-Scalpel Vasectomies
Since the no-scalpel vasectomy was introduced in the United States in the mid-1980s, it has become an option for male contraception, as opposed to traditional scalpel vasectomies. Due to the increased advantages, more men are deciding to have keyhole vasectomies.
Advantages:
- Less invasive
- Sexual activity may be resumed as soon as the patient feels comfortable
- No stitches or scarring
- 40% – 50% quicker recovery timeline
- Doesn’t negatively impact sex drive
- Less chance for bleeding complications
- Long-term contraceptive option
- Highly effective
- Reduces the risk of infection
- No scarring
- Little post-procedure pain
Disadvantages
- Requires men to use a second source of birth control for the first 12 weeks following surgery
- A less common form of vasectomy
- Side Effects
- Short terms soreness and/or bruising
- Small chance of developing sperm granuloma
- Effectiveness
- 99.85 to 99.9% effective (Need to undergo a semen analysis 12 weeks following the procedure)
No-scalpel vasectomies are intended to be permanent, and while it can be reversed it is complex, expensive, and has lower success rates than traditional vasectomy reversals.
Want More Information On No-Scalpel Vasectomies?
Here at Urology Associates of Central Missouri, our highly skilled physicians are here to provide you with the best support, information, and care. If you are interested in knowing more or want to schedule a consultation for a no-scalpel vasectomy, please feel free to contact our office.