No Scalpel Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a quick, safe, simple, and effective operation as a method of permanent contraception for men. A vasectomy is more than 99% effective. It is considered permanent, so once it is done you do not have to think about contraception again.

No scalpel vasectomy is also called Minimal invasive Vasectomy. This is an advanced surgical procedure, firstly local anaesthesia is used to numb the skin of the scrotum, then a sharp forceps is used to make a small puncture hole. The tubes which transport the sperm are delivered through this hole. Usually both sides can be done through one puncture hole. The puncture wound is also heat sealed. There is very little bleeding and no stitches with this procedure. It is thought to be less painful and less likely to cause complications than a conventional vasectomy.

You should only have a vasectomy if you are certain that you do not want any more children or do not want children at all. It is important that you discuss this with your partner before you make any decisions. Although it isn’t a legal requirement – you should both agree to vasectomy. Reversal of vasectomy is very difficult. There are other options and there are alternative contraceptive methods which should be considered before vasectomy. Vasectomy should be seen as a permanent procedure. You may be more likely to be accepted for a vasectomy if you are over 30 and have had children.

It is common to have some mild discomfort, swelling and bruising of your scrotum for a few days after the vasectomy. Some men can have ongoing pain in their testicles. This is about 3 in 100. Painkiller medication such as paracetamol helps. Do not take aspirin as this will cause bruising and bleeding. You will receive one telephone call from Dr Sriram to check on you. If you have any queries before you receive this call, please contact the clinic. Blood in the semen is common within the first few ejaculations following vasectomy and not harmful in anyway.

We test your semen 4 months following the procedure. Once tests have confirmed that your semen is sperm-free, the vasectomy is considered successful, and you can stop using additional contraception. Some men may need more than 1 test to confirm the vasectomy has worked. But until it has been confirmed that your semen is free of sperm, continue to use another form of contraception.

Vasectomy should be considered a permanent procedure. Reversing the vasectomy procedure does not guarantee success. It would need to be done privately as this reversal operation is not funded by the NHS. The longer you leave it – the less chances the reversal will be successful.

Vasectomy does not affect your sex drive. Testosterone continues to be produced. Your sex drive, sensation, and ability to have an erection will not be affected.

Avoid sexual activity for at least 3 days after having a vasectomy. You will need to continue with your chosen contraception method for 4 months after the procedure. How long this takes varies from man to man. There is still a risk of pregnancy during this time.

You will need to use contraception for at least 16 weeks after the procedure. We will test your semen sample 4 months after the operation. Once tests have confirmed that your semen is sperm-free, the vasectomy is considered successful, and you can stop using additional contraception. Up to 2 semen tests are done after the operation to make sure that all the sperm have gone. A vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so you may need to use condoms as well.

You can return 1 or 2 days after the procedure. Avoid sports and heavy lifting.

Although prostate cancer and testicular cancer can occur in men who have had a vasectomy, research suggests that a vasectomy does not increase your risk of cancer.

This is possible but should not be relied upon. It is expensive too.