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Needle-free, scalpel-free vasectomy

No-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy in Sault Ste. Marie is a quick procedure with virtually no pain. In our clinic, we use a pneumatic injector of the anesthetic agent. We understand that needle phobia is common. Therefore, not using it is comforting.

Advantages of the Scalpel-Free Technique

There is evidence in the scientific literature that shows that the scalpel-free technique demonstrates several advantages:

  • Less discomfort for the patient
  • Less bleeding
  • Less infection
  • Less post-procedure pain

Patients appreciate this technique because it causes minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

Preparation for the procedure

Shaving Instructions

Patients should shave the genital area below the penis, covering the entire scrotum, the day before the procedure.

Accompanist

It is recommended to have a companion for the return home after the procedure. This is advisable for several reasons:

  • Side effects of the anesthetic agent
  • Side effects of the sedative agent sometimes necessary
  • Possible vasovagal reaction

Medication and diet

Medication to avoid

It is recommended not to take anticoagulant medications such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This recommendation also includes medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin), and newer agents such as apixaban (Eliquis) and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). The duration of stopping these medications varies between 3-7 days and will be determined during the consultation.

Food

It is advisable to eat normally because hypoglycemia can trigger vasovagal shock.

Recommended clothing

Patients should also wear tight underwear for good scrotal support and to keep the dressing in place.

Surgical technique

Steps of Vasectomy

  • Patients receive instructions from our nurses before beginning the procedure.
  • Then they are taken to the minor procedures room. The temperature there is slightly elevated to promote relaxation of the scrotum.
  • We perform local anesthesia with the MADAJET injection-free technique, at the midline of the scrotum.
  • Next, we grasp the vas with a clamp using Dr. Lee’s technique.
  • A small window is created to expose the vas. We isolate and transect the vas. Finally, we cauterize the lumen of the vas at the prostatic end and interpose the fascia between the two lumens of the vas.

Convalescence

The recovery period is short. If the patient’s work is very physical, it is recommended to switch to light work for a week. In addition, it is not recommended to do intense physical exercise during the first week of convalescence.

Post Vasectomy Instructions

Post-procedure medication

For pain or discomfort after vasectomy, you can use Tylenol. However, using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as Advil or Naproxen is not recommended. This is because these medications can increase the risk of bleeding after the procedure.

Hygiene and baths

  • You can take a shower after 24 hours. However, it is advisable to wait a week before taking a bath.
  • It is also recommended to wait at least 2-3 weeks before going to the pool or hot tub.

Managing post-procedure discomfort

An ice pack covered with a towel can be applied to the scrotum to relieve discomfort in the first 24 hours after vasectomy. In addition, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise during the first week of recovery. Wait 5-7 days before resuming sexual activity. It is normal to have some discoloration at the surgical site or bruising, which will disappear over time. Scrotal edema may occur and take a week to disappear. Applying an ice pack can help relieve discomfort. Scrotal discomfort will gradually improve over 4 weeks after vasectomy.

Follow-up after the procedure

Continue using contraception until the spermogram confirms azoospermia or non-motile sperm. On average, it takes 25-35 ejaculations to empty the prostate, seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts of their motile sperm content.

Instructions for spermogram

  • Abstain from sexual activity for 3 days before collecting semen.
  • The specimen must be returned to the laboratory within one hour of ejaculation.
  • Keep the specimen at body temperature during transport: you can keep it in your trouser pocket.

You can take the specimen to the hospital laboratory or to a private laboratory such as PROCREA for a charge of $50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a vasectomy change my sexual performance?

A vasectomy does not alter the testicles’ function of producing androgen hormones like testosterone. It also does not affect ejaculatory function. It’s worth noting that the sperm contribution from the testicles to the total volume of ejaculate is less than 1-2%. Over 98% of ejaculatory fluid comes from prostatic and seminal vesicle fluid. Therefore, the volume of ejaculate remains virtually the same, although it no longer contains motile sperm.

In summary, libido, the ability to have an erection, ejaculation, and orgasm are not affected by a vasectomy.

Is a no-scalpel vasectomy as effective as a scalpel vasectomy?

The no-scalpel vasectomy technique is as effective as the conventional scalpel method, with a success rate of over 99.9%. Studies have also shown that it results in fewer complications, such as bleeding, wound infections, and reduced pain during and after the procedure.