What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective methods of permanent birth control. It is much safer and less expensive than the other common contraceptive surgery, tubal ligation. For these reasons, some 10 000 men in Australia choose vasectomy each year.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy:
Minimally Invasive, Effective & Reversible Birth Control
Conventional vasectomy blocks the vas deferens preventing sperm from being added to a man’s ejaculation fluid, semen. A local anaesthetic is given, and one or two incisions are made in the scrotum with a scalpel. The two vas deferens are revealed, cut and blocked. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
A safer, far less invasive procedure, the No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) reduces vasectomy’s already low complication rate. Developed in China in 1974, it differs from conventional vasectomy in how anaesthesia is given and in how the two vas deferens (vase) are reached. Worldwide, more than 15 million men have had the procedure.
NSV uses an advanced technique to anaesthetise the scrotum more effectively. It requires no scalpel. Instead, the physician avoids complex surgery by carefully isolating the vas deferens using the fingers of one hand. The vasa are then fixed just below the scrotal skin with an instrument designed to hold firmly without pinching. A single small incision is made with pointed forceps. The vasa are then delivered through the skin, cut and sealed in a conventional way. When the operation is complete, no sutures are needed to close the tiny opening.
A safer, far less invasive procedure, the No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) reduces vasectomy’s already low complication rate. Developed in China in 1974, it differs from conventional vasectomy in how anaesthesia is given and in how the two vas deferens (vase) are reached. Worldwide, more than 15 million men have had the procedure.
NSV uses an advanced technique to anaesthetise the scrotum more effectively. It requires no scalpel. Instead, the physician avoids complex surgery by carefully isolating the vas deferens using the fingers of one hand. The vasa are then fixed just below the scrotal skin with an instrument designed to hold firmly without pinching. A single small incision is made with pointed forceps. The vasa are then delivered through the skin, cut and sealed in a conventional way. When the operation is complete, no sutures are needed to close the tiny opening.
What happens during a vasectomy?
Benefits of No-Scalpel Vasectomy
What are the long term effects of a vasectomy?
Choice of anaesthesia
Most men are suitable for a local anaesthetic technique. They do not need to fast and are able to drive themselves to and from the day surgery unit where the vasectomy is performed.
General anaesthesia is necessary when prior scrotal surgery has been performed, rendering the vasa difficult to palpate. Men of a nervous disposition may also elect to have general anaesthetic.
When performed by an experienced surgeon, the procedure takes 5 – 10 minutes and is associated with very little patient discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What you need to know before the procedure:
Doctor Katelaris performs vasectomies both at the Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga and in the Urology Outpatient Clinic in Hornsby.
Before surgery, we will discuss the procedure in person to determine the suitability of no-scalpel vasectomy for you. At some point, you will be required to sign a consent form. It will state that you understand vasectomy and its possible risks and that it is not guaranteed to result in permanent sterility. Prior to signing this form, be sure that you are informed and comfortable with your decision. It is important that you fully discuss and resolve with me any lingering questions or concerns that you may have.
The decision to undergo vasectomy should be undertaken between a man and his partner in a careful, well-considered manner. It is important that you and your partner agree that the time has come for permanent sterilization. Relationship difficulties may arise if you are pressured into having a vasectomy and, conversely, if you have a vasectomy without the agreement of your partner. Where mutual consent is lacking, a cooling-off period is recommended so you can resolve any issues and come to an agreement concerning your contraceptive practices.
Do not consume any aspirin or other NSAIDs for 10 days without prior medical approval. Taking aspirin or NSAIDs increases the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
After surgery You may feel a little sore for a few days. We recommend for a week that you refrain from strenuous physical activity. Sex can usually be resumed 7 days after the procedure. Post-operatively, you may shower from day one but swimming is not advised for five days until the wound is completely healed.
The first post-operative semen analysis will be performed three months post-operatively and after 20 ejaculations. Usually, you will not need a follow-up consultation.