No Scalpel Vasectomy
When considering permanent forms of sterilization, many men will consider and eventually undergo a vasectomy. The vas deferens is the tube through which sperm are transported from the testicle out into the ejaculate. It begins its course at the testicle and runs through the upper part of the scrotum, through the groin, into the abdomen, behind the bladder, and into the prostate. At this point, it joins the prostatic ducts as well as the seminal vesicles to produce the ejaculate.
We offer a "no-scalpel" means by which this is done. In the upper scrotum, a small puncture is made and the vas deferens is brought to the surface and tied off and cauterized. The procedure itself is quick, involves minimal blood loss, and has a very low overall complication rate. This method was originally pioneered in China and has been proven to be a very effective, safe method of birth control. For most patients, it is performed under a local anesthetic without sedation.
As with other procedures, there are attendant risks. Bleeding and wound infection, although vanishingly small, are still acknowledgeable risks. Also, there is a very small (<1%) risk of the vas deferens re-connecting. A very small portion of men undergoing this procedure have chronic pain afterwards, which is attributable to the obstruction.
Additionally, multiple ejaculations are required to clear the reproductive tract of residual sperm and contraception SHOULD NOT be discontinued until one of our physicians has seen a sample and declared it to be free of sperm.
For more information regarding our pre- and post-procedure instructions, please click here.
If you are interested in a consultation for a vasectomy, please feel free to call our office at (202) 223-1024 and schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.