Safe, Effective Birth Control
Vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective methods of permanent birth control.
Vasectomy is considered one of the best forms of contraception and definitely the best choice for men if they want to take personal control of any future pregnancies.
It is much safer and less expensive than tubal ligation. For these reasons, every year more than 500,000 men in North America choose vasectomy.
Introduced to the United States in 1985, No Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) differs from conventional vasectomy in its surgical approach.
Around 30,000 men have a vasectomy performed every year in Australia.
It does not require the use of a scalpel or knife. Instead, the physician carefully isolates the vas deferens with his fingers and uses a specially designed instrument to make a tiny opening in the skin. The vas deferens are delivered through the skin, cut and sealed to block sperm. No stitches are needed to close the opening, which heals quickly, with virtually no scarring.
No Scalpel Vasectomy Technique
This technique of performing a vasectomy is what is called “Minimally invasive surgery”. This method leads to a more pain free procedure, less chance of complications after the procedure, and a much shorter recovery time.
Dr Bull performs an OPEN ENDED vasectomy which means that the lower end of the vas deferens is left open so the sperm can drain into the scrotum and be absorbed. This theoretically means less pain and engorgement in the scrotum.
Dr Bull cuts the vas deferens, burns the top end and then covers it with tissue from near the tube. This technique is call MUCOSAL-CAUTERY and FASCIAL INTERPOSITION. This method is considered the best among most vasectomists.
So there are three things done to stop the travel of the sperm up the tube:
- VAS DEFERENS CUT
- VAS DEFERENS BURNT
- VAS DEFERENS PHYSICALLY WRAPPED AND BLOCKED.
Benefits
- Less Discomfort
- 10 Times Fewer Complications
- No Stitches or Sutures Needed
- Quicker Recovery
Anaesthetic for a No Scalpel Vasectomy
We use a very tiny superficial injection to the scrotal skin The area that needs to be anaesthetized is very small so only minimal anaesthetic needed. There is minimal discomfort with this and we always inject slowly and gently. Most men will say that there is little discomfort .
Your Consultation
We will discuss the procedure in person to determine the suitability of no-scalpel vasectomy for you. Among other things, we will go over your health history as it relates to vasectomy, and you will receive a brief physical examination. At some point, you will be required to sign a consent form. It will state that you understand vasectomy and its potential risks and complications.
Are there potential complications?
Yes. All contraceptive methods carry some risk as well as benefits. Vasectomy is a very low risk procedure, but complications are possible.
- Though rare, bleeding (hematoma) and infections are the most common complications of vasectomy. No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the procedure I perform, reduces their likelihood because the blood vessels responsible for bleeding are less likely to be affected and because the opening in the scrotum is so small.
- Another potential risk is failure. Vasectomy is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Even when the operation is performed perfectly, it is possible in rare cases for sperm to find its way across the void between the two blocked ends of the vas deferens. This situation, called re-canalization, is highly unusual but does occur. This is another reason why samples must be taken at least 12 weeks to verify that your semen contains no sperm. Recanalization usually occurs in the first 2-3 months after vasectomy, but has been known in extremely rare cases to occur even years later.
- Sperm granuloma, a hard, sometimes painful lump about the size of a pea may form as a result from the cut vas deferens. The lump is not dangerous and is almost always resolved by the body in time. Scrotal support and mild pain relievers are usually all that are needed for symptoms, though we may suggest other treatment.
- Congestion, a sense of pressure caused by sperm in the testes, epididymis, and lower vas deferens, may cause discomfort some 2 to 12 weeks after vasectomy. Like granuloma, congestion usually resolves itself in time in time.
- Increased scrotal tenderness after vasectomy - There may be some increased tenderness in the scrotum for a short while after the vasectomy. This is not uncommon. Very occasionally some men may experience increased pain lasting more than 3 months. This only affects approximately 1% of men
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Surgery
1. Please download, print and sign the Vasectomy Consent Form and bring with you on the day of the Vasectomy. This can be completed at the clinic when you arrive for your appointment.2. Aspirin and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may increase bleeding. Try not to take these for a week before your vasectomy. This is not 100% essential though and if you really need these you can continue to take them.
3. Avoid smoking on the day of your procedure. Smoking increases the risk of infection and delays healing..
4. To minimize the risk of infection and assist the healing process, it’s important that you shave/clipper your pubic area and scrotum on the morning of your appointment.
5. To further reduce the risk of infection, thoroughly bathe the scrotum and groin the day before and the morning of the surgery.
6. Ensure you eat before your procedure as this will reduce the risk of feeling lightheaded or faint during and after the procedure.
7. Several hours after surgery, take any preoperative medications as directed.
8. Please wear clean, supportive and tight-fitting briefs, underpants or jockey shorts (not boxer shorts) to your procedure and bring a second pair to put on as well after the surgery, to give support to the testes post operatively.