|
|
 |
|
| | NO-SCALPEL VASECTOMY
|
| |
To put it bluntly and simply, a vasectomy is a permanent birth control method for men.
A vasectomy is a medical procedure intended to result in sterility. Roughly 500,000 men here in the U.S. elect to undergo vasectomies each year and almost 60,000 elect to have vasectomy reversals. Though it may seem like an extreme option, it’s often chosen by men who don’t want to have any children as well as by men who’ve completed their families – in the same way that women often opt for a similar procedure known as tubal ligation. The men who choose vasectomy are interested in a birth control method that will be permanent.
Most reversible options are less reliable than the vasectomy, have been known to be more inconvenient, and sometimes result in negative side effects for the women in their lives. More importantly, vasectomies are safe, practically 100% effective and don't limit sexual pleasure.
Take a look at the information below. We’ve made an effort to offer you the kind of comprehensive, accurate, and up to date information about vasectomies in general and no-scalpel vasectomies in particular; that so many other patients have contacted us searching for. We hope you leave with a better picture of your standard vasectomy, no scalpel vasectomy and vasectomy reversal options.
The Vasectomy – A Safe, Simple and Effective Birth Control Option
Vasectomies are relatively simple procedures. They cause sterility by preventing male reproductive cells (sperm) from mixing with seminal fluid. To result in pregnancy, sperm needs to pass through a pair of tubes known as the vasa deferentia to other glands then mix with seminal fluid to form semen. A vasectomy blocks both vas deferens and thereby prevents sperm from entering the seminal fluid. Post vasectomy sperm is absorbed rather than being ejaculated and simply put – without sperm and an ejaculate one cannot result in pregnancy.
Despite urban myths to the contrary, having a vasectomy in no way affects masculinity or normal (non-reproductive) sexual function. That’s right, a vasectomy won’t interfere with your ability to get or maintain an erection. Having a vasectomy also won’t have a negative affect on your sex organs, your sexuality or your ability to experience sexual pleasure. No glands or organs will be altered or removed. Your sperm and hormones will continue to be produced normally. Your ejaculate will look the same as it does today and you will continue to produce roughly the same amount of it.
The Traditional Surgical Vasectomy
Both common and popular, the vasectomy is a relatively easy to perform, nearly 100% effective and more importantly permanent surgical procedure that results in worry-free birth control. Especially attractive to couples who’ve decided that their families are complete, vasectomies are performed on roughly 500,000 men in the U.S. annually, and as many as 30 million worldwide. Vasectomies are relatively uncomplicated and can typically be performed in a doctor’s office and usually take between 15 and 20 minutes. It’s that simple.
However, it’s important to remember that a traditional surgical vasectomy won’t be effective immediately. There will typically be “remainder” sperm left beyond the blocked vasa deferentia (tubes). Patient’s who opt for vasectomies generally need to employ an alternate birth control method until that sperm has been used up—a process that typically takes around three months. But don’t worry, you won’t have to guess, a relatively simple test, known as a semen analysis, will tell you when there’s no more sperm left in your seminal fluid.
Even though it sounds ominous, a vasectomy is by far the most effective birth control method available to sexually active males. However, it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted infections …So, while you and your partner won’t need an alternate or backup contraceptive method after you’ve had a successful vasectomy, you may still want to employ condoms as an anti STD measure.
Moreover, before opting for the procedure, you should understand that it is a permanent sterilization. Though a vasectomy may be reversible, your decision not to have biological children must be firm. You need to be 100% sure you’ll that never have a change of heart or regret your decision to have a vasectomy — regardless of how your life may change.
It is also worth noting that in certain, extremely rare cases – in about one out of every 1,000 cases, the vasa deferentia tubes might grow back together and result in a pregnancy.
The No-Scalpel Vasectomy Option
No-Scalpel refers to a minimally invasive vasectomy technique that involves a single incision. Performed via a puncture into the scrotum, through which the “vas” (or tube) is grasped and withdrawn by using a specialized instrument. Thereafter a small section of the vas is removed and the testicular end cauterized, tied and then tucked back into the patient’s scrotum. The upper end of the vas is also tied and cauterized and then the procedure is repeated, for the second vas, via the same minimally invasive surgical incision.
Applying a special clamp closes the edges of the incision meaning that no skin suture will be required. The no scalpel vasectomy represents a considerable improvement over traditional vasectomy techniques; as it is less traumatic and typically results in fewer post-operative complications. Here’s a quick look at the main advantages offered by the no-scalpel vasectomy:
- Doesn’t require a surgical incision.
- No stitching or suturing.
- Faster procedure.
- Faster recovery times.
- Less post-operative discomfort.
- Has no effect on normal sexual functions or erections.
- Just as effective as the traditional surgical vasectomy.
- No-scalpel techniques result in less post-operative bleeding and fewer post-operative complications.
NOTE: Dr. Kasabian currently uses a no-needle anesthesia during the procedure, during which a spray is applied to the patient’s skin with a pencil-like instrument.
No Scalpel Vasectomy – the Potential Complications
Complications resulting from the no-scalpel vasectomy are rare but just as with any surgical procedure, the potential complications of no-scalpel vasectomies involve infection and bleeding. However, these risks are significantly lower than those involved in standard open-surgical techniques. As noted above one potential complication involves the possibility that a patient’s vas deferens may grow back together.
The process is known as “re-canalization” and it only occurs rarely, (in less than 0.5% of patients). Re-canalization is the result of sperm leaking from a post-operative patient’s vas on the testicular side that somehow finds it’s way to the abdominal side of the vas. The process allows sperm to “communicate” and move along the tract toward the ejaculatory ducts of the patient’s prostate. Other potential complications include chronic testicular pain – which only occurs in between 1-3% or patients who’ve undergone a no-scalpel vasectomy and a transient swelling of the epididymis (known as Epididymitis) that can occurs in fewer than 0.2% of patient’s but that can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
For more information about No-Scalpel Vasectomy or to schedule an appointment Dr. Kasabian
|
|
|
 |
Nabet G.Kasabian MD, FACS
103 East 80th Street (at Park Avenue)
New York, NY 10075
Tel: 212-535-0755212-535-0755
Fax: 212-744-4539 |
 |
|
|
|
|
