Vasectomy

Over 500,000 vasectomy procedures are done each year in the United States. Vasectomy is a simple, safe surgical procedure for permanent, effective male birth control.

 

No-Scalpel Vasectomy

No-scalpel vasectomies are a technique to do the vasectomy through one or two small punctures. This puncture is made into the scrotum and generally requires no suturing or stitches. The tube (called the vas) which carries sperm from the testicle is cut and sealed in order to stop sperm from leaving.

The procedure usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Since the procedure simply interrupts the delivery of sperm it does not change hormonal function – leaving sexual drive and potency unaffected.

No-scalpel vasectomy represents a significant improvement over conventional techniques in that it is less traumatic and shortens vasectomy recovery time.

This procedure is done with the aid of a local anesthetic called Xylocaine (similar to Novocaine). The interruption of the vas which is done with the no-scalpel technique is identical to the interruption made with conventional techniques. The no-scalpel technique is simply a more elegant and less traumatic way for the surgeon to control the vas and cut it.

More Information

Ureteroscopy | Why

Reasons for use

  • Blood in your urine, also called hematuria
  • Abnormal cells found on analysis of your urine sample
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Presence of a stone
  • Abnormal growth, such as a polyp or tumor
  • Urinary blockage for reason other than one listed here
Results

What can I expect after the test?

You may have a mild burning feeling when you urinate, and you may see small amounts of blood in your urine. These problems should not last more than 24 hours. Tell your doctor if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last more than a couple of days.

To relieve discomfort, drink two 8-ounce glasses of water each hour for 2 hours. Ask your doctor if you can take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling. If not, you may be able to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.

Your doctor may give you an antibiotic to take for 1 or 2 days to prevent an infection. If you have signs of infection–including pain, chills, or fever–call your doctor.

This image shows an example of what a ureteroscopy may look like if a kidney stone is present in the ureter. The stone can be clearly viewed, and instruments can be inserted through the scope to treat the kidney stone.

Vasectomy | Treatment

The Procedure

After you undress, the scrotum will be washed and a drape will be put on you. The anesthetic will be injected into the scrotum at the site of the vasectomy. This will not be an injection into the testicle. The anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain as the doctor uses a special instrument to puncture the scrotum and grasp the vas deferens. The vas is then cut and sealed. Generally, the other side is similarly done through the same puncture.

After Vasectomy

The anesthetic will wear off in approximately 1 to 2 hours after surgery. You should have someone else drive you home. It is important that you remain off your feet as much as possible for 24 to 48 hours. This is important in order to minimize the chance of post-surgical complications.

You may shower at your leisure. Sexual activity may be resumed in approximately 3 to 4 days. (At this time you are not yet sterile and safe from pregnancy.)

Your doctor will ask you to bring a semen specimen in approximately 3 months after your vasectomy. This must be checked in order to be assured that the vasectomy worked and that you are sterile.

History of the No-Scalpel Technique

The no-scalpel technique was first performed in China in 1974. Over recent years it has become more and more popular in the United States. The vasectomy done is essentially the same as vasectomies were done for many years. Its primary difference is that the vas deferens are controlled and grasped by the surgeon in a less traumatic manner. This results in less pain and fewer postoperative complications. As time continues more and more physicians will be using the technique.

View or download Northwoods Urology Vasectomy brochure

Northwoods Urology Associates is Progressive, Innovative, Compassionate...

More Information

Ureteroscopy | Why

Reasons for use

  • Blood in your urine, also called hematuria
  • Abnormal cells found on analysis of your urine sample
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Presence of a stone
  • Abnormal growth, such as a polyp or tumor
  • Urinary blockage for reason other than one listed here
Results

What can I expect after the test?

You may have a mild burning feeling when you urinate, and you may see small amounts of blood in your urine. These problems should not last more than 24 hours. Tell your doctor if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last more than a couple of days.

To relieve discomfort, drink two 8-ounce glasses of water each hour for 2 hours. Ask your doctor if you can take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling. If not, you may be able to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.

Your doctor may give you an antibiotic to take for 1 or 2 days to prevent an infection. If you have signs of infection–including pain, chills, or fever–call your doctor.

This image shows an example of what a ureteroscopy may look like if a kidney stone is present in the ureter. The stone can be clearly viewed, and instruments can be inserted through the scope to treat the kidney stone.

Vasectomy | Treatment

The Procedure

After you undress, the scrotum will be washed and a drape will be put on you. The anesthetic will be injected into the scrotum at the site of the vasectomy. This will not be an injection into the testicle. The anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain as the doctor uses a special instrument to puncture the scrotum and grasp the vas deferens. The vas is then cut and sealed. Generally, the other side is similarly done through the same puncture.

After Vasectomy

The anesthetic will wear off in approximately 1 to 2 hours after surgery. You should have someone else drive you home. It is important that you remain off your feet as much as possible for 24 to 48 hours. This is important in order to minimize the chance of post-surgical complications.

You may shower at your leisure. Sexual activity may be resumed in approximately 3 to 4 days. (At this time you are not yet sterile and safe from pregnancy.)

Your doctor will ask you to bring a semen specimen in approximately 3 months after your vasectomy. This must be checked in order to be assured that the vasectomy worked and that you are sterile.

History of the No-Scalpel Technique

The no-scalpel technique was first performed in China in 1974. Over recent years it has become more and more popular in the United States. The vasectomy done is essentially the same as vasectomies were done for many years. Its primary difference is that the vas deferens are controlled and grasped by the surgeon in a less traumatic manner. This results in less pain and fewer postoperative complications. As time continues more and more physicians will be using the technique.

View or download Northwoods Urology Vasectomy brochure

Northwoods Urology Associates is Progressive, Innovative, Compassionate...

 

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