A vasectomy is a form of permanent sterilization. It is a small, office-based procedure that involves the removal of a small piece of the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries the sperm to the ejaculate. Various methods are performed to occlude each end as well. Let’s dive in!
What are the Benefits of Getting a Vasectomy?
There are SO many different types of birth control out there. If you are looking for something permanent, a vasectomy is arguably one of the best options. First of all, it is highly effective! (Over 99% effective, in fact). It is a one-time procedure that has lasting results, which makes it not only convenient but also cost-effective. It does not involve the use of hormones or implants for the female partner, which can be cumbersome to deal with. It also makes sex more spontaneous without having to worry about condoms or if someone remembers to take a birth control pill every day. Some men and their partners have even reported more enjoyable sex without having to worry about the fear of pregnancy!
Two Types of Vasectomies
The vasectomy procedure can be categorized into two groups based on incision type. The first type is conventional, which uses a scalpel. A scalpel is essentially a very sharp knife that cuts the skin and deeper layers.
In recent years, a “no scalpel” vasectomy has become very popular. You should be warned that this is mostly just a marketing gimmick. Essentially, it sounds less scary and less invasive than using a knife to get the procedure done. However, the no scalpel vasectomy still requires making a hole in the skin to be able to identify the vas deferens to get the job done. The instrument that is used is called a “dissecting clamp”. Essentially, it has very sharp points that poke into the skin and then the skin is stretched to make a small hole.
Some say that a “no scalpel” vasectomy is better because it is more minimally invasive. Some say a conventional vasectomy is better because it causes less trauma to the skin (cutting rather than stretching).
Truly, these two different types are about the same level of invasion. Some studies have shown that the “no scalpel” procedure can be faster, but this could be just due to a lesser number of instruments used to complete the procedure. It is true that some urologists may choose not to leave a stitch in the skin for the “no scalpel” vasectomies, which may be a benefit for some men. However, some still leave stitches to close the skin, even if no scalpel is used.
Both conventional and no scalpel vasectomies are performed at Purely Vasectomies. You can be reassured that both procedures are equally as effective and have identical recovery times.
What is a Clip Vasectomy?
A clip vasectomy is an older method of performing a vasectomy. It involves incisions to expose the vas deferens. However, instead of removing a section, it is clipped with the goal of blocking the flow of sperm. The benefit of this method is that reversal may be more feasible in the future. The reason for this is that the clip does not cause the same damaging changes to the vas deferens as does removing a segment and tying/cutting/burning/clipping each end does. However, because it does not cause the same damage, if the clip is not applied correctly, it may not completely seal off the vas deferens, making the procedure less effective. There are kits from companies that the clips come in which can be more costly for the patient. Additionally, all of the vas deferens come in different shapes and sizes, but there is only one clip size typically used for clip vasectomies. The clip is unfortunately not one size fits all, so many do not work for everyone. For all of these reasons, this is an older, outdated method of performing a vasectomy. The tried and true methods are those that are talked about above.
Are Vasectomies Painful?
No procedure is totally painless. So, yes, you will experience some pain and discomfort following the procedure. However, most men are comfortable after a vasectomy with just over the counter Tylenol and Ibuprofen. The soreness and discomfort is the worst in the first day or two after the procedure, but gradually improves over the course of the next week or two. After that, most men are completely back on their feet. At Purely Vasectomies, we will be with you every step of the way and ensure you are very well taken care of throughout your recovery.
A vasectomy is a small office procedure that involves permanent sterilization and has minimal recovery time. There are several different methods that a vasectomy can be performed, but are usually categorized by the type of incision—conventional and scalpel-less. Both involve an incision, but one is made with a scalpel and the other is made with an instrument that stretches the skin. At Purely Vasectomies, both types are performed. Here, you will be in excellent hands and have excellent results following your vasectomy!
