No-Scalpel Vasectomy is different from a conventional vasectomy in the way the doctor approaches the vas deferens. In addition, an improved method of anesthesia helps make the surgical procedure less painful. In a No-Scalpel Vasectomy, the doctor feels for the vas deferens under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp. Instead of making two incisions, the doctor makes one tiny puncture with a special sharp surgical instrument. The same instrument is used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached. The vas deferens is then blocked using the same  methods as conventional vasectomy. There is very little bleeding, safe and low failure rate with the no-scalpel technique. No stitches are needed to close the tiny opening, which heals quickly, with no scar.

In a conventional vasectomy, after the scrotum has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the doctor makes one or two small cuts in the skin and lifts out each tube in turn, cutting and blocking them so the sperm cannot reach the semen. Then the doctor stitches the cuts closed.

No. Vasectomy has no effect on sexual ability. After the vasectomy procedure, men will look and feel the same as before. They can have sex the same as before and will ejaculate normally. They can work as hard as before, and they will not gain weight because of the vasectomy.

Since NSV is a minor surgical procedure, a man may feel a bit weak while recovering from the procedure, but this only lasts several hours or days after surgery. The man should rest for two days, if possible. Once recovered, a patient’s physical strength returns to normal.

After the procedure, there may be some pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicular area for which pain relievers are given. If possible, cold compress on the scrotum is advised for the first four hours to decrease pain and bleeding. The man should also be advised to wear snug underwear or pants for two to three days to help support the scrotum. It is uncommon to have pain lasting for months. This can be treated by elevating the scrotum and taking pain relievers. If the pain does not subside, advise the client to visit the health care provider for assessment and treatment.

Yes. For the first three (3) months after the procedure, there are still sperms in the semen after ejaculation. In that case, clients need to use another FP method until after three months when semen analysis results demonstrate absence of sperm. Not using FP method for the first 3 months has been the main cause of pregnancies among couples relying on vasectomy. Thereafter, vasectomy is highly effective.

No. Castration is the removal of the testicles, which is not what happens during a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a procedure that blocks the passage of sperm from the testicles to the tubes called the vas deferens. A man’s testicles are not involved in the procedure.

Yes. A man will still be able to produce semen and ejaculate, but there will be no sperm in the semen.

No. Vasectomy does not protect against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Clients must use condoms for protection against these infections.

Every man having a vasectomy should know that vasectomies sometimes fail and his partner could become pregnant as a result. The failure rate is 0.1%. He should therefore not make the assumption that his partner was unfaithful if she becomes pregnant. If a man’s partner becomes pregnant during the first three months after his vasectomy, remind the man that for the first three months they needed to use another contraceptive method. If possible, offer a semen
analysis and, if sperm are found, a repeat vasectomy

Generally, no. Vasectomy is intended to be permanent. In very rare cases, however, the tubes that carry sperm grow back together and sperms start appearing in the semen. In such rare cases, the man will require a repeat vasectomy or use another method of contraception.

No. Vasectomy is intended to be permanent. People who may want more children should choose a different family planning method. Surgery to reverse vasectomy is difficult and expensive and success is not guaranteed.

No. There is no justification for denying men a vasectomy just because of age, the number of living children, or marital status. Men are allowed to decide for themselves whether or not they will want more children and whether or not to
have vasectomy. 

A man can avail of vasectomy services in the following facilities:

• Government hospitals with family planning facilities.
• Private clinics and hospitals.

Click HERE to search for Providers of “No-scalpel Vasectomy” located near you.