Vasectomy

Safe, Effective, Recommended

Vasectomy is one of the safest and most common methods for permanent birth control. In fact, each year over 500,000 men undergo the procedure in the United States. It’s a procedure that many couples opt for once they have decided not to have any more children. In some situations, men who elect not to have any children may choose this option as well. The Vasectomy procedure is safer and more cost effective compared to a tubal ligation. This form of contraception has been shown to produce less pain, less complications, and quicker recovery all without the need for stitches or sutures!

No Needles, No Scalpel

Dr. Avila offers a No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy. This procedure uses state-of-the-art techniques to anesthetize the scrotum and vas deferens, making the procedure essentially painless, safer, and much more efficient. The key to success is a pressure jet injector that sprays anesthesia that results in numbness to the skin and deeper tissues. Occasionally men may feel a brief and instant sense of discomfort with the first spray injection, but very little after this sensation.

Next, Dr. Avila carefully identifies the vas deferens with his fingers and uses a specialized instrument to make a small opening in the skin. This is a major difference compared to the conventional vasectomy in which a knife is used to make a large incision. Once the vas is secured, it is delivered through the skin and it is cut, sealed, clipped, and separated to block sperm flow.

Initial Consultation

Dr. Avila will discuss the procedure with you in person during your initial consultation. This involves a full history and physical examination to determine whether a No-Scalpel Vasectomy is right for you. In the overwhelming majority of cases the procedure is performed in the office, and is considered to be a permanent form of contraception. In addition the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a No-Scalpel Vasectomy will be reviewed with you at that time. Once you have received information regarding the procedure and what to expect, Dr. Avila will ask that you sign a consent form that will solidify your understanding of the procedure and risks.

Common Questions

Is it painful? Most men have little if any pain during a No-Scalpel Vasectomy. This is due to the local anesthesia given during the procedure. Most men do feel some pulling or ‘pressure’ during the vasectomy. Immediately after the surgery you may feel soreness for 48-72 hours. Most men are able to return to work after a ‘long’ weekend of rest and recovery. Sexual activity and other strenuous activity can resume within 7 days of the procedure.

How will it affect me? A No-Scalpel Vasectomy focuses on the vas deferens and aims to block sperm flow. All other functions of the testicle remain intact. The testicle continues to make Testosterone, the male hormone. Urination is not affected at all. Erections and sexual function will not change either since these organs are well away from the vasectomy site. Semen volume and orgasms remain the same. It has never been shown to increase your risk of cancer. It is not a form of ‘male castration.’ Finally, men do not set off any alarms in the airport from the metal micro-clips used during the procedure.

Do I have to wear a condom afterwards? Couples must plan for an alternative birth control strategy for some time after the vasectomy. Dr. Avila recommends that men undergo two post-vasectomy semen tests to ensure that they are sterile before couples can resume unprotected sex. Until sterility is confirmed couples must use other forms of birth control. It is also important to understand that while a vasectomy can protect against unwanted pregnancy, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

What if I change my mind in the future? The No-Scalpel Vasectomy is considered a permanent form of sterility. Nevertheless, these procedures can be reversed. In fact roughly 3 out of every 1,000 vasectomies request a reversal. The most common reasons include remarriage, changing their minds about having more children, or unexpected loss of a child. Whatever the reason may be, Dr. Avila is the only microsurgeon to arrive in Arizona in over a decade that is fellowship-trained in the most advanced vasectomy reversal techniques. A vasectomy reversal is much more technically challenging and is typically 3 to 4 hours in length.

vasectomy

Schedule an Appointment

Contact Dr. Avila to get your initial consultation.