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It’s hard to overstate the importance of making an informed decision when a man is considering a vasectomy to prevent unintended pregnancies. Learn more about our approach to minimally invasive vasectomies. (Here’s a hint: No scalpels involved!)
June is Men’s Health Month in the United States, and it’s a great time for guys to understand their options for a vasectomy, a permanent method of birth control.
At Sierra Pacific Surgical in the Sacramento area with offices in Roseville, Sacramento and El Dorado Hills, we offer advanced vasectomy procedures for men who are done having children but still need reliable pregnancy prevention.
Our highly skilled surgeons specialize in no-scalpel vasectomies, which feature no incisions, no sutures, and minimal recovery time. This treatment allows you to stay in control of your family plans without the need for extended downtime.
It’s important to note that a vasectomy is a permanent birth control method. Our team can discuss your options for preserving sperm samples in advance of your procedure in case you wish to start or expand your family at a later time.
What to expect during a no-scalpel vasectomy
The goal of a vasectomy is to prevent sperm from getting into semen before a man ejaculates. This involves closing off the vas deferens, the tube in the scrotum that serves as sperm’s passageway to the ejaculatory ducts in the penis.
During a no-scalpel vasectomy, our physicians create a small puncture in the skin to access the vas deferens. We can tie the tube off, use heat to cauterize the tube shut, or cut the tube to block sperm from moving into the semen.
Your physician repositions the vas deferens in the scrotum and seals the puncture with medical tape. You’re able to return home soon after the procedure to rest and recover.
Recovery after a no-scalpel vasectomy
Many men can resume work, sex, and light activities within a week of a no-scalpel vasectomy. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about three weeks, so the puncture wounds can heal fully.
You can manage any soreness or discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. We show you how to care for the puncture site to prevent infection.
About eight weeks after your vasectomy, our team checks your semen for sperm. You should continue to use other pregnancy prevention methods until your lab results show that your sample is free of sperm.
Benefits of a no-scalpel vasectomy
One of the biggest benefits of a no-scalpel vasectomy is the aforementioned quick recovery time. Due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, you don’t have to schedule much time off from work or other activities.
Another benefit of a vasectomy is its effectiveness as a reliable and convenient method of permanent birth control. Also, compared to female birth control methods like tubal ligation, a no-scalpel vasectomy is also a more affordable option.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and you can start your recovery in the comfort of your own home. Before you leave the office, we let you know when to schedule a follow-up appointment for semen testing. We also provide guidance on when you and your partner can stop using other birth control methods.
Call Sierra Pacific Surgical today to schedule a consultation about the benefits of a no-scalpel vasectomy, or you can request an appointment online.