Contraception can be compared to fashion, in that it makes sense to see what’s ‘trending’, to find out if there’s something out there that suits you better, or weather you’d rather stick to your current style.
Well, like a new take on things for example, the boyfriend jean for women, so has a permanent technique for contraception for men that doesn’t have men cringing in their seats – the no-scalpel vasectomy.
Read on ladies, and hang on to your hats boys to see if this contraception, may be a good option for you.
Hang onto your hats boys…a no-scalpel vasectomy
Yes it’s true, a urologist can perform a no-scalpel vasectomy in his room. This is done by numbing an area of the scrotum with a “No Needle Technique”, making a puncture incision (instead of a cut), and clamping, clipping or cauterising the tube (vas deferens) that usually carries sperm for ejaculation. That’s right, the tube is now disconnected. The procedure also only takes around 20 minutes and is classified as a minor procedure. But this is also where the justifiable barrage of questions arises, so here we go ladies and gentlemen.
To answer your questions
The pain is minimal after a vasectomy procedure as the area has been numbed. You can take pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen when the numbness wears off in a few hours, and apply ice for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and pain, which has usually completely subsided in a week.
It is best to avoid vigorous sports (especially combat sports) and activities like cycling in the first days, and up to a week depending on swelling.
What is the difference between a scalpel and no-scalpel vasectomy (apart from the scalpel)? An incision is made with a scalpel vasectomy that is then closed afterwards with a stitch that will dissolve in a week. Apart from patients seeming more relieved by the idea, urologists often recommend the no-scalpel method because they find it can be quicker, and can minimise postoperative discomfort and the risk of bleeding and infection.
Importantly, you are not sterile right away, as there can be active sperm still hanging around, so only after three months and a negative sperm count test (to be sure) can you discontinue other forms of contraception.
What happens to the sperm that is still made in the testes? After the procedure, the testicles will continue to produce sperm, but instead of travelling through the vas deferens and out of your body, they will get broken down by enzymes and get reabsorbed, just like the body reabsorbs the blood under your skin after a bruise.
Will my sexual function be affected? The male sex drive, ability to have an erection, orgasm or ejaculations will be totally unaffected by a vasectomy. A vasectomy simply blocks sperm from entering the semen and has no affect on sex drive whatsoever. Male hormones will continue to enter the bloodstream and secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair or voice will not change.
You do not need your partner’s permission, however it makes sense to discuss at length both partners desires not to have more children, as it is considered a permanent procedure. With modern medicine it now can be reversed, but is an expensive procedure and does not always result in a pregnancy via natural means.
When can I resume sexual function? You can usually resume sexual activity within 2 -7 days depending on your symptoms, and of course, you will need to use another form of contraception for 3 months until your sperm is tested with the all clear. Many couples say their sex life has been enhanced because they no longer worry about getting pregnant, and as urologists have been known to tell their patients about vasectomy “You are shutting down the factory and opening up the amusement park”.
Thus, both women and men can feel more empowered by being aware of what options are available. Vasectomy is one of those highly effective methods that suits couples that have definitely decided that their family is complete, and advances in medical techniques make it even more attractive. Talk to your partner and doctor to determine if this is appropriate for you, and after the procedure you’ll be back in your comfy jeans in no time.
