Vasectomy

We offer no-scalpel vasectomy procedures in our clinic. Our urological surgeons are highly trained in scrotal surgery and the careful dissection of the vas deferens and surrounding structures. Each surgeon performs at least four vasectomies per week in the clinic setting, ensuring extensive experience and expertise.

For patients with more complex anatomy or specific needs — such as severe anxiety or a history of fainting during minor procedures — we can also perform a vasectomy in the operating room under anesthesia.

The following concerns about vasectomy are typically discussed with patients during a consultation:

• Vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception.

• Vasectomy does not produce immediate sterility.

• Following vasectomy, another form of contraception is required until vas occlusion is confirmed by post-vasectomy semen analysis (PVSA). This is typically done at the 3-month mark.

• Even after vas occlusion is confirmed with a negative semen analysis, a vasectomy is not 100% reliable in preventing pregnancy. Spontaneous reversal with pregnancy is an extremely rare, but real possibility. 

• The risk of pregnancy after vasectomy is approximately 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 5,000 for men who have post-vasectomy azoospermia (no sperm seen) or PVSA showing rare non-motile sperm (RNMS). This is called a late-failure. Consider, however, that even an intrauterine device (IUD) has a failure rate of about 0.2%.

• Repeat vasectomy is necessary in less than 1% of vasectomies, provided that a technique for vas occlusion known to have a low occlusive failure rate has been used. Our surgeons use different vas occlusion techniques and this can be described precisely during a consultation.

• Patients should refrain from ejaculation for approximately one week after vasectomy.

• Options for fertility after vasectomy include vasectomy reversal and sperm retrieval with in vitro fertilization. These options are not always successful, and they may be expensive.

• The rates of surgical complications such as symptomatic hematoma (blood clot in scrotum) and infection are 1-2%.

• Chronic scrotal pain (pain beyond 3 months) associated with a negative impact on quality of life occurs after vasectomy in about 0.5-2% of men. A few of these men require additional surgery. Other permanent and non-permanent alternatives to vasectomy are available (e.g., tubal ligation in the partner). However, one should consider the types and rates of complications in those settings.