3 Different Types of Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a popular form of birth control in men. It involves surgically blocking the vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm to the urethra from the testicles) to reduce the chances of impregnating a woman. It may sound painful and dangerous, but we assure you that it is only slightly uncomfortable and very safe.
There are three different types of vasectomy procedures. The first and most popular procedure is the traditional vasectomy. The second and slightly less invasive procedure is the no scalpel vasectomy, and the third and relatively newer procedure is the fascial interposition. All these procedures have their benefits and drawbacks. Hence, you must understand the difference between these vasectomy procedures to make an informed decision.
Your final decision may vary according to your preferences and the surgeon you are consulting.
So, let’s dive in and explore these three procedures in more detail!
Traditional Vasectomy:
Traditional or conventional vasectomy is a popular and commonly performed surgical procedure for contraception in men. It takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete and can be performed on a patient in a clinic. Moreover, it can be performed under local anesthesia.
During this procedure, your surgeon will numb the area around your penis and testicles. They will then proceed to make a small incision in the scrotum. This incision is usually made on either side of the sac. Vas Deferens, the tubes that carry the sperm, are then located and cut carefully. A small tube segment is removed, and the end is secured with surgical clips.
There are two primary ways in which the cut ends will be closed. It will either be by surgical glue or by suturing the incision. Both of them aren’t painful. Most men even return home the same day they get the surgery done.
While it is said to be the most effective contraception and is generally very safe, you might experience some discomfort, bruising, or even swelling in the scrotum. You can manage it easily with pain medication, over-the-counter laxatives, and ice packs.
Vasectomy Reversal Procedure
We recommend that you avoid strenuous and sexual activity religiously for at least a week post-surgery.
While conventional vasectomy can be reversed through the vasectomy reversal procedure, the reversal has a very shallow success rate. Hence, we recommend that you consider a vasectomy to be permanent. Therefore, plan your decision after discussing it with your partner, family, and healthcare provider. If you have any questions, consult a qualified medical professional before the vasectomy.
One more disadvantage of it is that the doctor typically makes an incision on the scrotum, which can increase your chances of infection and other complications. Such cases are reported once in a blue moon; most patients recover fully within a week. However, it is still a potential outcome.
No Scalpel Vasectomy:
No Scalpel Vasectomy, also called Non Scalpel Vasectomy, Keyhole Vasectomy, or NSV, is a relatively more popular vasectomy procedure. This is because of its less invasive procedure. A hemostat, a special instrument that makes punctures in the skin, is used to create a small hole in the skin of the scrotum. This puncture is tiny, even smaller than the incision made in a conventional vasectomy. Hence, it doesn’t even require stitches to close.
A hemostat helps the surgeon reach the vas deferens easily, and he makes a clean cut or blocks them. This prevents sperm from being released during ejaculation. This procedure takes about half an hour and can be performed during an OPD appointment. You can go home on the same day!
An advantage of a no scalpel vasectomy is that it causes less pain, bruising, swelling, and discomfort post-procedure than a conventional vasectomy might. Patients typically have a much faster recovery time as well.
The puncture is tiny, and the chances of bleeding and infection are meager. Moreover, this procedure can also clearly avoid nerve damage and swelling.
We’d also like to state that a no-scalpel vasectomy is not suitable for everyone. This is because the surgeon may have to use additional tools to access the tubes during the procedure, making the surgery more complicated and uncomfortable for the patient. Moreover, the failure rate of a non-scalpel vasectomy is a little higher than that of a conventional vasectomy. You should always discuss which procedure you should go for with your doctor.
What is Post Vasectomy Care Like?
Vas Clip Vasectomy or fascial interposition is a new procedure gaining popularity rapidly. In this procedure, small biocompatible clips are placed on each vas deferens tube. These clips act as a barrier preventing sperm from passing through the tubes.
It is a quick procedure and can also be performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision, locates the tubes, and places the clips on the tube. The incision is then sutured with dissolvable stitches.
It is the most effective vasectomy procedure, with a failure rate below 1%. The clips are also biocompatible, reducing the chances of any immune reaction or harm to the tissues around the clip. It is also relatively painless and can be done quickly. This procedure might also take up to 30 minutes.
Another advantage of this procedure is that it is reversible, unlike the other two. If a man decides that he’d like to father his children, then the clips can be removed, and the tubes can easily be reconnected.
It has disadvantages like mild scrotum pain until the incision heals properly. While the clip is biocompatible, the procedure is relatively new, and there isn’t sufficient evidence of its long-term safety and effectiveness.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you’re considering a vasectomy, it’s essential to understand the differences between the traditional, no-scalpel, and vas clip procedures. While conventional vasectomy has been around for a long time and is a reliable option, the no-scalpel and vas clip procedures offer faster recovery times and other unique benefits.
But as with any medical decision, you must talk with your doctor about which option is best for you based on your personal preferences and medical history. With the correct information and guidance, you can make an informed decision that gives you peace of mind and helps you achieve your family planning goals.
