Our affiliated vasectomy providers also offer a method of anesthesia sometimes called “No-Needle Freezing”, which eliminates the need for a needle entering the scrotum. This is accomplished by using an air pressure injector which is quicker, safer, and more comfortable for patients.

The animated image here shows both standard anaesthetic injection with a syringe and the no-needle option with an air injector. You can compare the two techniques and see how the air injector pushes the anaesthetic through the pores in the scrotal skin with a burst of air.

Studies have shown an eight times lower complication rate, quicker healing, and less intra-operative discomfort for a no-scalpel vasectomy compared to the more conventional approach. Not all vasectomy providers prefer this technique, but we feel that it is clearly preferable to do a vasectomy through a tiny central opening versus making larger cuts requiring sutures and a more complex recovery.

These images show the minor change to the male reproductive anatomy brought about by vasectomy.

Our vasectomy doctors performs an “Open-Ended” vasectomy technique, where the vas tube from the bottom end is left open (uncauterized), while the end of the tube leading to the penis is cauterized. As detailed above, fascial interposition is also performed to ensure the success of your vasectomy.

While studies are not conclusive, it is postulated that leaving one end open may permit sperm to leak out, resulting in less post-operative discomfort; this is because there is no sudden pressure back-up to the testicles. The leakage does not increase risk of pregnancy, as the other end of the vas is sealed. Sperm are simply reabsorbed back into the testicles in a natural process that causes no pain or pressure.

Studies also indicate that it reduces the time it takes for a vasectomy, and vasectomy reversal may also be easier to perform later, if desired. We do not recommend getting a vasectomy if a patient thinks they might eventually want a reversal. Vasectomy should be considered as a permanent contraceptive method.

Not all vasectomists around the world perform this open ended technique, and some prefer to cauterize both ends. At Gentle Procedures our doctors are able to maintain our high success rates while also offering the potential benefits of an Open-Ended vasectomy.

There are no life-threatening complications associated with NSV (No-Scalpel Vasectomies). The minor complications that can arise are generally short-lived and resolve with ice, rest, anti-inflammatories, and time. Long trm safety with NSV is considered excellent, although all of the following are possible:

• Mild discomfort: Some men report a mild aching sensation to the scrotum for a few hours to a few days after the procedure.
• Mild bleeding into the scrotum (1/400): May form a small tender swelling for a few days.
• Scrotal hematoma (1/1000): A major bleed into the scrotum causing a grapefruit size tender scrotum which may take months to heal.
• Infection (1/500): May present as redness and tenderness at the healing site opening or non specific tenderness within the scrotum, which may require oral antibiotics. (More serious infection is possible i.e. abscess formation that may require intravenous antibiotics 1/1000).
• Epididymitis (1/100): Tender swelling of the epididymis, the tube connecting the vas deferens and the testes.
• Sperm granuloma (1/500): A small, potentially uncomfortable, bead-like structure made of leaked sperm that may develop at the site where the tube was cut and blocked.
• Post Vasectomy Pain Syndrome (1/1000): A rare complication of a persisting dull ache in the testicle where the inflammation does not settle down. It may resolve on its own or may need another surgical procedure.
• Failure (less than 1/1000): Because a doctor has inadequately blocked one or both tubes, or because one or both tubes have rejoined