{"id":42580,"date":"2024-06-24T19:36:17","date_gmt":"2024-06-24T19:36:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-admin.givelegacy.com\/?p=42580"},"modified":"2024-06-28T19:55:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-28T19:55:34","slug":"scalpel-vs-no-scalpel-vasectomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/scalpel-vs-no-scalpel-vasectomy\/","title":{"rendered":"Scalpel vs. no-scalpel vasectomy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether to have a vasectomy is a big decision that comes with a number of smaller decisions. One of these is which type of the vasectomy to have \u2014 scalpel vs. no-scalpel vasectomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, we\u2019ll explore the step-by-step differences between a scalpel vs. no-scalpel vasectomy, the recovery time for each, and what makes someone a candidate for a no-scalpel vasectomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There are two main types of vasectomies: the incision method (AKA \u201cscalpel vasectomy\u201d or \u201ctraditional vasectomy\u201d) and no-scalpel vasectomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Both versions of the procedure are performed under local anesthesia and take about 20 minutes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No-scalpel procedure is considered less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. However, not every patient is a candidate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All vasectomy patients should consider freezing sperm beforehand, and should do a semen analysis about 3 months after their vasectomy to ensure the procedure was successful.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scalpel vasectomy vs. no-scalpel vasectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A vasectomy is a form of surgical, permanent male birth control. During a vasectomy procedure, the vas deferens (the tubes behind each testicle) are severed by a doctor and the ends are sealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A vasectomy prevents sperm, which are produced in the testicles, from mixing with semen. After a vasectomy, a person can still ejaculate, but their semen will contain no sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn more about <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/vasectomy-process\/\"><em>how a vasectomy works<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of vasectomies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Incision method. <\/strong>Often known as \u201ctraditional\u201d or \u201cconventional\u201d vasectomy, in this method, a surgeon will make one or two small incisions in the scrotum with a surgical scalpel in order to reach the vas deferens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No-scalpel method.<\/strong> In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the surgeon uses a sharp instrument to punch a small hole in the scrotum, then gently stretches the skin to access the vas deferens.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Traditional vasectomy<\/strong> vs.<\/td><td><strong>No-scalpel vasectomy<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Anesthetic<\/strong><\/td><td>Numbing injection<\/td><td>Numbing injection or jet spray<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Process<\/strong><\/td><td>1\u20132 small incisions in the scrotum. Surgeon will cut both vas deferens, then cauterize or tie the ends.<\/td><td>1\u20132 punctures in the scrotum, then the skin is stretched. Surgeon will cut both vas deferens, then cauterize or tie the ends.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Surgical closure<\/strong><\/td><td>Stitches or glue<\/td><td>May heal without closure or sutures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Surgery time<\/strong><\/td><td>24 minutes on average<\/td><td>20 minutes on average<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chance of side effects &amp; complications<\/strong><\/td><td>Slightly more likely (but still very uncommon)<\/td><td>Slightly less likely<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Candidates<\/strong><\/td><td>Nearly anyone<\/td><td>May not be an option for those with vas deferens that are difficult to palpate, or those with varicocele or hydrocele<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Success<\/strong> <strong>rates<\/strong><\/td><td>99+% effective<\/td><td>99+% effective<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia \u2014 usually an injection of lidocaine to numb the area. In most cases, this is the only pain the patient will feel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In what is called a <strong>\u201cno-needle, no scalpel\u201d vasectomy<\/strong>, the lidocaine is delivered to the surgical area through a high-pressure jet spray instrument. The patient will still feel mild discomfort; some say it\u2019s similar to a rubber-band snap or mosquito bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In all versions of the procedure, the lidocaine kicks in within a few seconds. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The incision area is sealed with sutures or surgical glue. In some cases, the no-scalpel incision can heal on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"klaviyo-form-Xj7rqE\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which vasectomy is less painful? Which has a shorter recovery time?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Which vasectomy is best? That depends on your criteria. The no-scalpel procedure is considered the least invasive vasectomy and has a shorter recovery time \u2014 a few days. The recovery time for a traditional vasectomy is about a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No-scalpel vasectomies are generally considered slightly less painful. According to a recent study, 36% of patients report feeling discomfort during a vasectomy. Those numbers are slightly higher for traditional vasectomy patients (40%) than no-scalpel vasectomy patients (33%).<sup>1<\/sup>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And according to a 2014 review of research, no\u2010scalpel vasectomies are accompanied by less bleeding, bruising, infection, and pain, and a shorter operation time than traditional vasectomies.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the operation, any discomfort is generally managed with acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) and ice. Overall, 95% percent of vasectomy patients are pain-free starting two weeks after the procedure.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn more about <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/does-a-vasectomy-hurt\/\"><em>pain during and after vasectomy<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"952\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1024x952.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1024x952.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-300x279.png 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-768x714.png 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1536x1428.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-2048x1905.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which form of vasectomy is more effective?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What is the success rate of a no-scalpel vasectomy? Both versions of the vasectomy have the same result: the severing of the vas deferens for permanent birth control.<strong> <\/strong>Studies have found that, for those who are good candidates, no-scalpel vasectomy is as effective as traditional vasectomy.<sup>2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, vasectomies are one of the most effective forms of contraception. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), vasectomy has a 0.05% (1 in 2,000) chance of failure.<sup>3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For comparison, the failure rate of condoms is 1 in 100 uses, and the failure rate of tubal ligation (women getting their \u201ctubes tied\u201d) is 1.85 in 100 cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn more about the <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/vasectomy-failure\/\"><em>chance of vasectomy failure<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to choose scalpel vs. no-scalpel vasectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it\u2019s most important that you speak to your urologist to understand if you\u2019re a good candidate for no-scalpel vasectomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most men are good candidates for a no-scalpel vasectomy. But If your anatomy is complicated \u2014 for example, if a doctor can\u2019t feel both vas deferens or if you have large hydroceles or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/varicocele-and-male-fertility\/\">varicoceles<\/a> or past scarring of the scrotum \u2014&nbsp;you may not be an ideal candidate for a no-scalpel vasectomy and may need to undergo the traditional form of the procedure instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that is rare. One group of New York urologists reported that more than 95% of men are able to have a no-scalpel vasectomy.<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comparing costs of no-scalpel vasectomy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both a conventional and a no-scalpel vasectomy cost about the same \u2014 $800\u2013$2,000, depending on who performs the surgery and where it\u2019s done. In most cases, health insurance covers vasectomy, regardless of the method used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for a successful vasectomy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s your checklist for a successful vasectomy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/solutions\/vasectomy\/\">Freeze your sperm before a vasectomy<\/a>, in case you change your mind about having children in the future. (It happens \u2014 about 10% of the time.) This is a more effective and affordable backup plan than <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/vasectomy-reversal\/\">vasectomy reversal<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan to take one to two days off from work after your vasectomy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear supportive underwear for about a week after the procedure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stock up on ice and acetaminophen to manage discomfort.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/solutions\/sperm-analysis\/\">semen analysis<\/a> about 3 months after your vasectomy to determine that no sperm remain in your semen. Use back-up birth control until you get the all-clear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/10524882\/\">Sokal et al, 1999. \u201cA comparative study of the no scalpel and standard incision approaches to vasectomy in 5 countries.<\/a>\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6464377\/\">2. Cook et al, 2014. \u201cScalpel versus no\u2010scalpel incision for vasectomy.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auajournals.org\/doi\/10.1016\/j.juro.2012.09.080%206%20https:\/\/www.theturekclinic.com\/vasectomy-success-rates\/\">3. Sharlip et al, 2012. \u201cVasectomy: AUA Guidelines.\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newyorkurologyspecialists.com\/vasectomy\/no-scalpel-vasectomy-candidate\">4. Shteynshlyuger, Alex. \u201cNo scalpel vasectomy: Who is a good candidate?\u201d<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here, we\u2019ll explore the step-by-step differences between a traditional vs. no-scalpel vasectomy, the recovery time for each, and what makes someone a candidate for a no-scalpel vasectomy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":42585,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Conventional vs. no-scalpel vasectomy","_seopress_titles_desc":"Explore the step-by-step differences between a traditional vs. no-scalpel vasectomy, the recovery time for each, and what makes someone a candidate for a no-scalpel vasectomy.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[45,213,49],"tags":[48,435,418],"class_list":["post-42580","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-considering-vasectomy","category-vasectomy-process","category-vasectomy-understanding-male-health","tag-vasectomy","tag-vasectomy-planning","tag-vasectomy-process"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42580"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=42580"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42580\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42587,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42580\/revisions\/42587"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/42585"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=42580"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=42580"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=42580"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}