No-Needle and No-Scalpel Vasectomy

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A vasectomy is one of the best and the most reliable forms of birth control. It not only provides continuous protection against pregnancy, but is the most cost-effective birth control method available. With over 500,000 men in the U.S. having a vasectomy each year the non-surgical, no-needle and no-scalpel vasectomy has gained tremendous popularity.

Dr. Bastuba is an expert in the the most advanced vasectomy techniques including the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy which is less invasive, causes less discomfort, less complications and has a shorter recovery time than a traditional vasectomy.

Why Men Choose to Have a Vasectomy

• It is 99% effective
• It is only a 10-minute office procedure
• It is the least expensive method of birth control
• It is a very common surgical procedure 
• It allows men to contribute to the birth control process

Freeze First!™ Before a Vasectomy

Dr. Bastuba highly recommends having samples of sperm cryopreserved prior to a vasectomy. This way, if you decide to have children later in life, you can use your own sperm safely, effectively, inexpensively and keep your vasectomy intact.

The No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy

The application of the local anesthesia is sometimes the part of the procedure that causes the most anxiety for men. Eliminating the needle injection of the anesthesia makes the no-needle vasectomy a very attractive option. Instead, the anesthesia is delivered via a “hypospray”, which instantly numbs the skin and the entire operating area. The hypospray is commonly used in dental anesthesia and allows for a needle-free anesthesia. The no-needle method has been compared to the sensation of a rubber band on the skin. With much less discomfort, faster recovery and rare complications associated with the no-needle vasectomy, this method has gained increasing popularity among Dr. Bastuba’s patients.  It is safe and has the same effective outcome.

A no-scalpel vasectomy varies from a traditional vasectomy in that a tiny puncture is made to the vas deferens that is so small, no stitches are required after the surgery. In a traditional vasectomy a scalpel is used to make one or two incisions in the vas deferens which then needs to be stitched up after surgery. The no-scalpel method gives patients up to a 50% faster recovery time and has less complications such as bruising and scarring.

Most Often Requested Vasectomy Surgery

The technique that is most often requested by Dr. Bastuba’s patients is the no-scalpel vasectomy. It is minimally invasive and the entire procedure lasts about 10 minutes. Prior to the vasectomy surgery, a local anesthesia is applied. The vas deferens on each side is located and a tiny opening is created to gently lift the vas deferens out to be cut and tied and put back. The opening is so tiny that it doesn’t require any sutures nor stitches and will heal quickly with a small band aid.
Post-op patient care includes a follow-up consultation to evaluate the healing process at approximately one week. A semen analysis will take place approximately after 4 weeks. Dr. Bastuba is routinely available via his personal, mobile phone number to address any post-op questions. 24-hour coverage is also available for general questions.

Advantages of No-Scalpel Vasectomy

Dr. Bastuba’s patients prefer the no-scalpel vasectomy because of its minimally invasive technique. It is the most gentle technique with the least associated complications such as bruising or scarring. A no-scalpel vasectomy allows for quicker recovery with 100% effectiveness.

Dr. Bastuba on “Open Ended” and “Normal Vasectomy” Techniques

The “open ended” vasectomy derives its name from the fact that the proximal end of the vas deferens is left open, i.e. unclipped. This technique is based on the idea that the back pressure build up on the epididymis and testicle is reduced. However, sperm can leak from the open end, causing inflammation and complications. This technique has a higher failure rate associated with it and therefore is not generally recommended by Dr. Bastuba.

The “normal” or ”traditional” vasectomy uses a scalpel to puncture the scrotum. Unlike in the open ended vasectomy, both ends of the vas deferens are either stitched, clamped or closed with sutures. Associated complications include antibodies, bruising, swelling, epididymitis, and infection. Dr. Bastuba does not recommend this technique to his patients.

About Your Vasectomy Doctor

Dr. Bastuba is the founder and medical director of Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists in San Diego. He is part of the elite group of 2% of board certified urologists in the U.S. who specialize in treatments and procedures relating to male fertility. He has earned numerous academic achievement awards, is board-certified by The American Board of Urology, and is currently a clinical instructor in urology at the University of California-San Diego's School of Medicine. He is a frequent guest lecturer and author, serves as a consulting medical expert for local and national television and has published and participated in a number of research studies in his areas of expertise. Dr. Bastuba and the staff of MFS are dedicated to making each experience the very best it can be.

Why Choose a Male Fertility Specialist to Have the Vasectomy Performed?

There are countless San Diego urologists and general family practitioners that perform vasectomies every day. However, when going to San Diego’s board certified, fellowship trained male fertility specialist, Dr. Bastuba, patients can be sure that his extensive training and experience will provide them with the best possible care. Only 2% of urologists in the U.S. go through the specialized training of male fertility. In San Diego, he is the most experienced physician performing vasectomies and vasectomy reversals on a routine basis. It is not necessary to have specialized training to perform a vasectomy safely, but in case there are complications, the specialist would probably be able to solve the issue faster and easier. Patients choose Dr. Bastuba because of the extensive post-op patient care at MFS. Last but not least, he is also among the world’s best vasectomy reversal specialists. If life circumstances change and a vasectomy reversal is needed later in life, patients can return to Dr. Bastuba and know they are in the best possible hands. As a reversal specialist, he has seen many vasectomies and knows the safest and most secure methods. Find more detailed information about Dr. Bastuba’s credentials and training. Contact us today to make an appointment.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Complications are unusual, but may occur in the form of inflammation or light bleeding. Complications are typically treated with medication and rest. Follow the post-op instructions to limit downtime to a minimum. After the vasectomy, patients will get our 24-hour emergency hotline so they can reach Dr. Bastuba or a covering physician when necessary.

Vasectomy and the Risk of Prostate or Testicular Cancer

There have been extensive studies and research showing that having a vasectomy does not increase one's risk of getting prostate cancer or testicular cancer. If fact, there are no other negative health issues associated with vasectomy.

Vasectomy and the Risk of Prostatitis and Epididymitis

There is no link between vasectomy and the increased risk of prostatitis or epididymitis.

Vasectomy vs. Tubal Ligation

Once a couple decides that they don’t want to have any more children, the question might be of him either getting a vasectomy or her getting a tubal ligation. Although both can be reversed, both procedures should be considered permanent sterilization. Interestingly, tubal ligation is a lot more common in the U.S. than vasectomy. If couples are well informed, the choice typically falls on the vasectomy. Here is why:

When Is the Vasectomy Effective?

Post vasectomy, you may still be fertile for a number of weeks. Sperm can survive in the vas deferens for weeks if not months. Therefore, after the vasectomy, use contraception until no motile sperm is found in 2 separate semen analyses performed in our office.

What if I Change My Mind Later and Want More Children?

A vasectomy can be reversed, however it should be considered permanent sterilization. To keep your fertility options open in the future, before any vasectomy Dr. Bastuba recommends having sperm samples frozen. This will give you the option to have children later in life even with a vasectomy. Frozen sperm can be used for inexpensive intrauterine inseminations to attempt pregnancy (costs less than $500 vs. $15,000 for IVF).

If you are one of the 5% of men who have a vasectomy and choose to reverse it later on, you can come back to Dr. Bastuba. He is one of the best vas reversal specialists in the country with some of the highest reversal success rates, no matter how long ago the vasectomy was performed. 

If you have additional questions about a vasectomy or would like to make an appointment, contact our office.

See also our information on the vasectomy reversal.