No-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) and traditional vasectomy are two different techniques used to perform the surgical procedure for male sterilization. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

1. Incision: In a traditional vasectomy, a small incision is made on each side of the scrotum to access the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. In contrast, a no-scalpel vasectomy involves a puncture or a tiny opening made in the scrotum to access the vas deferens. No scalpel is used to make a large incision in NSV.
2. Surgical Technique: In a traditional vasectomy, after making the incisions, the surgeon may either cut a small section of the vas deferens and remove it or simply block the tubes. The ends of the vas deferens are either cut, cauterized, and/or sealed with surgical clips or suture to prevent sperm from passing through. NSV also involves blocking or sealing the vas deferens, but the techniques used may vary slightly. The main difference lies in the method of accessing the vas deferens.
3. Anesthesia: Both traditional and NSV vasectomies require anesthesia to numb the area before the procedure. The type of anesthesia used can vary, but local anesthesia is typically employed. The anesthesia blocks pain sensation during the procedure, ensuring the patient’s comfort.
4. Recovery and Healing: NSV generally results in a quicker recovery time compared to traditional vasectomy. The smaller incision or puncture in NSV typically leads to less bleeding, minimal bruising, and a lower risk of infection. Consequently, the healing process may be faster, and patients often experience less discomfort and a shorter downtime.

At Go Vasectomy, we use only the no-scalpel technique. We use three methods to stop sperm from passing: we cut the vas deferens (the “vas”), we cauterize the inside of the upper end of the vas and we use a suture to pull a layer of tissue over the cut end in order to form a cap. This cap prevents the two ends of the vas from growing back together. The failure rate when using these techniques is 1/3000, which is the most reliable form of birth control that exists.  We leave the lower cut end of the vas open so pressure doesn’t build up in the tube.  This does not decrease the effectiveness of the vasectomy and it may help prevent chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome.