Vasectomy Discussion

Comparing and Contrasting the Two Main Types of Vasectomies

A vasectomy is a form of intentional male sterilization. It is an excellent option for a man or for a couplen interested in an effective, reliable, and permanent form of birth control. Vasectomies are safe and relatively common procedures. The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 500,000 American men have vasectomies each year. There are two types of vasectomies:

• Conventional vasectomy; and
• No scalpel vasectomy.

At Lazare Urology, we provide comprehensive, fully personalized urology services to patients. Our practice has extensive experience with both of the common types of vasectomies. Here, our Brooklyn urologist for vasectomy explains the key things to know about the advantages and disadvantages of the two most common types of vasectomies.

Know Your Options: Two Types of Vasectomies

Conventional Vasectomy

Also sometimes referred to as a traditional vasectomy, a conventional vasectomy involves the use of a scalpel. A scalpel is a small, very sharp blade used to make incisions in surgeries and other medical procedures. During a conventional or traditional vasectomy, two small incisions are made—one on each side of the patient’s scrotum. Through these incisions, the patient’s vas deferens are cut and tied. Among other things, this prevents sperm from traveling to the penis. Here are the key things to know about the advantages and disadvantages of a conventional vasectomy:

Safe and Reliable: The traditional vasectomy has been performed by urologists for many decades. It is a safe and reliable procedure. If you want a trustworthy form of permanent birth control, you cannot go wrong with a conventional vasectomy. It is also a relatively quick procedure. Indeed, the vasectomy itself generally takes just 20 minutes.

Some Recovery Time Required: The conventional vasectomy does require some recovery time. It simply takes time for the tissue that has been cut to fully heal. For most people, a traditional vasectomy requires somewhere between seven days and ten days for a full recovery. Though, that timeline can vary from person to person. Notably, a traditional vasectomy has a far shorter recovery time than does a comparable operation for a woman.

No Scalpel Vasectomy

A conventional vasectomy is no longer the only option that men have available for permanent birth control. As an alternative, you can opt for no-scalpel vasectomy. When this type of vasectomy is performed, a small clamp-like medical device is used to hold the patient’s vas deferens in place. From there, a small hole is made on the scrotum itself and the vas deferens are sealed. Here are the most important things to know about the advantages and disadvantages of a no-scalpel vasectomy:

No Less Effective than Traditional Vasectomy: Many people are concerned about the no-scalpel vasectomy based on fears that the procedure may be less effective than the conventional vasectomy. This is now the preferred method of vasectomies in the United States. As noted by WebMD, one reason why no-scalpel vasectomies have become so popular is that they are “no less effective” than conventional vasectomies. The procedure works.

A Quick Procedure: A conventional vasectomy is already fairly quick—often taking less than 20 minutes. However, no-scalpel vasectomy is even faster than that. It generally takes just a few minutes to complete the procedure.

Lower Risk of Infection: Infection is one of the main risks associated with any surgical operation or related medical procedure. As there is no need for an incision and no stitches are required, the risk of infection is somewhat lower with a no-scalpel vasectomy. To be clear, conventional vasectomies are also safe. Serious infections are quite rare. Still, there is a difference.

Shorter Recovery Period: Perhaps the single biggest advantage of a no-scalpel vasectomy is that the recovery process is easier and the recovery time is shorter. Most men who get a no-scalpel vasectomy are able to resume their full activities—including sexual intercourse—within a few days of the procedures.

Are Both Types of Vasectomies Reversible?

As noted previously, a vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control. That being said, it is possible to reverse the procedure. Dr. Jonathan Lazare, MD handles vasectomy reversals in New York City. Vasectomy reversals are somewhat more intensive than are vasectomies—especially no-scalpel vasectomies. They are also generally effective in reversing the effect of the procedures. Most men who have a vasectomy reversed are able to produce strong enough sperm to conceive a pregnancy within six months of the procedures.

Both types of vasectomies—the conventional vasectomy and the no-scalpel vasectomy—are reversible. Indeed, there is no clear, scientifically established data that suggests that one type of vasectomy is more reversible than the other. If a man was fertile before that vasectomy, the operation can be reversed and full sperm production can often be produced. Though, there is no guarantee that a vasectomy reversal will result in the conception of a child.

You Can Rely On Board-Certified Brooklyn Urologist Dr. Jonathan Lazare

A vasectomy is a common, safe procedure. At the same time, it is a medical procedure that should always be performed by a skilled expert. As a board-certified urologist and a nationally-respected expert in the field of men’s sexual health, Jonathan Lazare, MD is here as a resource for men considering a vasectomy. Among other things, our board-certified New York City urologist will:

• Answer your questions and explain your options;
• Help you determine if you are a good candidate for a vasectomy;
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of vasectomies; and
• Perform the procedure at the state-of-the art certified operating room our office.

Get Help From a New York City Urologist for Vasectomies

At Lazare Urology, our New York urologist has the medical experience and expertise to perform both types of vasectomies. If you want more information about conventional vasectomy, no-scalpel vasectomy, or vasectomies in general, we are available to help. Get in touch with us by phone or send us a direct message online to book your confidential initial appointment. Working from Brooklyn, we provide urology services for vasectomies to patients from Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and throughout the New York metropolitan area.