Family Planning Specialist

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is semi-permanent means of male contraception. Dr. Movassaghi offers minimally invasive techniques including needleless anesthesia and scalpel-free vasectomy. The procedure takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. We isolate the vas deferens, which is the tube that carries sperm out of the testicle, and makes a small cut to sever the vas. This is done under local anesthesia and is usually performed in the clinic. The State of California requires us to have the consent or permission forms signed by the patient at least 30 days prior to the procedure date.

What is a scalpel-free vasectomy?

This procedure uses a small clamp with pointed ends. The clamp is poked through the scrotal tissue and then opened up. This procedure causes fewer complications, less bleeding, and requires a smaller hole in the skin. Usually, no-scalpel vasectomies are just as successful as a traditional vasectomy.

What is a vasectomy reversal?

A vasectomy reversal is a surgical process where a patient who has previously undergone a vasectomy is interested in fathering children again. Depending on the technique used and length of time between the vasectomy and the reversal, success rates for patency (healthy sperm within the vas) and pregnancy differ. In a large study from 1991 pregnancy success rates with vasectomy reversals was 76% if the reversal was performed within 3 years or less of the original vasectomy, 53% for reversals 3–8 years out, 44% for reversals 9–14 years out, and 30% for reversals 15 or more years after the vasectomy. Advances in reproductive technology have improved these numbers over the last decade, however, the longer the time lapse between the vasectomy and the reversal, the lower the rate of patency and pregnancy. Age of the patient did not matter in considering patency rates. However, older couples have a less likely chance of pregnancy. A reversal can be performed by reconnecting the cut pieces of the vas deferens (vasovasostomy); or by connecting the vas to the epididymis (vasoepididymostomy). Success rates for vasovasostomy are better because usually patients that undergo vasoepididymostomy have a scarred vas deferens making the chance of success less likely. The surgery is performed using a large microscope with a fine suture to ensure optimal results.