Vasectomy in Tyler, TX

If you are a man thinking about getting a vasectomy, you are not alone. Each year, more than 500,000 men across the U.S. choose vasectomy as permanent birth control. Dr. R. Clay Williams is a renowned urologist who provides outstanding care for all of his patients.

With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Williams performs approximately 10 to 12 vasectomies every month and specializes in performing minimally invasive vasectomies in Tyler, TX. Learn more about his no-scalpel approach by scheduling a consultation at our office today.

What is a Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a form of birth control during which the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, are cut. specifically, each vas deferens (the two tubes that move sperm) are sealed off. When the tube is cut, this blocks sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. This procedure is considered a permanent form of birth control, but it is possible to have a reversal surgery should the patient change their mind in the future. After a vasectomy, the testicles still make sperm but they are absorbed by the body.

What is a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?

A typical vasectomy procedure requires that two small incisions be made on the patient’s scrotum in order to access the vas deferens. Dr. Williams utilizes an even less invasive procedure that is often referred to as a no-scalpel vasectomy or a keyhole vasectomy.

What Are the Benefits of a Vasectomy?

It is recommended that men only get a vasectomy when they are certain that they no longer wish to have children. A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other method of birth control, except abstinence. Only 1 to 2 women out of 1,000 will get pregnant in the first year after their partners have had a vasectomy. It is the preferred choice for many couples because:

• The use of male birth control (condoms) or female birth control (pills, IUDs, etc.) is no longer needed.
• The procedure is almost 100 percent certain to prevent pregnancy.
• It is much less expensive than female sterilization.

What Are the Benefits of a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?

Any type of vasectomy presents a number of advantages to each potential patient. Men who are looking to avoid future children in a way that is safe, effective, and affordable are often considered primary candidates for this kind of procedure.

Aside from the regular benefits of a vasectomy, the no-scalpel procedure also allows for:

• Shorter recovery time
• Reduced risk of complications such as infection or bleeding
• The ability to resume sexual activities much sooner
• No scarring
• The ability to perform the procedure from our office

How Is a Vasectomy Performed?

In most cases, a vasectomy will be performed in-office and is considered an outpatient procedure. Dr. Williams specializes in the No-Scalpel Vasectomy. This approach does not use incisions and involves no needles and no scalpels. A pressurized jet of numbing medicine will be used to anesthetize the skin and vas. This allows Dr. Williams to access the vas deferens through very small holes and close a section. A small stitch is left in your scrotum afterward that dissolves on its own.

How Does a No-Scalpel Vasectomy Work?

Rather than making a sizable incision on the scrotum, the no-scalpel vasectomy is performed entirely through a puncture made in the scrotal sac. This hole is so small that stitches are rarely ever required after the procedure is complete. Topical anesthetic is applied to ensure that no pain is felt during the vasectomy.

The process is much the same as a standard vasectomy with the ultimate goal being to prevent the patient from having children in the future. To achieve sterilization, the vas deferens must be severed. These two tubes are responsible for transporting a man’s sperm to his semen, which is stored in the testes. By cutting the vas deferens, it becomes impossible for this sperm to travel outside of the body and potentially fertilize a woman’s eggs.

During a keyhole vasectomy, each of these tubes are gently manipulated until they protrude through the puncture site. Once Dr. Williams has a clear visual of the area, the vas deferens are cut and blocked permanently.

Recovery After a Vasectomy

Immediately following a vasectomy, there will be bruising and swelling, but those symptoms should subside after a few days. Apply ice packs every few hours to help control these symptoms. Wear tight-fitting underwear so that the scrotum is provided extra support.

Get plenty of bed rest during the first week. At the very least, stay off of your feet for two or three days. Avoid bathing for about 48 hours because this will allow the incisions to heal faster and prevent infection. Take the antibiotics that your doctor provides.

Most patients are able to return to their normal lives after one week.

Can I Have Sex After a Vasectomy?

Wait at least one week before having sexual intercourse. Keep in mind, you may not be sterile right away. Ejaculate may still contain sperm and may continue to for several months after the procedure. After a few months, the doctor will check sperm levels to confirm that it is declining until it reaches zero.

The vasectomy will not affect your sex drive and orgasms. Occasionally, men feel a slight pressure in their testicles when aroused, but eventually, that feeling will go away.