Although conventional vasectomies have been around since the late 1700’s, the no-scalpel vasectomy was invented by a Chinese surgeon, Dr. Li Shunqiang, in 1974, and has been used throughout China and North America on millions of men. It was introduced into the United States in 1988. It is thought by many to be an improvement on an otherwise excellent procedure providing permanent birth control for men (and therefore couples) desiring this option.

Our patients have told us that the Vasectomy was much faster, simpler, and easier than they had ever expected…

There is no incision. There are fewer complications.
  There are no stitches.   There is less discomfort.
  The procedure is faster.   There is a faster recovery.
  The procedure is an in-office procedure (does not require a trip to the hospital).   It is just as effective as a conventional vasectomy.


The no-scalpel vasectomy is different from a conventional vasectomy in the way the doctor gets access to the tubes and the improved method of local anesthesia helps make the procedure much more comfortable.

In a conventional vasectomy, after the scrotum has been numbed with a local anesthetic, the doctor makes two small cuts in the skin of the scrotum and lifts out each tube. The tubes are cut and blocked so the sperm cannot reach the penis. The doctor then stitches them closed.

In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor numbs the skin and the nerves to the vas deferens (“the tubes”). Instead of making two incisions, the doctor usually makes only a single tiny opening with a special instrument. The same instrument is then used to gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be easily reached. The tubes are then blocked by cutting, cauterizing (sealing them shut) and then tying off each end. There is very little bleeding with the no-scalpel technique. With this gentle technique, there are no stitches needed to close the tiny opening and the procedure is done in the office in a private, relaxing environment (not in the hospital or surgical center.)


that the no-scalpel vasectomy is better than the conventional vasectomy. Patients like the fact that it is a safe and effective procedure where they can heal quickly with fewer complications. Our patients find that they are back to work, sports, and their regular activities sooner than they imagined. They especially like that we do the vasectomy in a comfortable office setting as opposed to a hospital or surgical center.