Urology

No-Needle, No-Scalpel Vasectomy in San Diego, CA

Vasectomy Costs, Vasectomy Surgery, Vasectomy Risks and More

A leader in San Diego Vasectomy, Dr. Bastuba is an expert in the the most advanced vasectomy techniques including the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy which is less invasive, causes less discomfort, less complications and has a shorter recovery time than a traditional vasectomy.

A vasectomy is one of the best and the most reliable forms of birth control. It not only provides continuous protection against pregnancy, but is the most cost-effective birth control method available. With over 500,000 men in the U.S. having a vasectomy each year the non-surgical, no-needle and no-scalpel vasectomy has gained tremendous popularity.

  • The vasectomy procedure is popular for many reasons:

    • It is 99% effective
    • It is only a 10-minute office procedure
    • It is the least expensive method of birth control
    • It is a very common surgical procedure
    • It allows men to contribute to the birth control process
  • Dr. Bastuba stands ahead of the class of other vasectomy doctors in San Diego and across the country. He is world renowned for his expertise and experience in vasectomy and vasectomy surgeries. He has performed over 5,000 successful microsurgery procedures over approximately 20 years at his San Diego vasectomy clinic. Dr. Bastuba is also part of the elite group of 2% of board certified urologists in the U.S. who specialize in treatments and procedures relating to male fertility. Patients visit his San Diego vasectomy clinic from around the world for his specialized medical expertise.

  • There are countless San Diego urologists and general family practitioners that perform vasectomies every day. However, when going to San Diego’s board certified, fellowship trained male fertility specialist, Dr. Bastuba, patients can be sure that his extensive training and experience will provide them with the best possible care. Only 2% of urologists in the U.S. go through the specialized training of male fertility. In San Diego, he is the most experienced physician performing vasectomy and vasectomy reversal surgery on a routine basis. It is not necessary to have specialized training to perform a vasectomy safely, but in case there are complications, the specialist would probably be able to solve the issue faster and easier.

    San Diego vasectomy patients choose Dr. Bastuba because of the extensive post-op patient care at MFS. Last but not least, he is also among the world’s best vasectomy reversal specialists. If life circumstances change and a vasectomy reversal is needed later in life, patients can return to Dr. Bastuba and know they are in the best possible hands. As a reversal specialist, he has seen many vasectomies and knows the safest and most secure methods. Find more detailed information about Dr. Bastuba’s credentials and training. Contact us today to make an appointment.

  • Dr. Bastuba highly recommends having samples of sperm cryopreserved prior to a vasectomy. This way, if you decide to have children later in life, you can use your own sperm safely, effectively, inexpensively and keep your vasectomy intact.

  • The application of the local anesthesia is sometimes the part of the procedure that causes the most anxiety for men. Eliminating the needle injection of the anesthesia makes the no-needle vasectomy a very attractive option. Instead, the anesthesia is delivered via a “hypospray”, which instantly numbs the skin and the entire operating area. The hypospray is commonly used in dental anesthesia and allows for a needle-free anesthesia. The no-needle method has been compared to the sensation of a rubber band on the skin. With much less discomfort, faster recovery and rare complications associated with the no-needle vasectomy, this method has gained increasing popularity among Dr. Bastuba’s patients. It is safe and has the same effective outcome.

    A no-scalpel vasectomy varies from a traditional vasectomy in that a tiny puncture is made to the vas deferens that is so small, no stitches are required after the surgery. In a traditional vasectomy a scalpel is used to make one or two incisions in the vas deferens which then needs to be stitched up after surgery. The no-scalpel method gives patients up to a 50% faster recovery time and has less complications such as bruising and scarring. Click here to learn more about the no needle, no scalpel vasectomy procedure.

  • The technique that is most often requested by Dr. Bastuba’s patients is the no-scalpel vasectomy. It is minimally invasive and the entire procedure lasts about 10 minutes. Prior to the vasectomy surgery, a local anesthesia is applied. The vas deferens on each side is located and a tiny opening is created to gently lift the vas deferens out to be cut and tied and put back. The opening is so tiny that it doesn’t require any sutures nor stitches and will heal quickly with a small band aid.

    Post-op patient care includes a follow-up consultation to evaluate the healing process at approximately one week. A semen analysis will take place approximately after 4 weeks. Dr. Bastuba is routinely available via his personal, mobile phone number to address any post-op questions from his San Diego vasectomy patients. 24-hour coverage is also available for general questions.

  • Dr. Bastuba’s patients prefer the no-scalpel vasectomy because of its minimally invasive technique. It is the most gentle technique with the least associated complications such as bruising or scarring. A no-scalpel vasectomy allows for quicker recovery with 100% effectiveness.

  • The “open ended” vasectomy derives its name from the fact that the proximal end of the vas deferens is left open, i.e. unclipped. This technique is based on the idea that the back pressure build up on the epididymis and testicle is reduced. However, sperm can leak from the open end, causing inflammation and complications. This technique has a higher failure rate associated with it and therefore is not generally recommended by Dr. Bastuba.

    The “normal” or “traditional” vasectomy uses a scalpel to puncture the scrotum. Unlike in the open ended vasectomy, both ends of the vas deferens are either stitched, clamped or closed with sutures. Associated complications include antibodies, bruising, swelling, epididymitis, and infection. Dr. Bastuba does not recommend this technique to his patients.

  • Dr. Bastuba is the founder and medical director of Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists in San Diego. He is part of the elite group of 2% of board certified urologists in the U.S. who specialize in treatments and procedures relating to male fertility. He has earned numerous academic achievement awards, is board-certified by The American Board of Urology, and is currently a clinical instructor in urology at the University of California-San Diego's School of Medicine. He is a frequent guest lecturer and author, serves as a consulting medical expert for local and national television and has published and participated in a number of research studies in his areas of expertise. Dr. Bastuba and the staff of MFS are dedicated to making each experience the very best it can be. Click here to learn about your vasectomy doctor.

  • As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Complications are unusual, but may occur in the form of inflammation or light bleeding. Complications are typically treated with medication and rest. Follow the post-op instructions to limit downtime to a minimum. After the vasectomy, patients will get our 24-hour emergency hotline so they can reach Dr. Bastuba at his San Diego vasectomy clinic or a covering physician when necessary. Click here to learn more about vasectomy side effects & risks.

  • There have been extensive studies and research showing that having a vasectomy does not increase one's risk of getting prostate cancer or testicular cancer. If fact, there are no other negative health issues associated with vasectomy.

  • There is no link between vasectomy and the increased risk of prostatitis or epididymitis.

  • Once a couple decides that they don’t want to have any more children, the question might be of him either getting a vasectomy or her getting a tubal ligation. Although both can be reversed, both procedures should be considered permanent sterilization. Interestingly, tubal ligation is a lot more common in the U.S. than vasectomy. If couples are well informed, the choice typically falls on the vasectomy. Here is why:

     VasectomyTubal Ligation
    Procedure Time10 minutes physicians office1 day hospital
    ProcedureConsidered minor procedureConsidered major surgery
    AnesthesiaLocalGeneral anesthesia
    RecoveryNo heavy lifting for following 48 hoursNo physical activity for 1 week
    ComplicationsRare, light swellingRisk of bleeding and infection
    Failure Rate1%2%
    Long Term Health RisksNonePelvic pain, post tubal ligation syndrome, high risk of hysterectomy, mortality is 4 in 100,000
    CostCovered under most health plans, $950 if out-of-pocketHospital costs, anesthesia, etc. $1,000 – 5,000
  • Costs for a vasectomy are relatively low when compared to other surgical procedures. Vasectomy costs will typically be in the range of $500 to $1,000. However, the cost varies depending on geographic location, the particular surgical technique used by the doctor, as well as other variables. Often times, the cost of vasectomy can be covered by your health insurance provider, leaving little or no out-of-pocket cost for the patient. Click here to learn more about vasectomy costs.

  • Post vasectomy, you may still be fertile for a number of weeks. Sperm can survive in the vas deferens for weeks if not months. Therefore, after the vasectomy, use contraception until no motile sperm is found in 2 separate semen analyses performed in our office. Click to learn more about vasectomy effectiveness.

  • A vasectomy can be reversed, however it should be considered permanent sterilization. To keep your fertility options open in the future, before any vasectomy Dr. Bastuba recommends that his San Diego vasectomy patients have their sperm samples frozen. This will give you the option to have children later in life even with a vasectomy. Frozen sperm can be used for inexpensive intrauterine inseminations to attempt pregnancy (costs less than $500 vs. $15,000 for IVF).

    If you are one of the 5% of men who have a vasectomy and choose to reverse it later on, you can come back to Dr. Bastuba. He is one of the best vas reversal specialists in the country with some of the highest vasectomy reversal success rates, no matter how long ago the vasectomy was performed.

    If you have additional questions about a vasectomy or would like to make an appointment, contact our office.

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