Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will the procedure be painful?

    You will feel a small amount of discomfort for a few seconds during the application of the anesthesia. The vasectomy is pretty painless, although you may feel some pressure and pulling sensations during the procedure itself. The procedure is usually well tolerated by the majority of men.

  • Is a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy safe?

Most medical experts, including special panels convened by the National Institutes of Health and by the World Health Organization, have concluded that vasectomy is a safe and simple procedure. Bear in mind that a vasectomy is still a surgery, and as such does carry some risks, including bleeding and infection. Serious complications are very uncommon.

  • Is there discomfort after the vasectomy?

The no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy is virtually painless. You will not need any sedatives prior to the vasectomy. Some people report some discomfort on the day of the procedure and for a few days afterwards, for which you may want to take a mild painkiller. The discomfort is less with the no-needle, no-scalpel technique than with other vasectomy techniques, as there is minimal injury to the tissues.

  • How soon can I go back to work?

If you have a physically demanding job, arrange to take 5-7 days off work. If your work is fairly sedentary (office job), you will be able to return to work the next day, provided your work is done seated. If your job involves walking or standing around a lot, arrange to take 5-7 days off from work. The chance of complications, including swelling and bleeding, is increased if these recommendations are not adhered to.

  • Will a vasectomy change me sexually?

After a vasectomy your body will continue to make the hormones that make you a man. Your voice, beard, muscles, sex drive, erections and climaxes will therefore remain the same. You will have the same amount of semen. The only thing that will change is that you will no longer be able to make your partner pregnant. Some men report that without the worry of accidental pregnancy, sex is more relaxed and enjoyable after having a vasectomy.

  • Will I be sterile right away?

No, after the vasectomy there are still some active sperm left in your system. It furthermore takes your body approximately 3 months to completely heal after surgery. You should therefore wait at least 3 months before doing your post-vasectomy semen analysis. Before doing the 3 months post-vasectomy semen analysis, it is recommended that you ejaculate at least 20-25 times, in order to get rid of all the dead sperm in the tubes. You and your partner will need to use another form of contraception until your post-operative semen analysis confirms the absence of live sperm.

  • When will I be able to have sex again?

After a minimum of 7 days, and as soon as you are comfortable after that time, you and your partner can resume having sex. It is very important however, to use another form of birth control, until your 3 month semen analysis confirms sterility.

  • Can a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy be reversed?

Although it is possible to reverse a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, it is not always successful. Vasectomies are generally considered permanent. Furthermore, potential reversals are expensive, without the guarantee of being successful. If you are considering a reversal in the future, it is not recommended that you have a vasectomy. Pre-vasectomy Sperm Banking (cryopreservation) is a good idea for almost anyone considering a vasectomy.

  • Why is shaving the area suggested prior to the procedure?

Whilst a vasectomy can be performed without you shaving at all, Dr Stearn, like other surgeons, believes that this is an important step in performing a meticulous surgery. Shaving ensures optimal visibility during the procedure, and ensures good hygiene during the vasectomy (keeping hair out of the surgical area).

  • How long will a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy take?

On average, the vasectomy procedure takes less than 30 minutes. It is a simple procedure that is performed in our surgical rooms in our office, rather than in the hospital. After your vasectomy we recommend that you have someone to drive you home, or that you extend your stay in our clinic until you are fully recovered to drive yourself home.

  • How much does a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy cost?

The vasectomy procedure is covered by Alberta Health Services. The consumables used during the procedure however, are NOT covered by Alberta Health Services, and as such there is a nominal fee paid by the patient.

  • What are the wait times to book a vasectomy with Dr Stearn?

Dr Stearn aims to ensure a 1 to 2 week wait time for your vasectomy appointment.