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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – For many men, fear of pain keeps vasectomy off the table. Urologists at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital are helping change that with a no-needle, no-scalpel procedure that only takes about 20 minutes and gets most patients back to normal activities within days.
Unlike traditional vasectomies, the minimally invasive procedure uses a tiny opening instead of an incision and a needle-free device to deliver numbing medication. The approach also lowers the risk of bleeding, pain and other complications associated with older techniques.
“There is definitely some hesitation because it’s a sensitive area,” said Zachary Werner, M.D., WVU Medicine urologist. “Most patients are awake for the procedure, and we’re talking the whole time. We make it through. For many men, it’s much easier than they expected.”
Most men return home the same day and manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, ice packs and a weekend of taking it easy before resuming light activity. Werner also emphasized that a vasectomy is not immediately effective. Patients should continue using another form of contraception until follow-up testing confirms there are no longer sperm present.
Werner encourages men considering a vasectomy to carefully weigh the decision and discuss any questions or concerns with a urologist beforehand. While reversal is possible for some patients, the procedure is more complex, and outcomes depend on several factors, including how much time has passed since the original vasectomy.
“When people know they don’t want to have children, or they’re looking for an alternative to hormonal birth control or a more invasive procedure for their partner, this can be a very good option,” Werner said. “Come see us. We’ll talk through everything. Even if you decide not to have a vasectomy, that’s okay. At least we’ve had the conversation.”
For more information and insights from Werner, listen to the latest episode of Live Healthy West Virginia, “Vasectomy: No Needle, No Scalpel, No Problem”, available on WVU Medicine’s YouTube channel and Spotify.
To learn more about urology services at WVU Medicine, visit WVUMedicine.org/Urology.
