What to Expect Before, During, and After a No-Scalpel Vasectomy
By David Robbins, MD • Board-Certified Urologist • Urological Consultants of Florida • February 2026
A vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective forms of permanent birth control available to men — yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. At Urological Consultants of Florida in North Miami, we perform hundreds of no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomies every year, and the single biggest thing patients tell us afterward is: “That was way easier than I expected.”
Whether you’re seriously considering the procedure or just starting to research your options, this guide walks you through exactly what happens — step by step — so there are no surprises.
Why Are More Men Choosing Vasectomy?
Vasectomy interest has surged across the United States in recent years. National survey data from the CDC shows that 6.8% of men ages 18–49 have had a vasectomy as of 2022–2023 — a notable increase from 4.0% reported in the 2015–2017 period. Research published in the International Journal of Impotence Research in 2025 documented a rapid rise in vasectomy consultations following the 2022 Dobbs decision, reflecting a broader trend of men taking a more proactive role in family planning decisions.
Beyond the cultural shift, the reasons are practical: vasectomy is a 15-minute outpatient procedure with a success rate above 99%, minimal recovery time, and — unlike female sterilization — can be performed under local anesthesia in the comfort of a doctor’s office. It’s also typically covered by most insurance plans.
Before Your Vasectomy: The Consultation
Your journey starts with a one-on-one consultation at our North Miami office. During this visit, Dr. Robbins will:
Review your medical history — including any bleeding disorders, prior surgeries, or medications like blood thinners that may need to be paused before the procedure.
Discuss your goals and expectations — vasectomy should be considered a permanent decision. While reversal is possible, it is not guaranteed. We want to make sure you’re confident in your choice.
Answer every question you have — no question is too small. Common concerns include whether vasectomy affects testosterone levels (it does not), sexual performance (it does not), or cancer risk (large-scale studies show no increased risk).
Perform a brief physical exam to ensure you’re a good candidate for the no-scalpel technique.
How to Prepare
In the days leading up to your procedure, we recommend the following:
Stop blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil) at least 5–7 days before your procedure, as directed by Dr. Robbins.
Shower the morning of your appointment and wear comfortable, supportive underwear (briefs rather than boxers).
Arrange a ride home. While many patients feel fine to drive, having someone with you provides peace of mind.
Pick up a bag of frozen peas. Seriously — they conform perfectly to the area and are the gold standard for post-procedure icing.
During the Procedure: What Actually Happens
Dr. Robbins performs a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy technique — the most advanced and least invasive method available. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1 — Anesthesia: Instead of a traditional needle injection, we use a pressurized spray applicator to deliver local anesthetic through the skin. Most patients describe it as a brief “snap” sensation — much less uncomfortable than a needle stick.
Step 2 — Access: Rather than making an incision with a scalpel, Dr. Robbins uses a specialized instrument to create a tiny puncture (about 3–4mm) in the scrotal skin. This puncture is so small it typically requires no stitches.
Step 3 — Sealing the vas deferens: Each vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm) is gently lifted through the puncture, a small segment is removed, and the ends are sealed using cauterization and titanium clips. A tissue barrier (called fascial interposition) is placed between the two ends to further ensure separation.
Step 4 — Done: The puncture site closes on its own. The entire procedure takes approximately 10–15 minutes. Most patients are out of the office within 30–40 minutes of arriving.
During the procedure, you’ll be awake and can listen to music, watch something on your phone, or simply chat with the team. Many patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the experience is.
After Your Vasectomy: Recovery Timeline
Recovery from a no-scalpel vasectomy is significantly faster than most patients expect:
Day 1–2: Rest at home. Apply ice packs (or those frozen peas) for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising are normal. Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually sufficient for any discomfort.
Day 3–5: Most men return to desk jobs and light daily activities. Avoid heavy lifting (over 15 lbs), exercise, and sexual activity during this period.
Day 7–10: Most patients are back to full activity, including exercise and sexual intercourse. Some mild tenderness may persist but typically resolves within two weeks.
Important: You Are NOT Immediately Sterile
This is the single most important post-procedure instruction. Residual sperm remain in the reproductive tract above the vasectomy site. You must use alternative contraception until a semen analysis — performed approximately 8–12 weeks after the procedure — confirms zero sperm count. Dr. Robbins will schedule this follow-up and review your results personally.
Common Myths About Vasectomy — Debunked
“Vasectomy lowers testosterone.” — False. Vasectomy only interrupts the tube that carries sperm. Your testicles continue to produce testosterone at exactly the same level as before. Hormone levels, sex drive, and the ability to achieve erections are completely unaffected.
“It’s extremely painful.” — The no-needle, no-scalpel technique has dramatically reduced discomfort. Most patients rate the experience as less painful than a dental filling.
“Vasectomy causes prostate cancer.” — Large-scale studies have found no causal link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. The American Urological Association does not consider vasectomy a risk factor for prostate cancer.
“It’s not reversible.” — While vasectomy should be considered permanent, vasectomy reversal is possible. Success rates for reversal depend on how much time has passed since the original procedure. That said, we encourage patients to pursue vasectomy only when they are certain they do not want future biological children.
Why Choose Urological Consultants of Florida for Your Vasectomy?
Dr. David Robbins is one of South Florida’s most experienced vasectomy providers, having performed the procedure for over two decades. Our practice offers:
No-needle, no-scalpel technique for maximum comfort and minimal recovery.
In-office procedure — no hospital visit required.
Same-week availability for most patients.
Insurance accepted — most plans cover vasectomy with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Our state-of-the-art office at 12411 Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami serves patients from Miami, Aventura, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour, Hialeah, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout South Florida.
Ready to Schedule Your Vasectomy Consultation?
If you’re considering a vasectomy, the first step is a no-pressure consultation with Dr. Robbins. Call us at (305) 575-2771 or request an appointment online today.
