Answers to commonly asked questions
about no needle vasectomy

Q: What is no needle vasectomy?
A: No needle vasectomy is a name for a modified vasectomy which uses a new anesthetic technique whereby a physician can administer anesthetic without the use of a syringe needle. Instead, the anesthetic is delivered via a no needle jet injector (see comparative illustrations).

This new anesthetic technique removes what many consider as the most painful part of the vasectomy: the two needle sticks (one needle stick for anesthetizing each vas deferens prior to surgical cutting and cauterizing). Many physicians believe this technique represents a key milestone in the acceptance of vasectomy as it finally makes vasectomy a virtually painless option for men.

Q: What is the primary patient benefit of no needle vasectomy?
A: According to an article published in the May 2005 edition of The Journal of Urology, the no needle jet injector anesthetic application is a safe, effective and virtually painless technique for vasectomy. None of the 465 patients studied required any additional anesthesia after the no-needle jet injection technique, and none experienced any hematomas (bruises).

The journal article states that the primary benefit of this no needle technique is that it may decrease the fear of pain in men and enhance the popularity of vasectomy worldwide as a means of permanent male birth control. No needle vasectomy also reduces the anxiety for men with needle phobia.

Q: Has no needle vasectomy been performed for long?
A: This jet injection anesthetic procedure was pioneered by Dr. Charles "Chic" L. Wilson (Seattle, Wash.). Dr. Ronald Weiss modified and refined the jet injection technique for no needle vasectomy, which was detailed in the May 2005 report in The Journal of Urology. According to the leaders in this procedure, there have been more than 5,000 no needle vasectomies performed in Canada and the U.S.

Q: How long does a no needle vasectomy take?
A: A physician who is well-trained in the no needle vasectomy technique can apply the anesthetic using the elevated-pressure jet surgical instrument in just a few seconds. In fact, the onset of anesthesia via jet injection is more rapid than with the needle technique (less than 10 seconds with jet injection vs. a couple of minutes with a needle). The entire no needle vasectomy procedure takes around 10 minutes.

Q: Is the no needle vasectomy better than standard vasectomies?
A: The standard various types of vasectomies have been done for many years in a highly effective manner. A nice feature of the no needle technique is that it can be performed together with standard techniques like the no scalpel technique. While the no needle technique is not necessary, it is a nice option for those men who prefer to avoid using a needle.

Q: Does the no needle vasectomy cost more?
A: The cost of a no needle vasectomy is very comparable to the cost of a traditional vasectomy.

Q: Is this no needle technique used in other forms of medicine?
A: Yes. A number of studies have shown the superiority of jet injection for the delivery of anesthesia prior to dental surgery and for intravenous catheterization. The same jet injection technology used in no needle vasectomy procedures is also used by podiatrists.

Q: How can I find a physician who is experienced in performing the no needle vasectomy procedure?
A: This technique is new in the United States. Most physicians do not yet use this technique. You can get more information about vasectomies and check a comprehensive listing of physicians who have a special interest in vasectomies on the Web site at www.vasectomy.com. If you desire the no needle technique, call local physicians listed and enquire whether they use this technique.