Not all vasectomies are alike. Conventional vasectomies will use needles, scalpels, stitches and bilateral incision sites.

Dr. Brulotte is pleased to provide the most minimally invasive vasectomy procedure. Anaesthesia is administered with a spray, and the vas deferens (sperm tube) are retrieved with a pointy instrument, one at a time, through a single site.

Dr. Brulotte performs the vasectomy procedure with an Open-Ended technique. Other techniques have been associated with more vasectomy complications and higher failure rates.

Open-Ended vasectomies result in less pain and discomfort and may also be more easily reversible.

We understand that your time is important. We will do our best to accommodate you by allowing you to request when you would like your vasectomy.

Work schedules and work types differ. Whether you prefer before, during or after your vacation, or whether you prefer the winter or summer months, our 5 minute online registration will allow you to request a specific day, week, or month for your vasectomy.

Online Registration

A vasectomy procedure is fully covered for patients with a valid OHIP card.

However, OHIP does not cover accessory fees for items such as the scrotal support.

A post vasectomy kit is optional but highly recommended and is offered to all patients at Dr. Brulotte’s clinic for a $80 fee. The kit includes the scrotal support, all post-operative supplies, and sick note if needed.

Dr. Brulotte is pleased to offer No-Needle No-Scalpel Vasectomies to Quebec patients. Our office will submit a bill to RAMQ directly, therefore there are no fees to pay on your behalf.

There are no mandatory follow-up visits after the vasectomy. Since complications are rare, the vast majority of patients will not require a follow-up. Dr. Brulotte is happy to speak to each patient that feels they have an issue that needs to be addressed. Any patient with concerns can also obtain a follow-up visit.

Otherwise, we will communicate with you in 3 months’ time, once we have received the result of your post-vasectomy semen analysis.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a simple, safe and effective form of permanent contraception. It is a quick and popular procedure (20,000 per year in Ontario) that is performed in a doctor’s clinic with local anaesthesia in less than 15 minutes. A vasectomy prevents the sperm from entering the semen by blocking the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles.

BeforeAfter

The single site created in the skin measures 2-3mm and serves as access to both the right and left vas tubes. The divided vas tube prevents sperm from entering the semen.

No Needle and No Scalpel ? How ?

How is it performed?

A No-Needle No-Scalpel Vasectomy can be performed in a doctor’s clinic without the use of a knife or needle.

‘No-Needle’ refers to the local anaesthesia (freezing) technique known as jet injection, which works with air pressure and does not require the use of a needle. It creates a minor pop sensation similar to that of a small rubber band against the skin.

Once the area is numb, the tubes are first located (one at a time) under the skin and held in place with a small clamp.

Instead of making two incisions as in conventional vasectomies, a tiny puncture is made with a special instrument, which also stretches the opening just enough to reach and lift out the tubes (vas deferens) on each side.

The tubes are cut, and the upper end (leading to the penis) is cauterized, or closed, and tucked back into its sheath (using a tiny titanium hemoclip), while the other end (testicular) is left open. This refers to the Open-Ended vasectomy. This open lower end will serve as an outlet for the sperm to exit. This will minimize the accumulation of sperm in the lower end of the divided vas deferens, and reduce the level of post-vasectomy discomfort.

In comparison to some of the more conventional vasectomy methods, this type of vasectomy combines the most effective technique with the lowest risk of complications, the quickest recovery time and the least amount of pain.

For more information please view Dr. Stein’s video video

Benefits

The benefits are many and are available to the man, the woman and the entire family.

  • A permanent method of birth control
  • Prevention of unplanned pregnancy
  • Peace of mind

These benefits are easily achievable in a simple and safe 15 minute procedure under local anaesthesia.

The vasectomy offers men the control over their reproduction, and alleviates the dependence on their partner’s compliance to their own birth control methods.

The vasectomy offers women the benefit of avoiding the risks of pregnancy and childbirth, the possibility of stopping hormonal birth control, and avoiding tubal ligation (female sterilization).

Risks

Vasectomy is a very safe and low risk procedure. As with any surgery however, some complications may occur.

  • Mild bruising is the most common reaction and usually subsides within the first week.
  • Sperm granuloma, which is a small bump on the vas as a result of the natural sealing of the canal, is another expected outcome. This tiny lump will subside over time and should be undetectable within a year of the procedure.
  • Other rare complications include infection (very rare and can be treated with antibiotics), and bleeding into the scrotum causing a collection of blood (scrotal hematoma).
  • 5% of men may experience pain as a result of inflammation several weeks after the procedure, which usually only lasts a few days and can be resolved with oral anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Motrin.
  • Chronic pain in the testicle, known as post-vasectomy pain syndrome, is extremely rare and occurs in 1 in 10,000 vasectomies.

The vasectomy’s extremely low failure rate of 0.03% is another added benefit for the family as a whole. Birth control pills have a failure rate of 5%, and tubal ligation failures (although rare) can lead to increased risk of dangerous complications. Therefore, since the complications rare, the procedure is simpler and safer, and can be done in a doctor’s office, why not choose a vasectomy?

Before your vasectomy

  • Do not take any aspirin-containing medication for the five days leading up to the procedure.
  • Read and understand the “AFTER THE VASECTOMY” section below so you know what to expect.
  • Two to three days before your vasectomy, please shave the underside of your penis and the front wall of the scrotum – do not use powder or deodorant in the genital area on the day of your procedure.
  • If possible, arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.
  • Plan to do nothing but recline at home (sofa or bed) on the afternoon and evening of the vasectomy.
  • Eat before your procedure, a normal breakfast or lunch. Nervous men who don’t eat before the procedure are more likely to feel lightheaded during or after their vasectomy.
  • You may take 2 tablets of extra strength Tylenol just before leaving your home.
  • Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • Be prepared to sign the consent form upon arrival.

After your vasectomy

  • Spend a quiet evening at home, reclining in bed or on the sofa. Minimize activity.
  • Avoid aspirin for 2 days after the vasectomy. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you have any discomfort. For the first few days, inflammation is a normal component of the healing process. Pain beyond 3 days may signify excessive inflammation, at which point ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are good choices.
  • You may remove the scrotal support and take a daily shower (no bathing or swimming) starting the morning after the procedure. Replace the scrotal support over your underwear and continue to wear it whenever you are up and around for the next three to five days.
  • Avoid all forms of heavy physical labour and sports for seven days after your vasectomy. Do not lift anything in excess of 15lbs (including babies/ small children) for the first few days, and avoid all forms of strenuous activities or exercise.
  • No sex or ejaculation for seven days.
  • After seven days, when pain is gone and tenderness is minimal, you may gradually ease back into your usual activities (gym, running, sports, etc.) over the course of a couple of days until you reach your pre-vasectomy activity levels.
  • Once sexual activity resumes, be sure to continue to use other methods of contraception until your sperm count is down to zero. A small amount of blood in the first few ejaculations is normal.
  • After 12 weeks (and 20 ejaculations), follow up with your semen analysis to confirm that your sperm count is down to zero. Only then will it be deemed safe to stop other forms of contraception.