Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
No-scalpel Vasectomy - Symptoms & Evaluation

No-scalpel Vasectomy - Symptoms & Evaluation

Prior to a vasectomy, the patient should be counseled to consider vasectomy as a permanent form of surgical contraception. It must be emphasized that although vasectomy reversal is often successful, it is not 100% effective in restoring fertility to the man who has undergone a vasectomy. Although not required, involvement of the spouse or partner in the decision-making and in witnessing the consent is highly recommended. In New York, a minimum 30-day period is required between the time initial consent for the vasectomy is signed and the operative procedure is performed.

A medical history and physical examination should be performed. The patient should be questioned regarding medications, drug allergies and any history of bleeding disorders. Prior scrotal surgery, such as orchiopexy or hydrocelectomy, should be noted because this may make the procedure more difficult. Any history of testicular or scrotal pain should also be clearly documented.

Physical examination of the genitalia should be performed in a warm room to allow for relaxation of the scrotum and detection of any anatomic abnormalities or unusual tenderness. Since men who request vasectomy usually have no specific complaints, it is tempting to perform a cursory exam to simply document the presence of two vasa. This temptation must be resisted. Many men requesting vasectomy are in the age group for which the incidence of testicular cancer is the highest. Furthermore, hernias, hydroceles or symptomatic varicoceles that need repair should be diagnosed so that treatment can be offered concurrently with the vasectomy.

Any abnormalities on scrotal examination or unexplained testicular symptoms should be evaluated with a scrotal ultrasound. If one of the vasa is congenitally absent, an abdominal ultrasound should be obtained because these patients have a high incidence of renal agenesis (absent kidney on the same side). A vas that is difficult to palpate may require performance of the vasectomy in the operating room. Penile or scrotal infections should be diagnosed and treated prior to the vasectomy. Routine laboratory testing is unnecessary in most cases and should only be obtained for specific indications. A semen analysis could be considered prior to vasectomy in men who have not had children or a documented pregnancy, or who have undergone chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hernia repairs.

Would you like an appointment?

Please call our office at 646-962-9600 to schedule an appointment via phone. Our phone staff are available to help you Monday-Friday, from 9AM-5PM (EST).

If you'd like to learn more about each of our providers that specialize in Vasectomy, please review the Physicians & Faculty profiles listed at the bottom of this page.

Find a Physician FIND A PHYSICIAN

Physicians & Faculty

Dr. Marc Goldstein, M.D., F.A.C.S. | Weill Cornell Medicine

Marc Goldstein

M.D., F.A.C.S.

212.746.5470
212.746.5470
Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Federal Medicare, NY State Medicaid, Rockefeller University-CoreSource
Brady Urologic Health Center
Dr. James A. Kashanian, M.D.

James A. Kashanian

M.D.

212.746.5309
212.746.5309
AETNA [Medicare], AETNA-HMO, Aetna-NYP-EPO/POS, AETNA-PPO, Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Blue Priority Network, CIGNA, EBCBS HMO, EBCBS Mediblue, EBCBS Pathway X, EBCBS Pathway X Enhanced, EBCBS PPO/EPO, Emblem Select Care, Empire BCBS HealthPlus (CHP), GHI, Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP), Medicare, Oxford Freedom, Oxford Health Plans [Liberty], Oxford Health Plans [Medicare], Oxford Health Plans [Metro/Core/Charter], Rockefeller University-CoreSource, UHC Compass, UHC Medicare, United Empire Plan, United Healthcare Commercial
The LeFrak Center for Robotic Surgery
Dr. Peter N. Schlegel, MD, FACS | Cornell Urology

Peter N. Schlegel

M.D., F.A.C.S.

212.746.5491
212.746.5491
Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, NY State Medicaid, Rockefeller University-CoreSource
Klinefelter Syndrome Care Center

Treatment Locations Treatment Locations

Multimedia

Multimedia

© 2016 Weill Cornell Medicine All rights reserved.