Dr Barker has performed over 2,500 such procedures to-date in Plymouth and Mid-Devon, and is a Member of the Association of No Scalpel Vasectomists (MANSV).
Dr Barker said:
“The no-scalpel technique has revolutionised the procedure. It is now a very straightforward procedure and typically only takes 20 minutes, as opposed to 45-50 minutes; with much fewer complications. We currently operate on a Friday, mainly because it gives patients enough time to recover and return to work on the Monday (as long as patients don’t have a strenuous job)”.
Benefits of the no-scalpel vasectomy include:
- Complications are incredibly rare, ten times fewer than the conventional (scalpel) vasectomy.
- There is less discomfort.
- The procedure is under local anaesthetic.
- It only takes 20-30 minutes.
- Recovery is much quicker with patients returning back to most normal activities after one week.
- There are no stitches. The wound is glued shut and heals after a couple of days.
After a vasectomy, there are always some active sperm left in your system. You will not be considered sterile until a single post-vasectomy semen analyses shows that no sperm remain in your ejaculate. You and your partner should use some other form of birth control until your semen is tested and we inform you it is free of sperm. Semen will be tested 16 weeks after the procedure.
The no-scalpel vasectomy is now recognised by the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) as the most reliable form of all contraception; more reliable than female sterilisation. Horror Stories!!!
Men are great at ‘banter’, and we have heard them all. “They use two bricks”, “you will walk like John Wayne”, “that’s the end of your sex life”, “you will be bruised from nipple to knee” and many more.
The reality is that most men are surprised how quick and easy the procedure is, and resume normal life within a few days afterwards. The internet has lots of horror stories, please ignore them. Appointments are available from your GP via the Devon Referral Support Services (DRSS) on selecting ‘Choose and Book’. Dr Barker is also happy to see patients on a private basis and can take referrals direct from Exeter Medical.
For further information please call Dr Barker’s secretary on 01392 350054 or get in touch using our online form.