Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pro-Vas effective?

There is no current published data that proves Pro-Vas' effectiveness is equal to or greater than a traditional vasectomy.   Initial data is so far promising.

How long before I can resume regular activities?

Men can typically return to their normal activities within 48 hours.  Most surgeons will encourage their patients not to engage in strenuous activity for the first week. 

How long does the procedure take?

Pro-Vas Occlusion eliminates many of the steps that would otherwise be necessary with a traditional vasectomy.  For this reason Pro-Vas Occlusion takes approximately half the time as a standard vasectomy.  The average time to administer anesthesia, expose each vas deferens and place a Pro-vas clip is approximately 15-20 minutes. Most patients leave the doctor's office within 45 minutes after the procedure, sometimes sooner.

Is it reversible?

A surgical procedure called a vasovasostomy has been developed to reverse vasectomy procedures.  This procedure is not always successful which is why vasectomies or Pro-Vas occlusion procedures are considered "permanent".   There is no technical reason why a vasovasostomy shouldn't be at least as effective on Pro-Vas patients as it is for vasectomy patients.  In fact vasovasostomy surgeons have commented that they think Pro-Vas should be easier to reverse since the site of occlusion is easily identifiable and a maximum amount of tissue has been preserved since excision and cauterization are avoided.  Some doctors have even expressed the view that by not severing the sperm duct, which can increase the chance of sperm escaping into the scrotum, the chances of developing sperm antibodies is reduced.  If this is proven true, the Pro-Vas may have a definate advantage over vasectomy in terms of reversability.

When does it start working?

After your sperm ducts are blocked to the flow of sperm there remains viable sperm downstream of the occlusion in the seminal vessicles and other areas.  Your doctor will direct you to use an alternative form of birth control until a semen analysis has demonstrated that no significant number of sperm remain in your ejaculatory system.  Your first semen analysis may be scheduled as early as 6-weeks following your procedure but 12-weeks would be a more common time frame.  Men are requested to be sure to ejaculate not fewer than 20 times before their first semen analysis.  Not all men pass their first semen analysis and additional semen analyses may be necessary.  Once your system is shown to be clear of sperm, you will be cleared for unprotected intercourse.

Is the procedure covered by insurance?

Insurance will typically cover the cost of the vasectomy procedure.  The Pro-Vas device may be covered by your insurance provider.  Ask your doctor for more details.

What is the clip made of?

The clip is made of titanium  (a highly regarded material commonly used in medical implants) and a special implant-grade plastic. These materials have been used in implantable devices used in many types of procedures. 

What happens to my sperm?

You are still producing sperm in the testes but they are being absorbed by your body since they no longer pass through the vas tubes.

Will I still ejaculate?

Yes. The Pro-Vas clip only blocks the sperm which accounts for an imperceptable percentage of your ejaculatory volume.  Your prostate, seminal vessicles and Cowper's gland are responsibile for the majority of the ejaculatory fluids.

Will I experience changes in sexual activity?

No. Men usually experience no change in ejaculatory sensation, no change in sex drive, no change in orgasm, no change in the testes or scrotum size or sensation, and no change in erectile function.  Some men report  enhanced sexual pleasure due

Can I feel the clip in my scrotum?

Yes, but only if you purposefully feel for it.  It is not noticable otherwise.  The clip is very small and placed above your testes, so there is no discomfort.

What are the complications of the Pro-Vas procedure?

Some of the same complications that can occur with traditional vasectomy apply to Pro-Vas.  These complications include; bruising of the scrotum (hematoma), infection of the incision/puncture in the scrotum, chronic post-vasectomy pain syndrome, or treatment failure.  However, since the vas deferens is not severed and impact on the anatomy is minimal with the Pro-Vas procedure, it is reasonable to expect less likelihood for infection, less chance of bleeding, less risk of sperm granuloma and even reduced risk of chronic post-vasectomy pain.

What are other male methods of birth control?

The other two primary male choices for birth control are the use of condoms and withdrawal before ejaculation. Withdrawal is very risky and most people find it unsatisfactory. The efficacy rate for couples that rely on condoms is 85% meaning that 15 of 100 couples relying on condoms with be pregnant within a year.

Other future options include a male hormonal pill, but research and development methods have yielded little success to-date. Other possible methods include the use of immunocontraceptives and intra-vas devices (a tube plug) but these are still in development and testing.

What are female birth control options?

The world's leading birth control device is the hormonal pill, which is 95% effective. However, there are many complications that arise from the long-term use of the pill. Other female products include Norplant and Depo-Provera. Surgical options include tubal ligation (clamping or burning the fallopian tubes) and the use of fallopian tube plugs (placed intra-uterine).

Is Pro-Vas FDA Approved?

Pro-Vas has been issued a marketing clearance for the ligation of the vas deferens.  Its effectiveness as a means for permanent male sterilization has not been evaluated compared with standard vasectomy.