AboutStephen W. Leslie, MD Expertise Questions concerning erectile dysfunction, kidney stones and prostate disorders including prostate cancer. I have a special interest in kidney stone disease prevention.
Experience Full time practicing urologist with 20 years experience. Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology at the Medical College of Ohio. Editor in Chief of eMedicine Urology internet textbook. Author of only book written for patients by a urologist on the subject of kidney stones "The Kidney Stones Handbook". Inventor of the "Parachute" and "Escape" kidney stone baskets and the "Calculus" stone prevention analysis computer program.
Organizations American Urological Association, Ohio State Medical Association, Sexual Medicine Society
Publications Men's Health, Journal of Urology, Urology, Healthwatch Magazine, Emergency Medicine Monthly, eMedicine, "The Kidney Stones Handbook", and numerous articles in various newspapers. He is also the editor of the Urology Board Review by McGraw-Hill used by urologists to study for their Board Certification Examinations.
Education/Credentials Graduate of New York Medical College with residencies completed at Metropolitan Hospital New York, Albany Medical Center and University of Wisconsin-Madison
Awards and Honors Thirlby Award of the American Urological Association.
Question I am a 42 year old healthy male, married, two children and planning a vasectomy. I have not had an appointment with a doctor yet, but before I do, what should I know to ask about?
Different options? ~ isn't there clip procedure instead of a snip-snip procedure that's as or more effective, lower risk and less recovery? What's the expected recovery time? Should I expect any side effects?
Answer It is not the purpose of this forum to replace the discussion with your physician but I will answer your first question.
You should ask all of your questions! That is the point of the consultation. What other options are reasonable and should be considered. How comfortable am I with a permanent solution to birth control. What is the feeling of my partner. What about work, sexual activity and possibly complications.
Using clips does not change the effectiveness and may actually reduce it slightly. Risk is really minimal for vasectomies and recovery is usually within a day or two. Side effects include bleeding, pain and swelling.
I would suggest that you have the vasectomy done by a urology specialist. The cost is the same and their skill level is the highest in dealing with this relatively simple surgical procedure.
