Not all vasectomies are performed the same way because no single, standardized training exists. Some doctors use needles and scalpels, make multiple incisions, place titanium clips, and even excise (re remove) part of the vas deferens. None of these steps are wrong, per se, if that is what the doctor believes is best for the patient. But we believe “what’s best for the patient” can be further defined and acted on.
At DrSnip, a successful vasectomy is the baseline goal, but we don’t believe it should be the only outcome. We’ve refined our vasectomy technique over 30 years and more than 30,000 procedures to be as minimally invasive as possible. Why? Because we can. Because we think it’s better for the patient. Because in our small little way, we can improve the healthcare experience for men and for families seeking a permanent family planning solution. Our approach to vasectomy reduces discomfort and minimizes recovery time while still achieving the same success, and with fewer complications. This is our goal. This is our mission.
Vasectomy remains an underutilized procedure in the United States, largely due to a lack of education and misinformation that exists around vasectomy. This, in part, is due to the above-referenced lack of consistency across vasectomy techniques. Vasectomy also remains underutilized due to the burden our healthcare system has historically placed on women for all things related to family planning. (Gentlemen, it’s called “labor” for a reason…). Now, our goal here isn’t to convince you to get a vasectomy. Rather, it’s to highlight some ways that we differ from other doctors in how we approach and perform this procedure. If you have questions at any time, feel free to give us a call/get in touch. We will be happy to answer your questions.
Scalpels and needles are ubiquitous in healthcare. They’re just so useful for a myriad of procedures and they are part of the basic toolkit with which every doctor trains. It’s like how an artist will reach for a specific drafting pencil, or how an accountant will seek out his favorite calculator (source: Our CEO is a CPA). It’s human nature to use the tools and instruments that we feel most comfortable with because we are more confident with them. In medicine, this is a good thing: we’d rather have a doctor use what he knows best versus trying something new on us for the first time.
Over 20 years ago, DrSnip began using a hypospray device in place of a needle. We also began using scissors instead of a scalpel. A hypospray device offers an equally effective way to administer a local anesthetic while also eliminating risks of needles/injections. The amount of anesthetic delivered from each hypospray discharge is consistent and precise, meaning we can manage and adjust dosages based on a patient’s unique preferences. Everyone has a different pain threshold – even for the same procedure – and we endeavor to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Using a hypospray device means we can safely and quickly increase dosages with ease and control. Using scissors offers similar safety and control during a vasectomy. Scissors are safer than scalpels. Scalpels have an open blade that can accidentally nick or cut anatomy after being used for its intended purpose. Scissors, on the other hand, close shit upon completing a snip. There is no exposed open blade.
Our DrSnip, our goal is to complete the vasectomy while disrupting as little as we can. While it is impossible to reduce the risk of any procedure to zero, using a hypospray device and scissors in our vasectomy technique gives us a greater chance of reducing complications and discomfort, while still maintaining a very high level of success.
There is also the obvious psychological benefit for those who have a fear or aversion to needles and scalpels. (And, if we’re being honest, “Dr. Scalpel” just doesn’t have the same ring to it.)
Some doctors prefer to make a large incision (opening) so they can see everything going on in the region (for reference, think about how a mechanic pops open the hood of a car before having a look at the engine). The premise here can be considered “see more so you harm less.” They may also choose to make multiple incisions, puncturing each side of the scrotum to gain easier access to what they are looking for (in this case, both of the vas deferens). These are perfectly reasonable approaches to vasectomy, particularly if the doctor feels it is necessary. The tradeoff, essentially, is a little more discomfort for the patient so as to potentially reduce risks and complications during the procedure.
But large and multiple incisions still carry their own risks. It also means more patient discomfort and likely requires more recovery time.
At DrSnip, we do not make large incisions, and we do not make multiple incisions. The DrSnip vasectomy technique involves a single, small opening (smaller than a Tic Tac®) through which we complete the entire procedure. We can do this because our doctors know how to position your anatomy for the vasectomy through your skin: instead of making a large incision to look around, or making multiple incision for easy entry, we guide your anatomy to the single central incision point from the outside. (Men, remember that time you lost the drawstring in the waistband of your jogging pants and you had to gently coax that string back to the opening? That is a very basic analogy of how we start your vasectomy. The medical term would fall under “palpate/palpating.”) There is skill and technique required to do this. (By the way, we only hire doctors with 10+ years of direct patient care and procedural experience. Candidates then go through “vasectomy residency” at DrSnip during which we train them in palpating and the rest of our vasectomy technique for however long it takes to master the procedure.) Doctors who do not know how to do this may need to make large, or multiple incisions. The skills we’ve developed in-house eliminate the need for these types of entryways, and the result is less trauma and less disruption of the patient anatomy, which in turn leads to faster recovery time for the patient and reduces the risk of infections and complications.
(So, ok, fine. This is one time we will admit size does matter.)
While performing a vasectomy, some doctors prefer to insert titanium clips to “close off” the vas deferens after it’s been cut. Similarly, some doctors will also excise (re remove) part of the vas deferens to further reduce the chance of vasectomy failure (often referred to as “recanalization”). While doctors may also do this to legally prove they completed the vasectomy, often times one of both steps in included to ensure the success of the procedure. Both these steps equate to more trauma and disruption for the patient, and greater recovery time post-surgery. These steps are not required to perform a successful vasectomy. Vas deferens can be separated without using foreign objects; vasectomy failure can be minimized without an excision.
At DrSnip, we do not insert any metal clips – or clamps of any kind – during the procedure. Instead, we separate the two segments of the vas deferens using a sheath of skin. We’ve found this to be as effective as foreign clamps while minimizing recovery time and patient discomfort. We also use absorbable sutures so that no follow-up appointment is needed to remove stitches or complete your procedure. Patients are back on their feet the day after their procedure and back to full regular activities in just over a week.
Similarly, DrSnip believes the excision of a vas deferens is excessive and unnecessary when performing a vasectomy. Anytime you remove any part of the human body, the recovery time is significantly longer. Our position is that if there is no medical benefit to doing something, don’t do it. And we’ve achieved the same results without having to inconvenience patients in this way. So, removing a portion of the vas deferens is not part of our technique. Moreover, actual vasectomy success can only be assessed through the successful completion of a post-vasectomy semen test. We ask all patients to complete this test after eight weeks has passed AND 15 ejaculations have occurred. (Other doctors will perform a test sooner; we prefer to have our patients test as few times as possible, since each test has a separate cost.) Once you receive the “All Clear” on the post-vasectomy semen test, you are assured that your vasectomy is successful (and you get to keep all your vas deferens).
At DrSnip, our goal is to complete a vasectomy with as little disruption to the body as possible. In our opinion, this is the best way to complete a vasectomy. It’s a better patient experience, and less trauma means less recovery time, too. For this reason, we do not insert any clips or clamps and we do not remove any portion of the vas deferens.
Need an excuse to laze around and stay in bed? Sorry. We can’t help you.
Recovery time for vasectomy is largely a function of the technique. Not all vasectomies are performed the same way: some doctors use a more invasive technique that could include large incision points, multiple incisions, clips and clamps, removal of a portion of the vas deferens, use a needle or a scalpel. All of these things can increase trauma to the anatomy and result in a longer recovery time.
At DrSnip, we don’t do any of these things. Our ethos and approach to vasectomy is rooted in being minimally invasive. We believe this is a better experience for patients, not only during the procedure but also through the recovery period. Our patients are typically back on their feet the day after their procedure and result full regularly activity about a week after their vasectomy.
The DrSnip vasectomy technique includes one small incision point (think smaller than a Tic Tac). We use the same, single entry point to reach both vas deferens, one after the other. One central incision point means fewer punctures of the skin, which reduces the risk of infection and discomfort. Then, instead of using needles and scalpels, both of which have open tips/blades that can hit the wrong part of the body, DrSnip uses a hypospray device and scissors. A hypospray device allows for the administration of local anesthesia through the surface of the skin. Scissors close shut after they perform a snip. Both these tools provide more control during surgery and reduce the chance of complications, thereby creating a safer procedure. DrSnip does not use any clips or clamps during a vasectomy, nor do we remove any portion of the vas deferens. Neither action is required to successfully complete the procedure; both can result in increased discomfort and recovery time.
Just because this is a once-in-a-lifetime procedure doesn’t mean it should take a lifetime to recover. The DrSnip vasectomy technique is designed to be as minimally invasive as possible so that patients have the quickest recovery time. While there are still limitations, and Activity Do’s and Don’ts to follow, our patients are typically back on their feet the day after their procedure and back to full-scale regular activity in just over a week.
DrSnip is not just a vasectomy clinic; it’s a beacon of progress in men’s reproductive health. With its innovative approach, dedicated team of professionals, and commitment to patient care, DrSnip is leading the way in making vasectomy a viable, accessible, and trusted option for men in our area. we take pride in our role as pioneers in men’s health. Register online and schedule your consultation today.
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Elliott Karr
Dr Snip was a great experience for me— it’s newer to the Portland area and so reviews may be limited, but I am here to say if you’re ready for the snip… go here! I had originally tried to have my procedure with Planned Parenthood but the waiting list was over 6months out so I opted to look around at other options. I found Dr Snip from a quick Google search and called for an appointment.
Things I liked — They are very quick to get you scheduled (2ish weeks for me) and make the process a single day ordeal. They are very transparent with your upfront cost, no surprises after the visit. You pay upfront and you’re out the door. They are very professional about how they handle the process and are great about making as comfortable of an experience as possible. The procedure is quick, the recovery was minimal, and the doctor made sure to call and check up with me the next day to make sure everything was on the mend. In conclusion, having my vasectomy at Dr Snip was the ideal situation for having it done in PDX and I have already told my friends about my experience so they know where to go in the future.
Matthew Key
Easy, quick. No issues. Staff and MD were awesome. Great follow up and support if needed. Would highly recommend. Hardly any recovery time.
Matt Vogel
Not the most exciting thing to have done, but they made it very comfortable. Dr even called to check up on me the day after which I thought was a nice touch.
Will definitely recommend them to others who are in need of a snip
Jarrod Reeves
Was much quicker and easier than I expected. Total time was less than an hour for Covid Test, Consultation and procedure. So far everything is going good with it. Had done on Saturday which was nice and back to work on Monday. Highly recommend this place.
Marco Aguilar
Honestly the best experience I could’ve asked for. I have nothing bad to say at all. Everyone was really nice! Dr. Klotz did a great job! He was very easy to talk to, very careful and mindful during the surgery. I would recommend Dr. Snip without a doubt!
Kevin Parnow
Extremely professional, clean, and comfortable. A 10/10 experience! Dr. Klutz and all the assistants at the Portland clinic were super helpful in answering all my questions and explaining the procedure to me. Nearly painless and the healing process was a breeze, even received a follow up phone call from the doc the following day to make sure I was doing well. Would recommend to anyone who’s decided to move forward with a vasectomy.
Matt Eads
This was a very easy procedure. It was comfortable, they were very friendly, it was quick, and it seems recovery has been easier than it was for my friends who had it done elsewhere with perhaps a different technique. Overall I’m very happy with the whole process.
seagoer118
I was referred to Dr. Snip by a friend who was also a patient. My experience was nothing short of spectacular. Though the name sounds comical, the Doctors and Staff were extremely sensitive and professional. They ensured that I completely understood the procedure, thoroughly answered my questions, and when the procedure was done, Doctor Wilson personally checked in with me to ensure I was doing well. The process was minimal and the discomfort after was minor. They even gave me a nifty multi-tool which I jokingly referred to as my "Snip Kit" 
Geordy Greene
I was referred by a friend who had used them before and had a great experience. Scheduling was super easy and the staff was amazing. They called to clarify everything and go over all the steps before the procedure. The day of was equally easy and comfortable, Dr. White was very easy to talk to and made things very easy. He explained everything very clearly and made sure I was on board with moving forward. The procedure was relatively painless and over much quicker than expected. Even the follow up was great and I got a call from Dr. White the next day and after dropping of samples. He was very hands on with communication which I appreciated. Highly recommend and wouldn’t hesitate to refer a friend as I was.
Brett Faulds
From start to finish the experience was great. I needed to change providers last minute and they got me scheduled with only 4 days notice. Office staff was timely and helpful with insurance billing info. Dr. White was great as well. Highly recommend these folks for the snip.
Benjamin Briner
They do one thing, and they do it right.
Chris Stewart
I wasn't sure where to go for a vasectomy but Dr. Snip came highly recommended at my work. The entire trip lasted about 45 minutes including consultation. Everything was explained thoroughly and when it came time for the procedure, it went quickly and professionally. Dr. White made sure everything was in good order and clean before discharging me. He even called the next morning to make sure everything was going well. Definitely consider this place for your procedure.
Cole Stevens
The whole experience was great! They were very flexible with scheduling, courteous, and knowledgeable. I felt at ease the entire time. They made sure I knew what to expect and made very clear what I could do at home to make the process smoother at home. They also have a wonderful sense of humor and bedside manner to keep your mind at ease during the procedure. What a great pocket knife too! I will certainly recommend.
Craig Gocha
Absolutely amazing experience.
Greg Noel
Don’t let the tongue in cheek name fool you, they are very professional and very conscientious of COVID protocols. They billed straight to my insurance and I didn’t have to do a thing. They were able to get me in just before the New Year. Watching the ball drop has a completely different meaning to me now. Everyone was friendly and kept the overall feeling light. It was quick and painless. The procedure itself was over in minutes and I was out the door to my waiting ride. Call me nuts, but I even watched the whole surgery as it was performed (100% optional, but fascinating, if you’ve got the stomach for it. Pro Tip: don’t eat spaghetti for dinner that night). I sacked out on the couch afterwards, as directed (couldn’t we all use an excuse to spend the day on the couch?), but I felt like I could have gone on with a regular work day right after. I was feeling a little teste when I got home so I took 3 ibuprofen but that was it. The next day the gauze came off and I put on a bandaid to try out my Pulp Fiction’s Marcellus Wallace impression, but I’m sure I was fine at that point without. Just over a week after the procedure I can’t even see the scar. It’s like nothing ever happened.
Jesse Shao
Friendly staff, clean facility, and extremely quick and painless process. Consultation took the bulk of the hour I was there, and the procedure was less than 10 minutes. The Doctor struck a perfect balance of conversation, instruction / heads up, and humor through it as well. For getting snipped, I can safely say it was oddly a pleasant experience. That takes skill. I am now at home healing with little to no pain, even the day after I was up and about doing light chores around the house.
Andrew Bye
I was referred by my primary physician, who even recommended them over their own in house operation. Dr. White was my doctor and he was fantastic, as well as the rest of the staff! They are well oiled machine with great customer service. This was my first surgery of any kind and they took the time to explain everything to me and answer and questions or concerns. This really helped calm my nerves. I even ended up chatting about music with one of the nurses who helped get me set up while I waited. During the procedure Dr. White was very attentive to my comfort level and made the experience as quick and painless as possible. I strongly recommend Dr. Snip to anyone thinking about the procedure!
Erik Ryason
The whole procedure went well. No issues or complaints at all. The team was super professional and helpful. 11/10 recommend.
