As shown in the table below, historical studies on vasectomy report a wide range of complications and varying degrees of patient pain.
| Procedure | Clinically Significant Swelling (Hematoma) | Infection | Build-up of solidified sperm at ends of cut vas deferens (Sperm Granuloma) | Significant Pain | Infertility Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasectomy | 0.1 - 15.0% | 0.2 - 6.9% | 15 - 40% | 0.9 - 54.0% | 87.1 - 100%t |
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t A review of (11) published vasectomy studies by leading urologists indicated a weighted average infertility rate of approximately 95%. The three most recently published papers on vasectomy cite infertility rates of 95.8%, 87.1%, and 95.1% (sources and references available at www.vasclip.com). This is equal to, or better than, the infertility rates of alternative methods of birth control. |
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The VASCLIP procedure is the less invasive alternative to vasectomy. The VASCLIP is a locking plastic band designed to close the vas deferens in a manner that reduces tissue damage.
The VASCLIP design features ensure:
124 men were enrolled in a study on the VASCLIP. The complication rate and pain associated with the VASCLIP procedure was significantly lower compared to historical data on vasectomy.
| Procedure | Clinically Significant Swelling (Hematoma) | Infection | Build-up of solidified sperm at ends of cut vas deferens (Sperm Granuloma) | Significant Pain | Infertility Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasectomy | 0.1 - 15.0% | 0.2 - 6.9% | 15 - 40% | 0.9 - 54.0% | 95.0%* |
| Vasclip | 0.8% | 0% | 0.8% | 5.0% | 97.5% |
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* Three subjects (3/124 or 2.5%) did not become infertile due to improper placement of the VASCLIP. 68 of the 124 patients (54.8%) participated in an extension of the clinical study. All of the 68 patients (100%) tested as infertile at an average of 372 days post-VASCLIP procedure. |
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110 of the 124 men who participated in the study responded to a post-procedure survey. Their feedback:
The VASCLIP procedure significantly reduces pain and complications when compared to traditional vasectomy.
| Method of birth control | % Failure Rates (Actual use) | % Users that Discontinue | Initial or per Use Costs | 5-Year Costs (cost of method, unintended pregnancies, and treating of side-effects & complications) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasectomy | 5.0 | 6 | $353 - $1,200 | $764 |
| Vasclip | 2.5 | - | $753 -$1,600 | $1,164 minus costs of reduced complications |
| IUD | 2.0 | 20 | $144 - $391 | $1,815 |
| Injectable Hormones | 2.6 | 44 | $375 - $750/yr. | $2,386 |
| Implantable Hormones | 1.4 | 16 | $500 - $750/yr. | (similar to injectables) |
| Male Condoms | 14.7 | 47 | $0.33 to $1.04 / use | $2,424 |
| Tubal Ligation | 1.9 | 7 | $1,190 - $2,467 | $2,633 |
| The Pill | 8.1 | 32 | $290 - $570/yr. | $2,949 |
| The Patch | 1.3 | 12 | $342 - $510/yr. | (similar to The Pill) |
| Withdrawal | 27.1 | - | None | $3,278 |
| Periodic Abstinence | 25.3 | - | None | $3,450 |
| Diaphragm | 20 | 44 | $90 - 210 | $3,993 |
| Spermicide | 26 | 60 | $0.73 to $1.00 / use | $4,079 |
| Sponge | 20 | 44-58 | $0.83 to $1.50 / use | (similar to spermicide) |
| Female Condoms | 21 | 44 | $3.00 / use | $4,214 |
| Cervical Cap | 20 | 44-58 | $90 - $210 | $5,455 |
| No Method | 85.0 | - | None | $14,663 |