There are 2 types of vasectomy: a conventional vasectomy using a scalpel (surgical knife) and a no-scalpel vasectomy. In a conventional vasectomy, the doctor first numbs the scrotum with a local anesthetic. They then make 2 small cuts in the skin on each side of your scrotum to reach the tubes that carry sperm out of your testicles. Each tube is cut and a small section removed. The ends of the tubes are then closed, either by tying them or sealing them using heat. The cuts are stitched, usually using dissolvable stitches that go away on their own within about a week.
In a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor first numbs your scrotum with a local anesthetic. They then make a tiny puncture hole in the skin of your scrotum to reach the tubes. This means they do not need to cut the skin with a scalpel. The tubes are then closed in the same way as a conventional vasectomy, either by being tied or sealed. There are little bleeding and no stitches with this procedure. This is thought to be less painful and less likely to cause complications than a conventional vasectomy.