The first silicone device for male contraception, which blocks the release of sperm, began to be developed in the United States and Canada in the 1980s. Since then, studies have been conducted confirming the effectiveness and safety of this method. In 2006, the authors received Food and Drug Administration approval to conduct clinical trials.
The IVD intravasal device is 2 flexible silicone obturators about 1 inch (2.54 cm) long and 1.2 mm to 1.6 mm wide.
The device is implanted into the vas deferens through 2 small holes. To facilitate insertion of the IVD obturators, a special proprietary device is used that compresses the obturator and makes its diameter smaller than the diameter of the vas deferens. Once the device is removed, the obturators expand and fill the vas deferens lumen. If sperm passes through the first obturator, its progression is blocked by the second obturator. The IVD obturators are fixed to the vas deferens wall to avoid migration. IVD sterilization is performed under local anesthesia and lasts about 20 minutes. The IVD obturators do not cause any sensation of a foreign body in the patient. The time required for the onset of azoospermia or severe oligospermia is 2-3 months.
The meaning of IVD-sterilization is similar to vasectomy, but there is no damage to the vas deferens. IVD-sterilization can be used several times in the same patient.
The following procedure complications are common: local inflammation (1%), which is resolved by taking antibiotics; enlargement and hypersensitivity of the testicular appendage (3-5%), which clears on its own in a few days; formation of spermatoceles (0.02%).
IVD obturators can be removed to restore fertility. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure, and its cost will be much less than that of a vasovasostomy.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) – No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) was originally developed by Dr. Li Shunqiang of China, who began using it for male sterilization in 1970. To date, more than 15 million men have undergone NSV.
The procedure uses special instruments – surgical forceps and a clamp. The procedure takes about 15 minutes, and no stitches are applied to the scrotal skin.