Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pro-Vas effective?
There is no current data that proves Pro-Vas' effectiveness is equal to or greater than a traditional vasectomy.
How long before I can resume regular activities?
Men can return to normal activities in less than 24 hours after the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The average time to expose each vas deferens tube and place a Pro-vas clip is approximately 15-20 minutes. Most patients leave the doctor's office within 45 minutes after the procedure.
Is it reversible?
The Pro-Vas vas-occlusive procedure' reversibility is possible via a surgical procedure called a vasovasotomy. This procedure re-attaches the tube to allow sperm to flow once again. There is no data on the effectiveness of Pro-Vas reversal.
When does it start working?
During the first three months, your body is ridding itself of sperm that still remains in your system after the procedure. Using other forms of birth control and ejaculating helps remove the latent sperm. Six weeks after the Pro-Vas procedure, a sperm check will notify you of the elimination of sperm that is in your ejaculate. After twelve weeks, another sperm check will notify you that there are no further sperm and you can rely on Pro-Vas for birth control.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
While the entire or partial cost is covered by some insurance providers, the majority of providers do not cover the cost of the Pro-Vas procedure. While it is important to verify with your particular insurance plan (call your insurance company's customer service number located on your insurance card) whether the Pro-Vas cost will be covered, it is more than likely that your doctor will require a $495 payment for Pro-Vas over and beyond any deductible you may have through your insurance plan.
Your doctor's office may also call Pro-Vas at 888.881.5468 with any reimbursement questions.
What is the clip made of?
The clip is made of titanium material (a highly regarded and used medical implant material) and a special implant-grade plastic. These materials have been used in many areas of the body.
What happens to my sperm?
You are still producing sperm in the testes but they are being absorbed by your body since they no longer pass through the vas tubes.
Will I still ejaculate?
Yes. The Pro-Vas clip only blocks the sperm and your prostate is still producing seminal fluid.
Will I experience changes in sexual activity?
No. Men usually experience no change in semen quality, no change in sex drive, no change in climax sensation, no change in the testes or scrotum, and no change in erections.
Can I feel the clip in my scrotum?
Yes, but the clip is very small and placed above your testes, so there is no discomfort.
What are the complications of the Pro-Vas procedure?
Complications may include bruising of the scrotum, infection of the incision/puncture in the scrotum, failure to place one or both clips correctly, and failure to become azoospermatic in three months.
What are other male methods of birth control?
The other two primary male choices for birth control are the use of condoms and withdrawal before ejaculation. Withdrawal is very risky and most people find it unsatisfactory. The efficacy rate for couples that rely on condoms is 86%.
Other future options include a male hormonal pill, but research and development methods have yielded little success to-date. Other possible methods include the use of immunocontraceptives and intra-vas devices (a tube plug).
What are female birth control options?
The world's leading birth control device is the hormonal pill, which is 95% effective. However, there are many complications that arise from the long-term use of the pill. Other female products include Norplant and Depo-Provera. Surgical options include tubal ligation (clamping or burning the fallopian tubes) and the use of fallopian tube plugs (placed intra-uterine).
