What Patients are Saying

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We hear compliments from our patients every day. These are some things that our patients in Minneapolis and St Paul areas have said.

  • “Wow, this is not what I expected. Such a nice office and procedure room”.
  • “Beautiful facility! Warm and welcoming environment.”
  • “I am impressed by your websites. They are so informative.”
  • “Excellent website! Very informative and it answered all of my questions.”
  • “I haven’t seen any clinic in Minnesota to be so transparent in prices.”
  • “No hidden fees! The prices from the website were accurate and affordable.”
  • “Your procedure clinic is truly low cost and high quality, it is amazing.”
  • “I am impressed by the many cutting edge technologies in the clinic.”
  • “Dr. Shu and his staff are extremely courteous and friendly!”
  • “Scheduling appointments is easy! They work around my schedule and are very flexible.”
  • “The front desk is always happy, friendly, and approachable.”
  • “Your whole system is so patient friendly, convenient and efficient.”
  • “Dr. Shu is very personable and professional, I felt so welcome.”
  • “Dr. Shu is truly an expert in office procedures.”

New Study showed Recession Drove More Men to Have Vasectomy

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According to a study presented at a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine on October 15, 2013, there was an increase in the rate of vasectomies performed each year from 2005 to 2012, which coincided with the recession starting in 2007. The increasing trend of vasectomies plateaued at the end of the recession in 2012. The researchers interviewed about 1,700 men who had a vasectomy consultation at a clinic in Wisconsin. About 1,450 of the men went through with the vasectomy procedure.

The studies showed that recession drove men to have a vasectomy earlier. Men who received vasectomy consultation in the years 2005-2008 had on average 3.1 children, a number that fell to 2.3 following the 2008 recession.

The study researcher Dr. Anand Shridharani, a practicing urologist in Milwaukee, thinks that the increase in vasectomy rates mirrors the decrease in average income, which could be taken as a measure of economic health. He believes the economy plays a role in trying to prevent having unintended children because of the economic burden of having a child. Another possible factor is that people may have become more educated about various options for contraception, including vasectomy.

More studies are needed in the future to prove the trend that the recession influences more Americans to decide against having another child with abortions and vasectomies.

Talking to Your Partner Before Vasectomy | Minnesota

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The vasectomy procedure is considered permanent birth control ( male sterilization), and the decision to have it done should not be undertaken lightly. Although surgical techniques and technologies now exist in Minnesota that makes it possible to reverse a vasectomy, it will be more complicated and expensive. Moreover, insurance plans in Minneapolis & St Paul usually do not cover the cost of a vasectomy reversal. Other options such as vitro fertilization are even more expensive.

So before you decide if a no scalpel vasectomy is the right choice, you should talk to your partners. The conversation should cover several topics.

  • Why do you want it?
  • What are other birth control options?
  • Do you think your family is complete?
  • Do you want to have more children in the future?
  • Are there any problems in your marriage or sexual difficulties? (understand that a vasectomy will not solve these problems)
  • Any emotional or financial reasons? (wrong reasons)

The decision of a vasectomy based on the right reasons will avoid your regret and bring high satisfaction levels in emotional and sexual relationships with your partner.

No-Scalpel Vasectomy Techniques in Minnesota

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No scalpel vasectomy is the preferred method in male sterilization in Minnesota. The procedure is usually done in an office setting under local anesthesia and the procedure takes about 10 minutes.

Many surgeons in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas claim that they perform no scalpel vasectomy. It is true that they don’t use a scalpel at all during the vasectomy, but there are differences in actual surgical techniques. Some surgeons in Minnesota cut off the small segment of vas only; others cauterize the ends of vas after cutting off. A few surgeons like Dr. Shu also perform the fascia interposition on top of cutting off vas and intraluminal cauterization.

What is fascial interposition in no scalpel vasectomy?

The fascia is a fibrous protective sheath that surrounds the vas deferens. Fascial interposition is the positioning of the prostatic “distal” end of the vas deferens to the outside of the fascial sheath while leaving the testicular “proximal” end within the confines of the fascia.

Why does Dr. Shu perform the fascia interposition on top of cutting off vas and intraluminal cauterization?

The failure rate of traditional vasectomy without fascial interposition is about 1-3 per thousand. Recanalization of the vas deferens is the main cause of vasectomy failure. Fascial interposition helps to prevent this type of failure, increasing the overall success rate of the vasectomy. This method, when combined with intraluminal cautery, has been shown to decrease the failure rate of vasectomy procedures. The failure rate of no scalpel vasectomy with intraluminal cautery and fascial interposition is below 1 per 2000 cases.

Treatment of Spider Veins in Minnesota

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Spider veins are small groups of tiny blood vessels just under the skin surface that frequently resemble spider webs or tree branches. They are usually red, blue, or purple and are clearly visible, appearing on the thighs, lower legs, and face.

Sclerotherapy is the golden standard in treating small varicose veins and large telantiectasia (spider veins) in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. The sclerosant, such as Sotradecol is injected into the veins using tiny needles. The sclerosant then irritates the inner lining of the vein, resulting in vein closure. The vein stops carrying blood and disappears with time. Most patients in Minnesota who have sclerotherapy performed have satisfying results and little discomfort. If varicose veins and reticular veins are present, they must be treated prior to any treatment of the spider veins because large veins play the role of feeding blood to spider veins. Otherwise, the recurrent rate will be much higher.

Sclerotherapy is a safe procedure if it is performed with caution. It should use a small volume with a very low concentration of sclerosant to avoid complications. There are remote systemic risks of DVT, pulmonary embolism, and stroke if injecting large volume or high concentration of sclerosant. Other side effects related to sclerotherapy include staining, shadowing, matting and ulceration.

Fine telangiectasia (spider veins) is often treated with a laser. Laser procedures deliver heat through the surface of the skin to the vein, sealing the vein walls. Side effects of laser treatments include redness/swelling and discoloration of the skin, which disappear within a few weeks.

Depending on the severity of the vein condition, 2 to 4 treatments with sclerotherapy and/or laser treatment may be needed. Each treatment lasts about 15 to 20 minutes.

More Benefits of Vasectomy than Tubal Ligation | Minnesota

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Every couple in Minnesota whose family is complete may consider permanent birth control. The sterilization options include vasectomy, tubal ligation or tubal blocking. Both men and women should know and compare the differences, benefits and risks of these procedures. For most couples, vasectomy is often the safer, simpler and more affordable. There are ample medical and personal reasons why a couple might prefer vasectomy to tubal ligation or blocking. This blog may help you make a more informed decision.

Tubal ligation in Minnesota is usually laparoscopic procedure that involves hospitalization, general anesthesia and lengthier, more complicated surgery than a vasectomy. In comparison, no scalpel vasectomy is done under local anesthesia in the office, and it may be completed in less than 20 minutes with minimal trauma. no scalpel vasectomy has a very quick recovery and very low risk of complications. Tubal ligation requires much longer recovery time than vasectomy. Moreover, Women are more likely to have the immediate and long term complications related to a tubal ligation than men who have a vasectomy.

When it comes to cost, a simple office vasectomy is more than three to four times less expensive than a routine tubal ligation.

An advantage of tubal ligation is that it works immediately, but a vasectomy doesn’t give you instant result, it requires 15-20 ejaculations in the period of 2-3 months. So you have to use a backup method of contraception until you’re in the clear in semen analysis.

The Essure and Adiana devices, which are inserted into the Fallopian tubes, are new alternatives to traditional tubal ligation in Minnesota; it requires a confirmation in 3 months with an x-ray test called a hysterosalpingogram to ensure that they’re installed properly. Another form of birth control must be used in the first 3 months. These tubal blocking procedures are less invasive than tubal ligation, but failure rates are higher in tubal blocking procedures than tubal ligation and no scalpel vasectomy.

People in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas should discuss these issues with your physician in the initial consultations, however, when it comes to risks, benefits, cost, and effectiveness, no scalpel vasectomy is more often the best option of sterilization.

Varicose Vein Laser Treatment for Minnesota Men

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Most men in Minnesota think varicose veins are a problem for women and that it’s not a big deal. The reality is that one of every two men suffer from varicose veins, according to British research.

Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic concern—they can lead to more serious health problems. Varicose veins usually happen in the lower extremities. It causes skin hyperpigmentation related to skin malnutrition, stasis dermatitis, edema, bleeding and ulceration above the ankles. The affected legs are prone to develop secondary bacterial infection.

If you have noticed the ballooned veins in your legs, the good news is that treatment of varicose veins has advanced significantly. Today, doctors in Minneapolis and St Paul use lasers to seal off large varicose veins or sclerotherapy for mild cases. It is a quick, minimal invasive, outpatient procedure that is also pain-free.

Beauty of No-Scalpel Vasectomy |Minneapolis & St Paul

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Vasectomy is the surgical process of blocking the vas deferens (the tube that delivers the sperm from the testis to the penis) in order to prevent conception. It is the most popular form of male contraception in Minnesota and the United States. Each year, more than half million men worldwide choose to get a vasectomy. Since vasectomy simply interrupts the delivery of the sperm, it does not change hormonal function and sexual drive. Vasectomy has been proved to be free of known long term side effects, and is considered to be the safest and most reliable method of permanent male sterilization.

No Scalpel Vasectomy procedure was developed in the early 1970s in China. It is just as effective as traditional vasectomy. Almost 20 million No-Scalpel Vasectomies have been performed around the world. It has become more and more popular in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas over the past decade, and no scalpel vasectomy becomes a minimal invasive office procedure.

As compared to conventional vasectomy, the beauty of no-scalpel vasectomy includes:

  • No incision with a scalpel–only a tiny puncture
  • Quicker procedure
  • Less Trauma
  • No stitches
  • Less discomfort
  • quicker recovery (2-3 days)
  • Less chance of complications

Risk Factors of Spider Veins & Varicose Veins in Minnesota

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Spider veins (also called telangiectasia) are small dilated blood vessels in the surface of the skin, typically less than 1 millimeter in diameter. They can develop anywhere on the body but are commonly seen on the face and legs. Most patients with spider veins in Minnesota seek the assistance of physicians who specialize in cosmetic or vein care.

The causes of spider veins or telangiectasia in Minnesota can be divided into congenital and acquired factors. Many congenital diseases display telangiectasia. The most common acquired cause in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas is increased venous pressure, or venous hypertension. Spider veins in the legs are often related to the presence of venous hypertension within underlying varicose veins due to valve dysfunction. Acquired telangiectasia, not related to other venous abnormalities, includes Rosacea, sun damage, radiation exposure, trauma, and topical corticosteroids.

Factors that predispose to the development of varicose veins and spider veins include
• Age: The risk of spider veins increases with age; spider veins usually occur in the middle age. Aging causes wear and tear on the venous valves, which can cause some blood to flow back (leak) into veins and lead to venous hypertension.
• Gender: Females are four times more likely to develop spider veins than males.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is an important factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins.
• Lifestyle/Occupation: prolonged sitting and standing is a risk factor to develop spider veins.
• Family history: If other family members had spider veins, there’s a greater chance you will too.
• Obesity: Overweight patients have an increased chance of developing spider veins.

No Scalpel Vasectomy in Minnesota

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No scalpel vasectomy is a minimal invasive surgical procedure that closes off the vas deferens in the scrotum, effectively sealing off the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles out. It usually is performed in the office under local anesthesia.

No scalpel vasectomy is considered a permanent form of male birth control. Before you consider a no scalpel vasectomy, you should be certain you don’t want to father a child in the future. Although it may be possible to reverse your vasectomy if you change your mind in the future, there’s no guarantee it will work. Vasectomy reversal surgery is more complicated than vasectomy itself, it can be expensive and is ineffective for many men in Minnesota.

A no scalpel vasectomy is a type of vasectomy procedure where there is virtually no big incision involved. For most men in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas, a no-scalpel vasectomy doesn’t cause any noticeable side effects, and serious complications are rare.

No scalpel vasectomy is a very safe office procedure with rare complications. Many men in Minnesota worry that a vasectomy could affect their sexual performance – but this fear is unfounded.

A preoperative interactive consultation on no scalpel vasectomy is an important step in planning on vasectomy in Minnesota. We recommend that a preoperative consultation should be conducted in person, so the vasectomy consultation will be more effective.

Before Surgery:

You should follow the pre-op instructions, you may need to

  • Stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners for 10 days before the procedure.
  • May take Ibuprofen 3-4 tabs 1 hour before No scalpel vasectomy
  • Trim the hair as short as possible in the front of scrotum with a scissor (do not shave)
  • Bring an athletic supporter on the day of the procedure.

After Surgery:

You are able to drive home by yourself after the surgery. The recovery after no-scalpel No scalpel vasectomy is quick, most patients go back to work in 3 days.

  • May take Tylenol or Ibuprofen as needed, May use ice packs.
  • Wear a new scrotal support for a few days.
  • Contact your doctor if experience severe swelling, bleeding, fever, and increasing pain.
  • May take showers in two day, and do not take baths for a few days.
  • No strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks.
  • It is recommended that you abstain from sex 1-2 weeks after the surgery.
  • Use an alternate form of birth control until your doctor confirms that you are sterile.
  • Collect your specimen for semen analysis after 3 months.

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