Tri-County Health Department now offers Free or Very Low-Cost Vasectomies to Qualifying Men

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Tri-County Health Department has just started offering free or very-low-cost “no-scalpel” vasectomies to qualifying men. In order to qualify, a man must be at least 21 years old; meet lower-income requirements; and not have health insurance.

A pre-vasectomy screening is offered at four Tri-County Health Department locations — Castle Rock, Commerce City, Englewood and Northglenn. This initial appointment is billed on a sliding fee scale. The actual vasectomy isunderwritten by a federal grant and is free.

After signing a consent form at the pre-vasectomy screeningappointment, a 30-day waiting period is required by law. This is to give each man enough time to be sure that it is really the best decision for him. The actual vasectomy isdone in a doctor’s office, separate from Tri-County Health Department’s offices, and the entire procedure usually takes less than an hour.

In the “No-Scalpel” method, the doctor makes only one tiny puncture into the skin with a special instrument. The tubes are then blocked, using the same method as a conventional vasectomy, but because no incision was made, there is very little bleeding and no stitches are needed to close the tiny opening. Recovery is usually complete in three to five days.

A limited number of vasectomies are available, and appointments are required.

Call 303.363.3018 for more information or visit their Web site at www.tchd.org/vasectomy.htm.