A vasectomy is an effective form of permanent birth control. It has a less-than-1-percent failure rate, which is more effective than condoms or birth control pills.
It’s important to know the facts before deciding whether vasectomy is right for you. Consider the following factors:
Cost
Vasectomies can be more expensive than non-permanent forms of birth control, but they’re a one-time fee that provides protection against pregnancy for life. Consider the cost of a vasectomy against the cost of other birth control methods to determine if it’s worth the expense for you and your partner.
If you have health insurance, the procedure should be covered for most patients. If not, ask your doctor about your coverage options and how much the surgery will cost out of pocket. You may be able to use a flexible spending account or health savings account to cover the costs.
In some cases, your urologist might perform the vasectomy for free or at a reduced rate if you have financial difficulties. Ask your urologist if they offer payment plans for uninsured patients and what other financing options they accept.
The night before and morning of your surgery, shave the hair on your groin area using a single-blade disposable razor. Avoid taking blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen (brand names include Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin), or naproxen for a week before the procedure. However, you can take acetaminophen for pain relief.
You can usually return to work a few days after the procedure, depending on how physical your job is. Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting until your urologist says it’s safe. It’s also important to continue using a condom during sex, as some sperm may remain in the vas deferens for some time after the operation.
It’s a good idea to discuss the decision with your partner before you have the vasectomy, especially if you’re in a relationship. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case you change your mind, as a vasectomy is permanent. A reversal is possible but can be costly and not always work. Talking about your plans with a trusted friend or family member might help you make the right choice. Even if you decide against a vasectomy, having a conversation can make it easier to talk about other future options.
Convenience
One of the main reasons men get vasectomies is that it’s a lot less hassle than dealing with hormonal birth control. Men don’t have to worry about remembering their birth control, buying new packs of condoms, or ensuring that the female methods of birth control are working correctly. This allows them to have a little more spontaneity with their sex life.
The procedure is done in a doctor’s office or outpatient facility. Men typically return home within a few days and can resume daily activities. However, it’s a good idea to avoid strenuous activity for at least a week after the procedure and to take it easy as you recover. Over-the-counter pain medications, ice packs, and supportive underwear like jockstraps can help relieve discomfort.
Although there has been some concern about a possible link between vasectomy and testicular or prostate cancer, there is no evidence that it increases your risk. Additionally, there is no proven link between vasectomy and heart disease. It’s a good idea to discuss your risk factors with your doctor and continue regular screenings for these conditions.
If you have a vasectomy, you don’t need to use hormonal contraception anymore, but you should still continue with a regular semen analysis. It’s important to do this because semen can carry sperm cells that could cause a pregnancy even after a vasectomy. These sperm cells can also be carriers of genetic disorders that you don’t want to pass on to your children.
If you have a vasectomy and still want to try to become pregnant, there are options available, such as fertility treatments. But it’s a good idea to give yourself time to think about what you really want before jumping into anything permanent. After all, you never know what life will throw your way. That’s why most physicians will recommend that you wait until you’re absolutely sure that you and your partner do not want to have any more children before getting a vasectomy. Even so, it’s important to talk with your significant other about this decision and discuss any uncertainties or concerns you have.
Pain
A vasectomy is permanent, so you have to be sure that it’s something you want and can commit to for the rest of your life. It can be a very stressful decision to make. Exploring all your options and talking to your partner before making such a permanent decision is important. The staff at Urology Specialist Group can help you find out more about vasectomy and its effects on your future.
The procedure is very safe, and it won’t affect your sexual function or increase the risk of prostate cancer. Your testicles will still produce sperm, but the cutting of the tubes won’t allow them to travel to the penis. Your body will reabsorb any sperm that does travel, and there’s no need to use additional birth control, except for female condoms for protection against STDs.
Your ball sack (scrotum) will feel a little sore after the procedure, but this can be minimized with complete rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and an ice pack. You’ll have to wait until your doctor gives you the okay before you have sex, which can take up to 12 weeks afterward. Most doctors do a semen test after this to make sure all the sperm is gone, and they’ll usually ask you to come in again in three months for another semen test.
You can also choose to store sperm in a sperm bank before your vasectomy, but this is only recommended if you think you might change your mind about wanting children one day. There are other options, including fertility treatments, if you do decide you want to have children in the future.
While there’s no proven link between vasectomy and any type of cancer, it’s not uncommon for men to worry that the surgery could lead to testicular or prostate cancer. This is why most physicians don’t recommend getting a vasectomy right after a child, and it’s generally not recommended for men who have recently undergone chemo or radiation therapy, either. There are scalpeless options that don’t require a large incision and may reduce pain and recovery time.
Preparation
The night before or morning of the procedure, men should shave their scrotum with a single-blade disposable razor. They should also remove any piercings and tattoos in the area and wash with soap and water. Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing. They should take their pre-procedure medications as directed. They should avoid aspirin and aspirin-like products such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for a week before the procedure but can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like paracetamol. If they are taking blood thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin), they should talk to their doctor about stopping them from the surgery.
Most urologists will want their patients to sign a consent form prior to the procedure. This will include information on the risks and benefits of vasectomy. It will also state that a vasectomy isn’t guaranteed to make a man sterile. It’s a good idea for a patient to read the forms carefully and ask any questions they have.
If you are concerned about the cost or recovery time for a vasectomy, many insurance plans cover the procedure. The procedure is a safe option for most healthy adults. Discussing the decision with your partner if you are married or in a committed relationship is important. This will help you determine whether it is the right decision for both of you. It’s not a good idea to get a vasectomy if you are very young, your current relationship is not stable, or you are counting on being able to reverse the procedure later.
The majority of men who have a vasectomy feel no pain after the procedure. If they do experience some discomfort, it is usually mild and lasts a short time. Men who are overweight may have some swelling and tenderness after vasectomy, but this can be minimized by following a diet that is low in fat and carbohydrates. Using an ice pack on the groin and wearing a supportive undergarment can also reduce discomfort. It’s a good idea to arrange transportation home after the procedure. The sedatives used during the procedure may impair your ability to drive safely.
