A vasectomy is a procedure for male birth control. It entails cutting and sealing the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the semen. That means that ejaculations will no longer carry sperm, preventing conception during sexual intercourse. Although some men may find the idea of being sterile after this procedure stressful, the vast majority of men who undergo it comes to appreciate the many benefits of birth control in this form, including its reversibility, safety, and low maintenance nature. If you’re interested in learning more about how it works and whether or not it’s right for you, read on!
What is it?
A vasectomy is a procedure for male birth control. It entails cutting and sealing the tubes that carry the sperm from the testicles to the semen. That means that ejaculations will no longer carry sperm, preventing conception during sexual intercourse. While there are other forms of contraception (male and female) available, many couples opt to get vasectomies because they are completely safe and effective at preventing pregnancy if used correctly.
Who should consider it?
If you’re having lots of sex and don’t want to have a baby, a vasectomy is probably for you. Doctors usually recommend it for couples who don’t intend to have any more children and are done with childbearing. It’s not effective if you change your mind at some point.
Having a vasectomy means that the operation has already been performed and there is no turning back. This decision should be considered carefully as even though there are procedures in place in the event of an emergency, they do not always guarantee success or 100% protection from pregnancies. The effectiveness of the procedure also depends on whether or not other birth control methods are being used, so it’s essential to combine them with this method.
How old do you have to be?
You must be of legal age in order to have a vasectomy. For most men, this will mean getting a consent form signed by their parents and waiting until they are 18 years old. The age at which you may consent to have a vasectomy on your own varies from country to country, state to state and sometimes city to city. Though the legal age of consent varies in various jurisdictions, patients are advised that any individuals who plan on having the procedure should first consult with their physician as well as review what is required of them by law in their specific jurisdiction.
Who performs the surgery?
Most vasectomies are performed by urologists. A vasectomy takes about 30 minutes and can be done in the doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. You may be given an anesthetic beforehand to numb the area where the procedure will take place. It usually takes about three months after a vasectomy before sperm production is entirely stopped and pregnancy is no longer possible. For these reasons, you’ll want to make sure you’ve researched your choice thoroughly before deciding on this form of birth control for yourself or your partner.
Does insurance cover it?
You can expect to feel sore for about a week after the surgery, with the most pain coming from the injection sites. You may need ice packs to help with swelling. This procedure is non-invasive, meaning that recovery should be fairly easy and straightforward. You should be able to go back to work within a day or two as long as you take it easy and follow any restrictions your doctor has placed on you. Overall, this procedure will require a lot less recovery time than having a child. There is no reason that sex won’t be possible post-vasectomy—and in fact, it’s often improved due to decreased anxiety!
Recovery time:
Typically, a vasectomy will take about 10-15 minutes. But, depending on how much pain you can tolerate and the intensity of the process, it may take more time. After the procedure, there is little to no discomfort in most cases as the surgery site heals within three to five days. However, some patients report mild swelling and discomfort for two to three weeks. Your doctor will give you aftercare instructions including follow-up appointments so that he or she can make sure everything is healing properly.
When do I get it done?
A vasectomy is best done when you’re finished having children or have no plans of having any in the future.
Will my sex drive change?
The short answer is no. You will continue to have a normal sex drive, perform sexually, and be capable of achieving orgasm and ejaculation. There are some men who experience a dulling in the pleasure felt with an orgasm. The erection quality also changes over time (usually these are changes you would want as you age).
What can I expect after surgery? (four sentences)
You may be able to resume sexual activity the day after surgery or 2-3 days after surgery. When it comes to your daily routine, there shouldn’t be any major change other than using condoms while having intercourse with a partner until your sperm count has been zeroed out by lab work around 6 weeks post-vasectomy.
What are the long-term effects?
- Vasectomies should be considered permanent. You will never again produce sperm, so if you get the procedure and then change your mind, it’s not an option to reverse the surgery. – If a man’s only intention is to prevent conception, a vasectomy is much less expensive than getting a female contraceptive device or other forms of male contraception (e.g., condoms). – Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a vasectomy procedure. – For males who are ready to become fathers and have no intention of having more children in the future, there are other options available for family planning such as in vitro fertilization or sperm banking that allow men to have biological children later in life without having them with their current partner.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
A vasectomy is not an easy decision. It is important to carefully consider the decision before proceeding with the procedure. Visit your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of a vasectomy, or read up on this website from UCSF Medical Center. Some resources are linked below!
Male Sterilization (Vasectomy) – Female Tubal Ligation. WebMD. Accessed November 29, 2016.
Where can I find more information about vasectomies?
As you’re researching your vasectomy, it’s important to be as informed as possible. Some questions you may want to consider answering before making the final decision are: – Why is this option preferable? – How much will the surgery cost and what are my other options? – How is it carried out and how long does it take? – What complications could arise post-surgery? There are many more questions to ask. However, it’s best to speak with a doctor about specific concerns or risks of the procedure.