You casually mention to an old friend that you’ve had a vasectomy. This friend stares at you incredulously. “Are you kidding me?” he gasps. “Do you have any idea what this means?” He then offers a litany of how life as you know it has ceased to exist.
The good news is that with each disastrous scenario he presents, you’re able to discredit the myth. That’s because you knew what to ask yourself first, before you had the vasectomy.
Why Get a Vasectomy?
Deciding to get a vasectomy is a very personal decision. However, it is also a very practical option for a man or his family seeking a safe, effective means of birth control. There are a number of reasons to choose a vasectomy, including the cost and risk of complications being much lower than a tubal ligation surgery for your partner.
Is a Vasectomy Safe?
Yes! Short of abstinence, vasectomies are one of the safest and most effective methods of male birth control.
Will I Be in the Hospital After the Procedure?
Compared to traditional vasectomies, doctors now use a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that requires no needle or scalpel and is practically painless. Expect one or two tiny sutures that heal themselves in a short time; you should also plan to be off your feet for about two days to allow everything ample healing time.
What Can I Expect After a Vasectomy?
Now is not the time to go commando. You should bring with you either a tighter pair of underwear (briefs, not boxers) or a scrotal support to wear after the procedure. This will help reduce swelling and bruising and will limit the mobility of your testicles during healing.
How Long Will I Have to Wait Before Engaging in Sexual Activity?
If you received your vasectomy by Dr. Desi Avila Jr. at Ironwood Urology in Phoenix using the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy procedure, it is expected that you will be able to resume sexual activity in 1 week.
However, it’s important to note that it may still take 2 – 3 months and dozens of ejaculations before any sperm that may remain in the vas deferens – the tubes that carry sperm from testicles – is either reabsorbed into the body or ejected from the body. Until then, you are still considered fertile.
Your doctor will recommend a number of semen tests to verify your sterility after your vasectomy. If your goal is to avoid getting a woman pregnant, you should only eliminate other means of birth control until you receive the “all clear” from your urologist.
Do Vasectomies Affect My Sex Life?
The vasectomy has no effect on your capacity to have an erection, nor will it impact your libido. In fact, many couples say having a vasectomy actually enhances their sex lives by increasing spontaneity while practically eliminating the risk of an unplanned pregnancy.
Are Vasectomies Permanent?
Dr. Avila is the go-to vasectomy reversal specialist in Phoenix, Arizona, and he performs two different types of vasectomy reversal microsurgeries. Both are outpatient procedures involving minimal pain, if any. A reversal performed within 3 years of the original vasectomy have the greatest chance of success.
Are There Any Other Benefits to Vasectomies?
Not all women like being on birth control pills, so your vasectomy will be good for your partner as well. Further, many insurance plans cover a high percentage of the procedure.
Is a vasectomy the right decision for you? When performed by fellowship-trained, board-certified urologist Dr. Desi Avila Jr., you can trust that your vasectomy is not only effective, but practically painless. Call Dr. Avila at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online.
