Choosing to get a vasectomy is a very personal decision that impacts both you and your family. Maybe you’ve decided that you don’t want children – or any more children; or your partner wants to be taken off birth control. Maybe you are tired of the inconvenience of using condoms. Whatever the case, weigh your options, the cost, the effectiveness of the procedure (nearly 100% effective) and answer your own question: is it time for a vasectomy?
First, determine whether a vasectomy is right for you:
– Outside Influence. Remember that the decision should be yours and your partners. Don’t be influenced by the media, your friends or colleagues, or other family members. And while vasectomies can be reversed, success is not always. Assume your vasectomy is permanent when deciding to go under the knife.
– A Mutual Decision. Make sure you and your partner are on the same page. Maybe one of you is still holding out for more kids. Decide if making this fertility decision is going to affect your relationship and evaluate the need or want for a vasectomy accordingly.
– Look to the Future. While you are in a secure relationship now, might there be a chance you could be with another partner in the future? These are realistic considerations.
– Cost and Success of Reversal. Vasectomies can be reversed, but the cost can be high and the rate of success is not guaranteed.
The Procedure
If you decide a vasectomy is what you want, take comfort that it can be a fairly quick and easy outpatient procedure. One the day of your procedure, your doctor will inject the area with local anesthesia, make an incision in your upper scrotum, then go in and snip the van deferens tube that carries sperm to your semen before ejaculation. The risks of the procedure are low, with only a 2-3% chance of bleeding, infection or pain. Many insurance companies cover this procedure in full (minus a co-pay).
Post-op
After the procedure, you still will be able to ejaculate. The semen, however, will no longer include sperm that can impregnate your partner. After that, you can just expect to rest for a few days with an ice pack on your scrotum. It will take a couple of days before you should engage in sexual activity; your doctor will ensure you are not at risk of getting your partner pregnant.
When was the last time you saw your urologist? If you are in the Phoenix area and are considering a vasectomy, look no further than Ironwood Urology. Board-certified urologist Dr. Desi Avila is highly skilled in both non-surgical and surgical treatments for men’s health conditions. He understands how difficult it can be for men to seek help for health problems of a sensitive nature, and he will treat you with respect and patience while maintaining confidentiality at all times. To make an appointment with Dr. Avila, call (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online.
