Have you and your partner been considering a vasectomy as a permanent contraception solution, but still feel hesitant? The decision of whether or not to have a vasectomy isn’t light or easy, requiring much deep thought, deliberation, and many conversations. It is especially important to educate yourself for such a big decision, and separate all of the fact from fiction.
Here are the top reasons we feel vasectomies are a great option for most men:
- Vasectomies are short procedures. The appointment, from start to finish, takes about an hour, while the actual procedure is completed in just ten minutes.
- The procedure is simple. Vasectomies are not complicated procedures, involving just a few steps. An entrance through the scrotum is made, the vas deferens are interrupted, or disconnected, and then the appropriate follow-up care is given.
- Vasectomies are uncomplicated. Because the procedure is so simple, the urologist can explain what will happen in laymen’s terms, leaving little margin for confusion or surprise. Complicated medical terminology can make a procedure seem intimidating, but vasectomies are one of the most uncomplicated procedures in all of medicine.
- Recovery is speedy. Typically, a full recovery is made in less than a week. During the healing process, strenuous physical activities and sexual activity should be avoided. The following week, most men are completely back to normal.
- Your significant other will thank you. Most methods of contraception involve the female anatomy. Women so often have the burden of managing hormonal birth control and other contraceptive devices, not to mention the physical toll such methods can take on their bodies. Vasectomies provide permanent and hassle-free contraception. And as an added bonus, many couples report greater satisfaction with their sex lives specifically because they are free to be more spontaneous and passionate, at any time. Additionally, vasectomies are vastly safer and less expensive than the female counterpart procedure, tubal ligation.
- Scalpel-free vasectomies are now available. Needle- and scalpel-free vasectomies utilize a pressurized local anesthesia delivery method, which blocks all sensations of any kind, so there’s no pain. Then, a specialized instrument designed to make a small puncture allows access to the vas deferens, rather than the traditional scalpel incision. No stitches are needed for recovery. The end result is exactly the same, with the scalpel-free method being much faster, safer, and more efficient.
- Vasectomies do not impact sex drive. Libido is mainly determined by hormones, and vasectomies do not affect any part of the male reproductive anatomy that regulates hormones. All the parts are still present and functioning following a vasectomy. The only difference is the sperm are not able to enter the ejaculate and exit through the urethra during orgasm.
- Vasectomies do not prevent sperm from being created. A vasectomy simply prevents the sperm from exiting during ejaculation but has no effect on the testicle’s ability to produce them. Sperm cells can still be extracted for various purposes, if need be. There is no adverse effect from the sperm not exiting the body either; the cells simply degrade and disintegrate.
- Vasectomies pose virtually no health risks. There’s very low risk of complications during or following the procedure. Some men report minor aching or soreness during arousal for up to a month following, but most also report that this side effect did not disrupt their daily lives.
- Vasectomies are very effective. Vasectomies are over 99% effective as a means of contraception, comparable to, but better than, hormonal birth control, diaphragms, and condoms.
Vasectomies involve a very sensitive part of the male anatomy and can seem intimidating, but in reality there is nothing to fear. Vasectomies are short, virtually painless, uncomplicated, and low-risk procedures. Life before and after a vasectomy should be the same, except afterwards you’ll have the freedom to be more spontaneous and uninhibited in your love life.
Desi Avila, MD is Phoenix’s leading urologist and expert on male fertility care. Dr. Avila applies his surgical expertise and extensive experience to offering minimally invasive vasectomies, which conveniently can be performed on-site in our office.
For more information, call us today at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online.
