When is the Right Time to Think About Getting a Vasectomy?

Are you considering taking charge of your family planning? A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and permanent birth control option for men. It might be the perfect solution you have been looking for. 

What is a Vasectomy?

Vasectomy is a minor procedure that keeps sperm out of semen by closing the tube that carries it. It is a quick procedure (usually under 15 minutes) done as an elective visit to your doctor’s office.

A vasectomy is often recommended for individuals who are sure they don’t want more kids. It is also a great choice for couples where the woman would prefer not to use birth control.

Factors to Consider Before Getting a Vasectomy

As with thousands of men who need solid assurances before getting a vasectomy, you need to consider2 some factors before scheduling your vasectomy appointment. At Purely Vasectomies, we provide you with all the required information by board-certified urologists before you embark on the procedure. 

What are your family planning goals?

If you and your partner are satisfied with the number of children you already have, or you both are uninterested in having children, then vasectomies are a safe and excellent option for effective family planning.  

What are your alternatives?

Not so many alternatives exist as a foolproof method of permanent family planning.

Men can also opt for barrier methods such as the correct use of condoms.

How old are you?

Your age is also another factor that comes into play if you decide to get a vasectomy. Every man of reproductive age can get one, and a lot of men between ages 30-50 years old make requests for vasectomies.

Vasectomies Pros and Cons

Vasectomies are surgical procedures; therefore, some pros and cons are expected. The procedure has a success rate of about 99.9% making it the safest and most effective permanent birth control method for men.

 Other pros of vasectomies are; 

• The minimally invasive nature of vasectomies. It is done within 15 minutes of your visit to the doctor’s office followed with a quick recovery. At Purely Vasectomies, nitrous oxide anesthesia is given to help you relax through the procedure. You even get to drive yourself back home!
• Vasectomies have no long-term side effects. It does not impact your sex drive, nor does it hamper the ability to achieve and sustain an erection. 
• Vasectomies reduce the incidence of unplanned pregnancies, contributing to effective family planning and well-being. 

Some cons of getting a vasectomy done are; 

• It is an effective form of birth control, but know that if you change your mind down the line, a reversal might be trickier. 
• Vasectomies can sometimes, but rarely, result in short-term complications such as minimal bleeding, and possible infections.

However, these risks can be prevented by strictly following post-operative care instructions by our board-certified urologists with decades of experience. 

Is a Vasectomy Reversible?

A vasectomy is reversible, but not guaranteed. An individual can decide to reverse the procedure, this does not guarantee pregnancy. 

When to Proceed with a Vasectomy

You can get a vasectomy as soon as you feel the time is right! Call us at Purely Vasectomies and get an appointment for your consultation with our board-certified urologists.

When to Hold Off on a Vasectomy

If you have an active sexually transmitted infection, a scrotal skin infection, a mass in your scrotum, a swollen or tender tip of your penis, or sperm ducts, this makes you ineligible for a vasectomy in the meantime. 

If you have not had that conversation with your partner, and you are still having doubts about having a child or not, you might want to hold off on getting a vasectomy. 

Common Vasectomy FAQs

1. How effective is a vasectomy in preventing pregnancy?

A vasectomy is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy and the possibility of pregnancies happening after getting a vasectomy is said to be about 0.01%. 

2. Is a vasectomy painful?

A vasectomy is a brief procedure done under local anesthesia. At Purely Vasectomies, we ensure you are fully relaxed while the procedure takes place. After the procedure, medications are prescribed for any slight pain that may be experienced.

3. Are there any risks or side effects associated with a vasectomy?

Side effects that might be associated with a vasectomy are minor bruising, swelling, slight bleeding, and the possibility of an infection that can be resolved with antibiotics. Strict adherence to post-surgery instructions minimizes the possibility of these side effects happening. 

4. When can I resume sexual activity after a vasectomy?

It is advised to wait for 10 days before resuming sexual activity. On average, most men resume having sex about 10 days after the procedure. However, it is important to note that you can still produce sperm in your ejaculation for around three months after the procedure, which can cause pregnancy. You will be required to have seminal fluid analysis in the following weeks after your vasectomy to make sure there are no sperm cells in the semen. 

5. Does a vasectomy affect sexual function or libido?

No; a vasectomy does not affect your sexual function or libido nor does it affect your ability to achieve and sustain an erection. There are even reports of improved libido following vasectomy.

 6. Will a vasectomy protect against sexually transmitted infections? (STIs)?

No; a vasectomy will not protect against sexually transmitted infections. After getting a vasectomy, it is important to continue adhering to safe sex practices like the use of a condom and routine STI screenings.

7. How soon after a vasectomy can I return to work or normal activities?

You can usually return to work or normal activities in less than a week after getting a vasectomy.  

8. Will a vasectomy affect hormone levels or masculinity?

Getting a vasectomy will not affect your masculinity or hormonal levels in any way. It is pretty safe and efficient. 

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References

1. Kay C. Vasectomy: Procedure, Benefits, and Risks [Internet]. Healthline. 2023 

2. Advanced Urology. 5 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Vasectomy: Advanced Urology Medical Offices: Urologists [Internet]. www.advancedurology.net. 2022

3. Kendall. Are vasectomies reversible? [Internet]. www.plannedparenthood.org. 2022

4. Clinic M. Vasectomy reversal – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. 2023