Health Benefits of a Vasectomy
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What is a Vasectomy?
Very simply, a vasectomy is a medical procedure in which a man is permanently rendered unable to impregnate a woman by cutting and sealing the vas deferens which is responsible for transporting the sperm to the semen. Typically vasectomies are performed on men who are married, in long term committed relationships that have children and are 100% positive that they do not want to have any more kids. It is a decision that should not be entered into lightly and if there is even the slightest bit of doubt, you should not have this procedure.
The Procedure
A vasectomy is a fairly simple procedure that is usually performed within half an hour right in your doctor's office. There is no need for anesthesia and most men are given a local anesthetic to numb the scrotum. Most men report a feeling of tugging and pulling during the procedure but no pain.
Once you are good and numb a small incision will be made on one side of the scrotum. The vas deferens will be pulled out of the opening, a small portion will be removed, and the ends of them will be sealed via stitches, or sealing them shut with heat. The same process will be done on the other side of the scrotum. After both sides have been done, the doctor will close the two opening with stitches, which usually disappear on their own after 3 - 5 days.
Preparing for your Vasectomy
As with any type of surgical procedure there are a few simple things that you must do before you have this done.
- Thoroughly wash your scrotum prior to the surgery.
- It is recommended that you shave from the base of your penis along the front of the scrotum. It helps with the doctor's visibility.
- Wear athletic support to the appointment.
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting pants that you don't mind getting iodine on.
- Don't take any aspirin for atleast 10 days prior to the surgery as they will thin your blood and increase your chances of having excessive bleeding during and after the vasectomy.
Cheapest Vasectomy on the market!
The Risks of a Vasectomy
The risks associated with having a vasectomy are few and very mild. Some of the risks include:
- Fever
- Trouble urinating
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Increased swelling
- A lump that forms in the scrotum
Again, these risks rarely occur but if they should, you need to contact your doctor immediately.
The Benefits of a Vasectomy
Many people associate a vasectomy with birth control--it is the single most effective method of permanent birth control on the market. However, this is not the only benefit of having a vasectomy. Some other benefits include:
- Freedom -- Many men report feeling a lot more freedom to enjoy sexual activity because they are not concerned about accidental pregnancies.
- Improved Sex Life -- 30% of couples have reported an increase in the frequency and quality of their sex lives after having had a vasectomy.
- Positive Effects on Marriage -- 30% of couples have reported that their marriage is stronger, healthier, more relaxed, and happier after having this procedure.
- Improved Physical Health -- Men have reported feeling an improvement in their overall physical and mental health.
- Improved Health of your Female Partner -- The single most common form of contraceptive used by women is the birth control pill. The pill can have many negative side effects when taken for prolonged periods of time so choosing to have a vasectomy can actually improve the health of your wife/girlfriend. Additionally, a vasectomy is a much easier procedure than those available for women like a tubal ligation or the new Essure procedure.
How much does it cost?
Now that you know what a vasectomy is, what the procedure entails, the risks, and all the amazing benefits, you might be asking "How much does it cost?" You might be surprised at how affordable it really is.
In the USA a man can have a vasectomy for only $500 - $1,000 compared to a the cost of $1,200 - $6,000 for a woman to have a tubal ligation. Many insurance companies will cover most or all of a vasectomy leaving little to no out-of-pocket cost for you.
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WoW!! 18? That seems a little extreme. But if he is now 44 and has no regrets, then good for him ; )
wao great on health benefits of vasectomy. Amazingly it survives from the bad and ill techniques of birth control.
that is young, i had my vasectomy when i was 20 years old because i'm mentally challenged.
I feel that you don't fully understand the risks of this procedure.
As I sit here 12 months post vasectomy still in pain (PVPS) I regret ever entertaining the idea of having the procedure. I have exhausted every conservative measure left trying to alleviate my pain. I have less than one week until I return to my Urologist for another follow-up appointment. I am soon to be at a crossroad as to what I do next. I essentially have three options left:
First option is to have a reversal. I watched a video of the procedure and it does not look fun, the incisions run the entire length of both testicle. Needless to say, it is more invasive than the vasectomy itself and it defeats the whole reason I did it in the first place. Every time anyone goes under the knife, you run risks that you might not want to face if something goes wrong.
Second option is have a procedure where they go into the vas deferen tube and use micro tools to strip the cord of the nerve endings (denervation). High success rate but you can no longer get a reversal if it doesn't work and there is a chance that the procedure might make the pain worse (I have been unlucky already, do I take another risk). In fact, the procedure can make a numb sensation all the way down to your knee with the potential risk of not having any sensation in the penis or testiculs leaving you unable to have sex.
Third option is to live in pain for the rest of my life. This option is one I do not like but it is still an option nonetheless.
Removing my testicle or epididymis is not a legitimate option for me because my pain is not in that area so I did not list it as a viable option.
I am truly frustrated with the whole process. I truly feel that no one really cares about any of us statistics (botched operations or whatever the cause). We are the silent minority that just gets to endure the pain. Of course, everyone says to your face that they are sorry but no one is marching in the streets, writing letters to the AMA or Congress about stopping vasectomies because men are taking risks that they should not be taking or it is an unsafe procedure that should be outlawed. (Read dontfixit.org)
I am also frustrated that the original doctor that did the procedure just walked right out of the procedure room when I told him I was in pain (10 days post vasectomy). He did not even ask what my symptoms were.
I am frustrated that we men have to set in silent agony because we are supposed to do our part in family planning and in this politically correct environment, we can’t say anything with out coming across as heartless pigs if we choose not to do this procedure. Men are told: “do your part”, “to man up”, “catch up to the 21st century”. The last quote is an actual quote form the female doctor on the show "The Doctors" to a male guest that was not comfortable with this procedure. We are also told that it should not just all be our wives responsibility to carry the burden of preventing pregnancy. Do I feel that I can take some control and responsibility, yes, of course, because I did?
One last statement: If a woman is not sterile, she can still become pregnant.
Lets look at the cost of a vasectomy. I have spent over $55,000 (yes that number is right) on trying to get rid of my pain and I am still not even close to being back to normal. Its been 13 + months and I still cant exert myself or lift anything of any weight or I increase my pain. If I had sex everyday of my life for the next 150 years at $1 a condom I still would not break even. Now that's what I call a bargain.
Meh - I am 26 and just had it done last month. It went off without a hitch. Sore for a good 2 days afterwords, but it passed like they said it would, and got the call this morning that I'm in the clear. Best advice for you is to read up on the Doctor. Mine had done over 5,000 operations without 1 coming back with a PVPS issue, and no accidental 'reconnections' to his or his staffs knowledge. A buddy of mine had recommended him and I gotta say, well worth it.
yamanote 2 years ago
a friend of mine got one of these when he was 18 - that i would say is not healthy! now he is 44 and is still happy in his decision