10 Reasons To Get A Vasectomy

Any man considering getting a vasectomy may have initial reservations about the genital surgery. It is not something most men want to think about going through, but at some point, many will have to undergo the procedure. There are a number of reasons to have the big snip completed, with the surgery being one of the most effective forms of birth control being at the top of the list. There are other positives to consider.

Low Risk

Vasectomies are not a very invasive surgery. The risks of complications are low and carry only about two to three percent chance of subsequent infections, bleeding, or pain. If a large buildup of sperm happens after, the pain threshold is greater, which occurs in about ten percent of cases. Studies have also determined there is no significant risk of an increased chance of prostate nor testicular cancer showing up following the surgery.

Sexual Function

Men should rest assured about any concerns relating to sexual functioning. All should continue working as normal, since the surgery involves cutting the tube used by sperm, and does not involve the penis. A small decrease of ejaculate may occur but is likely to go unnoticed by a man and his partner. Some men may notice a change in sexual function only if chronic pain develops after the vasectomy.

Sperm Count

Man and their partners need not worry about sperm production. It continues after a vasectomy. The sperm just does not have access to being released. Instead, much like a woman’s unused sex cells, they stay inside the testicles and are reabsorbed into the body. For a short period after the surgery, some sperm may remain in the semen, so it is important to double-up on the birth control during this phase.

It Is Simple

A vasectomy is not major surgery and is a common practice. The procedure takes place in a doctor’s office in most cases and takes only about ten minutes. From start to finish, the whole visit will take about an hour, including preparation and follow-up. All that is involved is the opening of the scrotum and the cutting and stitching of the two tubes. These are the tubes which transfer sperm from the testicles.

Easy To Understand

Most men will be able to understand what is happening. The procedure simply aims to prevent sperm from leaving the testicles through the attached tubes and prevent a man from being able to have children. Under anesthetic, either a scalpel technique or no-scalpel technique will be performed. A scalpel will make small cuts in the scrotum. The no-scalpel method uses a different instrument to make a small opening in the skin to get to the scrotum. The tubes are then cut.

Hallmark Has It Covered

If anyone needs an opportunity to send a unique greeting card to their favorite man in their lives, this is the chance. There are e-greetings for every occasion, including Happy Vasectomy Day. Messages range from ‘You may not have functioning balls, buy you still have chutzpah’ and ‘I just wanna make babies with you. (Except without the babies part.) There are others with images of squirrels and nuts and guns shooting blanks.

Recovery Is Quick

Since it is a relatively minor surgery, recovery is typically a breeze and requires only a short amount of downtime. It takes about seven to ten days for most men to be fully active again, which includes refraining from sex for about a week. All activity should be limited, and an ice pack regularly applied during this time. For some men, it could be a good excuse to wear sweats, sit on the couch, and watch the game.

Affordable

If the decision for a man to have a vasectomy is to prevent him and his partner from having any more children for financial reasons, the investment will be noticeable. The cost of raising a child in the United States is an average of $16,000 per year. That adds up to about $288,000 to support a child until age eighteen. The costs, including food, clothing, and education, can put a financial strain on families. A vasectomy costs about $1,000.

It Is Reversible

If it turns out a man decides he has made a mistake, a vasectomy is reversible. Although doctors want men to consider it a permanent fix, they will reverse it, but it comes with a cost. It is pricey, and unlike insurance that might cover a vasectomy, it will rarely cover the reversal. Most are successful, but there is about a ten percent chance the procedure will fail. If a man wants a vasectomy and is still considering children, he can freeze sperm.

It Makes A Partner Happy

A woman who endures nine months of pregnancy and goes through child birth will be happy if her partner helps with the birth control end of things. It is a more invasive and complicated surgery for a woman to have her tubes tied. There are also more risks of complications, including bleeding, infection, and damage to abdominal organs. There is also a small chance of an egg becoming fertilized outside the uterus.