If you started looking into permanent birth control methods, you have probably come across the vasectomy procedure. This is the most effecting permanent birth control for men, and it is a lot less invasive than tubal ligation for women. If you are interested in this procedure, you should keep reading.
What is a vasectomy?
This is a small operation that will prevent pregnancy. It will block the sperm from entering the semen, and thus make your semen sterile. This is considered a routine procedure, and you can check out the vasectomy in Sydney or search for a local doctor instead.
The vasectomy procedure is often done in the doctor’s office, and it can be performed in 30 minutes. You will be allowed to go home as soon as it is done. Others refer to the vasectomy as male sterilization, or getting snipped.
Traditional vs. no-scalpel vasectomy
There are two main types of vasectomy procedures. They are done in the same way but with different tools. The traditional vasectomy is the one that we all know. During this procedure your doctor will use a scalpel in order to create incisions on each side of the scrotum. Through those incisions, he/she/they will reach the vas deferens, and block them.
The vas deferens are the tubes that take sperm to the semen, once they are blocked, your semen becomes sterile. However, there is also the no scalpel vasectomy. This vasectomy is not done with a scalpel, as the name suggests. Instead, your doctor will use a small device that will create tiny punctures on each side of the scrotum.
He/she/they will then reach the vas deferens tubes through those puncture wounds, to block them. Both of these methods are a good option, but if you are not sure which one you prefer, simply talk to your doctor. Sometimes your doctor might have a preference as well.
Are vasectomies effective?
In case you are worried whether the vasectomy procedure is actually effective, you shouldn’t worry. Vasectomies are considered to be nearly 100% effective, and there are some rare cases where the tubes can rejoin. If this happens, sperm can leave your body and thus cause an unwanted pregnancy.
Right after the vasectomy is done, you will still have fertile semen. This is because sperm can still be in your vas deferens that will take it to the semen stream. Thus, you need to wait some time after the vasectomy before it takes affect.
Side effects
No matter how small a surgery might be, there are always some risks that are involved. The same applies to the vasectomy procedure, but this is still considered to be a very safe procedure. It is not invasive, and some of the common side effects are mild pain, swelling, and possibly some bleeding. However, this is everything within the normal.
Bigger complications are not that common, but if they do occur you could experience, inflammation, infection, and bruising. These are usually not serious, and if you start experiencing any side effects, make sure that you talk to your doctor.
Benefits and recovery
If you do not want to have children, the vasectomy procedure is one of the best forms of permanent birth control. Compared to tubal ligation for women, a vasectomy is a lot less likely to cause any problems, not to mention that it is not that expensive. Sometimes, the vasectomy could be covered by your insurance.
After the vasectomy, you can go home, and you should take it easy. For the first day, make sure that you rest. It is important that you do not move around for that first day, and you should completely recover within a week, usually less than a week.
Many men have reported to got the procedure on Friday and be able to go back to their normal routine on Monday. Feeling some pain and swelling is normal. Just treat the area with an ice pack, and you can wear a jockstrap for support.
Your sex drive will not change!
Another thing men are often concerned about is whether this will affect their sex drive or performance in bed. However, the vasectomy surgery does not affect your testosterone level, climaxes, erections, sex drive, or anything else.
Final word
The vasectomy procedure is a routine surgery and it is not invasive. It is a much safer and easier option than tubal ligation in women, so if you and your wife have decided to not have kids, the vasectomy is the right procedure for you. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor.