Evaluating If It’s Time for a Vasectomy
Do you think it might be time to get a vasectomy or is this something you are considering? This is a big decision and should be handled very carefully. Because of this, we are going to go over what exactly a vasectomy is, questions you may want to consider before having the operation, vasectomy operation types, and reversibility options.
What Is Vasectomy?
A Vasectomy is a sterilization method that has become increasingly popular. By permanently disrupting the flow of sperm from the testicle to the ejaculatory ducts within the prostate gland, a vasectomy blocks sperm from reaching ejaculated semen. Eventually, the production of sperm within the testicles gradually will slow down over time and will be reabsorbed by the body.
Questions You May Want To Consider
Before you decide on having a vasectomy, you may want to go over some questions to make sure this is the right decision for you right now.
1. Is Vasectomy the Right Option?
If this is a decision you are making on your own, you will want to truly evaluate what you would like for your future. If there is any chance that you would like to have children in the future (even if you don’t right now), you may want to hold off on this operation because vasectomies can be reversible, but it is not always a successful procedure so an attempt to reverse a vasectomy is no guarantee. If this is a decision you are making with a partner, you should make sure that you are not feeling pressured to get this operation. This is a question that can only be answered by you, so take an optimal amount of time to decide.
2. What are the risks, side effects of a vasectomy, and what is the success rate?
Vasectomies are very common procedures that do not often have bad side effects. Swelling and/or bruising, inflammation, and infection are a few you might experience after the operation. They are also considered the most effective form of birth control and failure only occurs in about 1 in every 2,000 men.
3. How will it affect sex?
There will be a waiting period in which your doctor will have you sustain from sexual activity (about a week), but then you can have protected sex again. You should not have unprotected sex until your urologist approves it with a semen analysis. A vasectomy will not affect your sexual functioning or pleasure, testosterone levels, sex drive or any other element of your sex drive.
After You’ve Decided
Now that you have (or haven’t) decided to have a vasectomy, you should learn about the different options available to you. These two types are the conventional vasectomy and the no-scalpel vasectomy. Board certified urologists like Dr. Howard Tay specializes in the no-scalpel procedure which can usually be done through a single opening measuring less than a quarter of an inch or 1 cm. This is unlike the conventional vasectomy in which one or two small cuts are made in the skin.
To learn more about vasectomies – notably the no scalpel vasectomy option – visit Dr. Howard Tay, MD’s website.
