mage Source

A couple typically has two choices to think about when deciding not to have children: temporary or permanent contraception methods. Couples convinced about their decision can choose a more permanent remedy, such as a vasectomy, even if interim solutions can be effective. 

More than 500,000 vasectomies are performed yearly in the United States alone. Males in Tennessee over 21 years can choose to get a vasectomy. However, like with any urological surgery, determining if a vasectomy is the best course of action for you is crucial. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider the advantages and drawbacks of this procedure and have an open dialogue with your spouse. 

This article discusses six things to consider before getting a vasectomy to help you assess if the procedure is right for you. But first, let’s understand the procedure of vasectomy.

What Is A Vasectomy?

A vasectomy, which prevents sperm from leaving the semen, is a very reliable and safe technique of male birth control. Semen is created when sperm, generated in the testicles, interacts with other fluids in bilateral tubes known as the vas deferens. These tubes are cut and sealed during a vasectomy treatment to stop the sperm from leaving the body.

Vasectomy procedures are divided into two main categories: incision- and no-scalpel-methods. To reach the vas deferens tubes using the incision technique, the doctor creates a few tiny incisions in the scrotum. On the other hand, the no-scalpel vasectomy uses a tiny puncture rather than an incision to reach and manipulate the tubes.

Urologists in many states, including Tennessee, perform both procedures per the patient's preference. If you're a resident in Nashville and want to know more about these methods, consider making an appointment with a Nashville TN urologist with good reviews.

What Do You Need To Consider Before Getting Vasectomy?

1. Permanence

Before continuing, it's essential to understand the procedure's irreversible nature. The vas deferens, the tubes that deliver sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut or blocked during a vasectomy. Because of this, sperm and semen can no longer combine, making a man permanently sterile. After considerable thought, you should decide on this course of action, especially if you haven't reached your ideal family size or believe you will eventually want biological children. Although vasectomy reversal is possible, the likelihood of success decreases over time and is not always successful. Therefore, being confident about your reproductive options is important before having a vasectomy.

2. Partner’s Perspective

It's critical to have candid discussions about your reproductive options with your partner if you're in a committed relationship. Think about their viewpoint, goals, and apprehensions about future family planning. Understandably, choices about fertility and contraception may greatly influence both partners, so it's essential to come to a mutual understanding and agreement. Likewise, regarding the long-term effects of a vasectomy, your spouse can have their own ideas, feelings, and expectations.

By having these discussions, you can ensure that you are both on the same page and that the choice aligns with your long-term aspirations.

3. Impact on Sexual Life

A vasectomy normally does not significantly affect your sexual life. The first factor to consider is the possibility of discomfort in the days immediately following surgery, which can momentarily make it uncomfortable for you to engage in intercourse. However, after a vasectomy, most men still have a healthy libido, erection ability, and ejaculatory function.

It's crucial to realize that the bulk of your ejaculate is made up of fluids from other structures, such as the seminal vesicles, and that only a little portion, about 5%, truly originates from your testicles. The fundamental change following a vasectomy is that sperm will no longer be present in most of your ejaculation. Remember that sperm removal happens gradually after the surgery. Therefore, keep using extra birth control measures up until your sample of semen shows that it is absolutely sperm-free.

4. Reversal Procedures

Even if a vasectomy reversal is an option if desired, it's crucial to understand that it's neither simple nor affordable. Compared to vasectomy, the reversal process is more difficult and intricate. It usually takes many hours and has a larger risk of negative side effects and medical issues.

There are two main ways to reverse a vasectomy:

• Vasovasostomy: The surgeon reconnects the two ends of the vas deferens by sewing them together.
• Vasoepididymostomy: The surgeon connects the vas deferens directly to the epididymis, the sperm-storing organ found at the rear of each testicle.

As an alternative, couples may decide to try in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surgical sperm extraction to conceive after a vasectomy.

5. Cost and Insurance Coverage

It's crucial to comprehend the financial considerations before undergoing the operation. The cost of a vasectomy might change based on the doctor performing it, where you live, and whether you need any additional treatments or testing. Therefore, asking how much the entire procedure would cost, including the operation, anesthesia, preoperative exams, post-operative care, and any follow-up appointments, is advised. 

It's also essential to check your health insurance coverage to see if and how much a vasectomy is covered. Some insurance policies could pay the entire or a portion of the cost of the treatment, while others might ask you to pay out-of-pocket.

6. Side Effects

Vasectomies are widely considered safe, successful procedures with few adverse consequences. Most men may return to work after the treatment in two to three days, and they can resume sports and sexual activity after about a week.

Following a vasectomy, it's typical to encounter the following transient side effects:

• Discomfort or sensitivity in the groin region.
• Scrotum discoloration or bruising.
• Swelling at the area of the operation.
• Mild short-term bleeding.

These post-operative side effects are often minor and disappear quickly as the body heals. It is advised that you adhere to the recommendations given to you by your healthcare professional to control any discomfort and guarantee adequate recovery.

Conclusion

It is essential to thoroughly weigh the benefits and drawbacks of a vasectomy before deciding to get one. For example, a vasectomy may be a good option if you no longer want children, especially if you have finished your family planning. But if you're still unsure or there's a chance you could change your mind later, it might be a good idea to think twice. If you decide to get a vasectomy and then think about having it reversed, you must conduct extensive research to identify a skilled surgeon who can deliver the finest results. The financial element must also be considered because reversing a vasectomy can be expensive. Because a vasectomy is a permanent remedy, you must be convinced of your choice. However, a vasectomy might be wise if you're looking for a reliable and economical long-term birth control method without severe health hazards.

Sharing is caring!