Vasectomy refers to permanent male birth control. The procedure prevents sperm from getting into the semen, for which the tubes that carry sperm are cut and sealed. Vasectomy is done as an outpatient procedure and has limited risks. If you are sure that you don’t want to have a child in the future, this could be the option for you. It is possible to reverse a vasectomy, but think of this as a permanent way of birth control. Clinics like Lazare Urology have facilities for vasectomies in Brooklyn, and you can schedule an appointment. In this post, we are discussing the pros and cons.
The pros
- Vasectomies have a success rate of 99%, which makes the procedure one of the most effective options for birth control.
- Vasectomy can be done in just 30 minutes or less and do not require general anesthesia. Compared to tubal ligations, the steps are simpler.
- Vasectomies are also affordable and cost way less than tubal ligations. If you don’t want a child, the cost of a vasectomy is worth paying for, although insurance may not pay the entire amount.
- Contrary to popular belief, vasectomy doesn’t affect one’s sex life. Your sex drive and erections will remain the same, and some men even feel better about performing in the bedroom as there are no pregnancy concerns.
The cons
- Tubal ligation works right away, but in the case of vasectomy, sperm might still be in the semen. It would take at least 15 or more ejaculations for the procedure to work. Until then, using birth control is still necessary.
- There can be side effects such as bleeding, inflammation, and pain after vasectomy. If these effects don’t go away after a few days, talk to your doctor.
- Vasectomy doesn’t offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases. If STDs are your concern, the procedure won’t resolve that, and you will still need condoms.
Precautions and preparation
You may need to stop taking a few medications, including blood thinners, for several days before vasectomy. Your doctor will suggest the drugs that are off your list. To minimize swelling after the procedure, you should wear tight fitting underwear, which you must bring to the clinic. You may also want to have someone with you to drive back home.
Your urologist will do a follow-up semen analysis after a few weeks to see if there is sperm in your semen. If you are concerned about other aspects, talk to the doctor in detail.
