As a couple, you and your partner may decide to consider permanent birth control. Women can choose tubal ligation, while men can have a vasectomy.
What is Vasectomy?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that vasectomies are one of the most effective means of preventing unwanted pregnancies. They are faster, safer and less expensive than other options. In the United States, about 500,000 men choose vasectomy each year as a permanent method of birth control. The procedure involves the blocking or tying off of the tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the penis. This prevents sperm from entering semen released during ejaculation.
What are the important considerations before getting a vasectomy?
Be Sure that You Want to Have a Vasectomy
Before getting a vasectomy, it is important to consider whether you are ready for the procedure. A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control. You should be sure that you do not want to have any children in the future.
If circumstances change and you decide to have children, vasectomy reversal is an option. However, it can be expensive, complex, and sometimes unsuccessful.
Consider Your Partner Before Having a Vasectomy
Men should discuss the procedure with their partners. A vasectomy is sometimes difficult or impossible to reverse, especially if it has been many years since the surgery was performed. Women may have future family plans, so it is best to discuss this issue before making any decisions about a vasectomy.
You should also consider whether your partner is willing to use another form of birth control, such as condoms or birth control pills. If you do use another form of birth control, it’s important that both partners are aware of what they are doing and why they are doing it.
If both partners agree on wanting a vasectomy, then they should make sure that they both understand what the procedure entails and what its possible side effects may be.
Understand the Possible Side Effects of Vasectomy
The timing of your vasectomy is usually determined by when it will be most convenient for your schedule. Men may experience side effects immediately after having a vasectomy, and some men may need to take time off from work while they recover.
The side effects of vasectomy may include:
- Pain for a few days after the procedure (usually not severe)
- Infection at the incision site
- Bleeding from the incision site (this is common, but if you experience heavy bleeding or blood clots in your urine, call your doctor)
- Excessive scrotal swelling and discomfort (this should go away within two weeks)
Swelling and bruising after a vasectomy typically clears up in two weeks or less. After the vasectomy procedure, you can return to work in two or three days, and you will likely be able to resume your sex life in seven days.
Vasectomy in Phoenix, AZ
If you are considering a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal, Desert Sky Urology offers the latest in surgical techniques and technology.
Desert Sky Urology offers a wide range of male reproductive health care, including vasectomies. Our board-certified urologist, Dr. Lauren Byrne, performs no-scalpel, no-needle, no-stitches vasectomies. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Byrne, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at (480) 933 5557 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now.
