Vasectomy Decision Process
Factors to Consider Before Making the Decision to Have a Vasectomy
Every year about 500,000 men in the U.S. choose to have a vasectomy as a means of birth control. A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that is safe, inexpensive and extremely effective. With the advent of the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, the procedure has become even less invasive with fewer complications and shorter recovery times. If you are considering a vasectomy, we invite you to read through the information below to help guide you through the vasectomy decision process.
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Medical Reasons for a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is one of the most reliable forms of birth control. Many couples choose to have a vasectomy instead of the female partner having her ‘tubes tied’ because vasectomy surgery heals faster, typically has fewer complications and usually costs less. It is also 99% effective.
Sterilization After a Vasectomy
After a vasectomy procedure, the male will still have active sperm in his semen. A vasectomy does not immediately make a male sterile. Over the next few months the semen will be tested to ensure there is no active sperm and that the vasectomy is complete.
The male sex drive, ability to have an erection and ejaculation should be unaffected by a vasectomy. For some couples, the ability to have sex without worrying about conception can even improve their sex life.
With sperm making up less than five percent of semen, there will be no noticeable differences in ejaculation sans sperm. After a vasectomy the fluid volume, color and texture of ejaculation should remain the same.
Changing Your Mind After a Vasectomy
A vasectomy surgery should be considered carefully. Though vasectomy reversals are possible, if there is any chance you would like to have more children in the future we recommend that patients freeze sperm samples before the vasectomy. If you have already had a vasectomy and are considering a vasectomy reversal, Dr. Bastuba is one of the top vasectomy reversal specialists in the United States with patients coming from around the world seeking his expertise.
Pre-Vasectomy Fertility Preservation
Sperm banking can be used before a vasectomy as a means of fertility preservation, eliminating the need for future vasectomy reversal surgery or expensive fertility procedures such as IVF. Frozen sperm can be used with intrauterine inseminations to achieve pregnancy. Learn more about pre-vasectomy fertility preservation.
The cost of having a vasectomy surgery is usually covered by health insurance. If you do not have health insurance we offer very competitive rates. Learn more about vasectomy costs and fees at Male Fertility & Sexual Medicine Specialists.
As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of infection. Complications are unusual, but may occur in the form of inflammation or light bleeding and are typically treated with medication and rest.
