10 Pros and Cons of a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts of blocks the tubes that brings sperm from the testicles to the penis. It is a form of birth control form men that is one hundred percent effective. Another term for this procedure is male sterilization. It is a taboo topics for most men because of the sensitive area that is affected. If you are trying to make the decision whether a vasectomy is the right option for you then it is important to understand both the pros and the cons of the procedure.
The Pros of A Vasectomy
1. No Further Need For Birth Control
The use of other types of birth controls can be eliminated when you have a vasectomy. This includes female birth control pills as well as condoms (only if you are in a long term monogamous relationship).
2. Simple Procedure
The process of a vasectomy is very simple and is done as an out patient procedure. This means that you are able to go home the same day the procedure is done. Local anesthetic is also commonly used, which means you do not have to be put all the way under.
3. Reversible
Vasectomies can in fact be reversed, and pretty simply too. All that is needed is to make a second incision to reconnect the tubes that carry the sperm. This means that a man who has a vasectomy could in fact have more children in the future if they wish to.
4. Doesn’t Effect Sex Drive
A vasectomy only cuts off the supply of sperm and not the testosterone. This means that the sex drive and libido is not effected in any way, if anything, the fact you cannot have children, may increase your sex drive.
5. High Success Rates
While vasectomies are not always a guaranteed to prevent pregnancy from occurring, the chance that it could happen is very low, less than 5%. Risks of complications are also very low for this procedure.
6. No Long Term Health Effects
The process for vasectomies has been nearly perfected, it is done quickly and with as little interference to the body as possible. The result of this is that there are no (or rarely are) any types of adverse health affects besides the inability to have children.
7. Less Risky Than Tubal Litigation
A similar process to a vasectomy, for women, is known as tubal litigation or having your tubes tied. This is a much more serious and complicated surgery and poses many more risks to the woman’s health. Especially when compared to the simplicity of a vasectomy.
The Cons of A Vasectomy
1. Doesn’t Protect Against Sexually Transmitted Disease
Even though the chance of an unplanned pregnancy is virtually diminished, vasectomies do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and illnesses. If a person is not in a monogamous relationship than condoms should still be worn to protect both partners.
2. Feeling Of Losing Manhood
The general idea of having your testicles cut open for most men is enough to make them cringe. Many men feel like getting a vasectomy is literally severing your manhood. It can cause feelings of insecurity that last a long time.
3. The Reversal Process Is Tricky And Unsure
A vasectomy can in fact be reversed, but at a pretty high cost. Insurance companies will not cover a reverse vasectomy, so all costs are out of pocket. Besides the cost, the operation is very risky and is not guaranteed to work at all.
4. Can Take A While To Be Effective
Any sperm that was already stored in the vas deferens tubes (which is what is severed during a vasectomy) is still alive and well. Sperm analysis have to be done right after the procedure, as well as after you ejaculate around 20 times after the procedure, in order to guarantee all is clear. This means condoms or other forms of birth control should be used.
5. Recovery
The most common issues after a vasectomy is performed is swelling, bruising and aching in the area. These typically subside after about a week. However, many cases of chronic testicle pain have been reported due to vasectomies.
