If you are at a time in your life where you are certain your family is the right size, then a vasectomy is a great option. It is a permanent birth control solution, so you don’t ever have to worry about an accidental pregnancy.
Some men don’t like the idea of having the “snip” done, especially if they have heard some of the myths about vasectomy. The truth is it’s a fast and simple procedure with minimal downtime. It’s done right in your doctor’s office, and you’ll be back in action in no time.
Let’s bust some of the most common vasectomy myths that may be keeping you from scheduling your vasectomy.
Myth 1: A Vasectomy is A Major Procedure
A vasectomy is a simple procedure performed at an appointment in your urologist’s office. It takes about 15 minutes and only requires a small incision.
Myth 2: A Vasectomy Hurts
Your urologist will use a small shot to numb the area, which will feel like a pinch. The only sensations you’ll feel after that will be pressure or tugging, so it’s a pain-free procedure.
After your vasectomy, the mild discomfort you may experience can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, and ice packs.
Myth 3: Recovery Takes a Long Time
The downtime needed for recovery is minimal – usually 2-3 days is all you need. Scheduling your procedure on a Thursday or Friday means you’ll be able to get back to work on Monday. However, you’ll need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a few more days, so those with physically demanding jobs may need more time off.
Myth 4: Your Libido Will Drop
A vasectomy only stops your body from releasing sperm. You will maintain your normal testosterone levels, which is the biggest driver of libido and sex drive. A vasectomy also won’t affect your ability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Myth 5: Your Sex Life Will Suffer
Not only will your sex life be as good as always, but it may even get better. Many men report increased satisfaction with sex after a vasectomy. That’s because you’re no longer worrying about pregnancy or having to stop to use condoms or other birth control methods.
Myth 6: Sperm Build-Up Will Cause Problems
While it’s true that your body will still continue to procedure sperm after a vasectomy, it won’t build up and cause problems or pain. Any sperm that isn’t released is reabsorbed. This is a naturally occurring process that happens even if you haven’t had a vasectomy.
Myth 7: A Vasectomy Doesn’t Always Work
Vasectomies are 99.9% effective, which is as close to 100% as you can get aside from abstinence. However, immediately after a vasectomy, you will need to use another form of birth control. It will take 10-12 weeks before any remaining sperm in your system is cleared. Your urologist will ask you to provide a semen sample about three months after your vasectomy. It will be examined for the presence of sperm. Once your semen sample shows no sperm, you will not need to use additional birth control methods.
Myth 8: It Can’t Be Reversed
While you should be quite sure you don’t want to have any more children, sometimes circumstances change. Vasectomies can often be reversed, especially if it hasn’t been too long. Success rates of reversals improve when performed by urologists skilled in the procedure.
Myth 9: They’re Expensive
Vasectomies tend to be one of the most cost-effective forms of birth control. They are only done once and don’t require any maintenance or upkeep costs. And many insurance companies cover vasectomies. Even if you pay out-of-pocket, it still winds up being cheaper in the long run than other options like birth control pills. They are definitely less expensive than having a baby!
Schedule Your Vasectomy
Now that you know the truth about vasectomies, are you ready to schedule yours? Fill out the contact form below to get the process started!