What to know before getting a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control. Even though vasectomy is a simple procedure, getting a vasectomy is a life-changing decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. You and your partner should both be on board with the decision, and it’s better to be sure that you don’t want to have any more kids. A urologist conducts this procedure, so it’s best to consult one beforehand and clear any questions you have in mind.

5 questions about vasectomy answered

Here are a few questions that may help you in the decision-making process before making the final call about getting this surgery done.

1.      Is a Vasectomy dangerous?

Usually, a vasectomy is a minimally invasive and effective procedure. This procedure involves disconnecting the tubes that carry the sperm. Men can return to their daily office routine within two to three days and return to the usual exercise routine in five to seven days as well. Soreness, tenderness, bruising, and inflammation may happen after the surgery but may resolve within two weeks as well.

2.      Is any contraceptive needed after a vasectomy?

A vasectomy doesn’t work instantly. It can take up to two months or above for the semen to be completely free of sperm. Don’t stop using other contraceptive methods till then, or it can result in a pregnancy. The best approach would be to get a semen analysis done to check if your semen is sperm-free. It’s best to discuss with your doctor before having sex after the surgery.

3.      Does a vasectomy affect your sex life negatively?

Having a vasectomy doesn’t harm your sex life or sex drive. Apart from the initial few days of being sore, you can resume having sex the same as before. The semen looks and feels the same after surgery because only five to ten percent of it comes from the testicles. If your sexual drive or performance has been affected, get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.

4.      Can a vasectomy be reversed?

Yes, a vasectomy is reversible in some cases, but it’s isn’t simple, or cheap. Reversing a vasectomy takes several hours and is a much more complex procedure. Moreover, the reversal procedure costs a lot. This procedure has a high success rate, but as it’s costly and takes a lot of time, many people opt-out of it. An alternate option for a vasectomy reversal is sperm extraction, in which the sperm is taken from the testicles and used for in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

5.      What is the recovery time for a vasectomy?

Recovery time for a vasectomy is different for every individual. The first week is likely to be uncomfortable as you may experience bruising, swelling, or slight blood discharge. For most people, the recovery time is between one to two weeks. If you face any unusual symptoms, consult the Best urologist in National Hospital & Medical Centre.

Should you go for a vasectomy or not?

You and your partner should decide whether you should go for a vasectomy or not. It’s a permanent method of birth control, so ensure that both you and your partner are ready for this. Getting a vasectomy or not is your choice, and if you feel that you’re getting it done under pressure, it may not be the right decision for you. Although if you’re worried about what it will do to your health, there isn’t much to worry about as it’s a safe birth control method.