In America, about 450,000 men get vasectomies annually. Once you have made up your mind about getting a vasectomy, it is still important to consult your doctor whether vasectomy is the right option or not and to know the Vasectomy Side Effects.
Vasectomy is an outpatient birth-control procedure in men, which is performed by cutting or sealing vas deferens (tubes that carry sperm), which stop the sperm from mixing into semen
Additionally, vasectomies are considered permanent and can be difficult to be reversed. Even if vasectomies can be reversed in some cases, there are chances that you cannot get your fertility back. Therefore, before getting a vasectomy, make sure you are well-aware of its pros and cons.
Benefits of a Vasectomy:
Initially, a vasectomy might sound unpleasant and uncomfortable, but it is a simple procedure with temporary discomfort. There are many benefits that vasectomies offer:
Easy Procedure: Vasectomies are quick and easy-to-perform. They only require 20 to 30 minutes and are 99.99% effective. You can get a vasectomy at your doctor’s office. Vasectomies can be performed by using the no-scalpel (no-cut) method, which is typically the most comfortable procedure method for the patient.
Effective Contraception: Vasectomy is considered the most successful and effective contraception method for male birth control. It prevents pregnancy by 99%, which means that only 1 out of 100 women has the chance of getting pregnant. The pill method is usually about 91% effective, which means 9 out of 100 women has the chance of getting pregnant.
Cost-Effective: Vasectomy is a more safe and protected procedure than any other birth control forms. It is less expensive than tubal ligation in women with similar results 3. On average, vasectomies usually cost between $600-$1,200. This is a procedure that is typically covered by your insurance. It is best to contact your insurance before your procedure to confirm how much you will be paying out of pocket for your vasectomy.
Side Effects of a Vasectomy:
Like any other medical procedure, vasectomies carry potential risks with them. Therefore, before making your decision, make sure you are well aware of the negative consequences of vasectomy.
Health Risks: Vasectomy sometimes causes scrotal bleeding. Scrotal bleeding can result in painful swelling by causing a hematoma. After getting a vasectomy, you can experience chronic pain or an infection called post-vasectomy pain syndrome. Besides this rare complication, vasectomies are typically safe with minimal complications
Reversal Complications: Vasectomy reversal has now become possible, but it is only successful in some cases. Some patients can have children again, and some cannot. The fewer chances of reversal are associated with a longer time since your vasectomy
Vasectomies don’t prevent STDs: If you are having sex with more than one partner, it is important to be aware that vasectomies don’t prevent or protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
References:
- Pile, J. M. & Barone, M. A. Demographics of vasectomy--USA and international. Urol. Clin. North Am. 36, 295–305 (2009).
- Weiske, W.-H. Vasectomy. Andrologia 33, 125–134 (2001).
- Schwingl, P. J. & Guess, H. A. Safety and effectiveness of vasectomy. Fertil. Steril. 73, 923–936 (2000).
- Awsare, N. S., Krishnan, J., Boustead, G. B., Hanbury, D. C. & McNicholas, T. A. Complications of vasectomy. Ann. R. Coll. Surg. Engl. 87, 406–410 (2005).
- Wallach, E. & Silber, S. J. Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal. Fertil. Steril. 29, 125–140 (1978).
