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Birth control is one of those things that never stops being kind of an awkward hassle. Before you have kids, you’ve got to either fumble with condoms, take a pill that messes with your hormones or go for a long term option like an IUD that has to be removed once you’re ready. Once you’re settled with the perfect number of kids and you’re 100% certain you don’t want any more, you get to have the same debate all over again! I speak from experience when I say that it doesn’t feel terribly adult using condoms or going back on the pill after hitting one of life’s major milestones.
Many of my patients have felt the same way, but didn’t realize that there are other options out there for parents who are certain that they’re done having kids but still want to keep the romance alive. However, safe, effective, easy and, most importantly, permanent birth control can be had in just 15 minutes with a vasectomy – and you don’t have to do anything, this time it’s all on the guys.
How does a vasectomy work?
A vasectomy is a simple outpatient procedure that can be done in a urologist’s office in just 15 minutes. First, we numb the area with a topical anesthetic (tell your guys not to worry, there are no needles involved). When everything is nice and sedated, we make a small incision in the scrotum, and clip and remove a small section of the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm from the testicles into the urethra). Then, we stitch the incision up and we’re done! With that section of the vas deferens clipped, there’s no way for sperm to get out of the testicles – ensuring that when the time is right, love is the only thing you’re making.
Sounds easy for me, but how do the guys feel?
Most guys are naturally apprehensive about sharp objects near their plumbing, but the procedure is so short they hardly have time to worry. Recovering from the operation is basically an excuse to relax on the couch for a few days. I prescribe pain medication to my patients, but they should only need them for a day or two – after that, all he’ll need is an ice pack and some ibuprofen for a few more days.
How long after the vasectomy until we can test it out?
Most patients are ready to have sex after about a week of recovery. However, there will still be hundreds of millions of residual sperm cells hanging out in your partner’s plumbing. It takes about 30 ejaculations to clear them out, so you’ll want to use protection for around two months after the procedure just to be safe. We provide our patients with a take-home test that will let you know when your partner has cleared his pipes.
Does a vasectomy affect anything besides fertility?
Once your man is healed up, you shouldn’t notice any difference in bedroom performance. Libido, erections and orgasm should all be the same as they were before the procedure – just without the risk of a bunch of new diapers to change. In fact, a recent study found that men with a vasectomy actually have more sex than men without one!
Is there a catch?
A vasectomy is one of those rare good things in life that comes with no strings attached. The procedure is safe, easy and more than 99.9% effective. It’s also affordable and comes with a short recovery time. A vasectomy is especially appealing when you compare it to a tubal ligation, which is a costly, invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia. I’ve found that many of my patients came to me after their partners researched tubal ligation, learned there was an easier way and convinced them to come see me.
How do I convince my partner to get a vasectomy?
You’ll be surprised how willing men can be to get a vasectomy once they learn how simple it is. You went through nine months of pregnancy and childbirth, after that, it’s not much to ask of him to spend 15 minutes at the doctor’s office and a few days on the couch. You might also want to point out the aforementioned stat about men with vasectomies having more sex. If you’re not sure how to break the ice, try one of our fun e-cards!
Who do we talk to about getting a vasectomy?
Austin Urology Institute is located 90 minutes from the heart of San Antonio and we provide convenient Saturday appointments to accommodate our patients’ work schedules. We’ve helped hundreds of families reclaim their love lives from the tyranny of situational birth control and I’m happy to answer any questions that you may have about the procedure. My staff and I strive to make the vasectomy procedure as informed, easy and painless as possible.
