Many men are educating themselves about vasectomy benefits. Research shows this simple procedure, designed as permanent male birth control, is among the top male health procedures in safety and effectiveness. Yet not all men may qualify for vasectomy, due to health concerns like testicular disease. Even if eligible, you could have concerns, such as those for side effects or sexual health. You, your partner, and your urologist must have an honest conversation about what’s entailed and if vasectomy is right for you. 

Comparing Vasectomy Techniques       

All vasectomies should be entirely performed by a microsurgeon, specializing in careful tissue disconnection and reconnection, employing magnifying instruments. With the traditional procedure, a local anesthetic is injected into the scrotal area, and 1-2 small incisions are made. The vas deferens (vas, or sperm duct), the tubes transporting sperm from the testes to the penis, are cut. The severed ends are surgically sealed or burned, and the incisions are sealed. 

A popular alternative, the no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy is regularly performed by Dr. Martin Bastuba, MD, FACS, a board-certified urologist. After a hypospray instantly numbs the scrotal area, the microsurgeon makes a tiny puncture hole, and gently lifts, cuts, ties, and returns the vas. 

Do Vasectomy Benefits Outweigh Potential Risks? 

With more than 500,000 vasectomies performed annually, men are attracted to its various benefits. 

• Birth control – The most effective male pregnancy prevention method, vasectomies impart more than 99% effectiveness. Post-procedure, you won’t require other birth control forms, and your sex life may improve, as you’re spared pregnancy worries.  
• Financial – Compared to the main female permanent birth control technique, tubal ligation, vasectomy costs less. Although most insurance plans cover the procedure, contact your provider for confirmation. Even without insurance, a quality clinic, like San Diego Vasectomy Center (SDVC), may perform it at a more acceptable cost. 
• Side effects – You may experience mild pain, bleeding, infection, and swelling. The no-needle, no-scalpel technique is minimally invasive, offering less discomfort, and requires no stitches, sutures, or narcotic pain relief medications. Complications, minor and easily treatable, may include blood clots and epididymitis, swelling of the epididymal tube. Rarely, lingering complications, like chronic scrotal pain, may develop. Research has found little connection between vasectomies and long-term health disorders, including cardiovascular diseases and prostate cancer.
• Recovery – Typically, your surgical site should heal in about 3-7 days, with regular activity resuming after about a week. The no-needle, no-scalpel technique allows a recovery up to 50% percent faster. 
• Sexuality – Despite misconceptions, vasectomy doesn’t impact sexual function, but only semen, so it no longer holds sperm. After about 12 weeks, a semen analysis determines procedural success. Post-surgery, protection is necessary, while sperm completely vacates ejaculate. As vasectomy doesn’t avert sexually transmitted infections, condoms may still be needed. Your testicles and libido are unaffected, and testosterone production and release are spared. Additionally, erectile dysfunction or ejaculation concerns are unlikely. 

Determine Your Vasectomy Motivations 

Deciding to have this procedure may rest on you and your partner. You may need to consider the idea of being permanently unable to have children. As you’re spared any sexual or health concerns, that could make the procedure more inviting. Carefully consider your reasons for having a vasectomy with your family, friends, or doctor. 

Vasectomy, a Simple Procedure, but a Complex Issue 

Among the most common, safe, and effective male health procedures, a vasectomy demands careful consideration and analysis. You must familiarize yourself and discuss its benefits and drawbacks with your urologist. To schedule a vasectomy consultation, or for general questions, we invite you to contact the San Diego Vasectomy Center today.