Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, making it virtually impossible for some women to get an abortion in the United States, more men than ever opt for vasectomies. That works out to more than half a million men every year who choose to move to “Snip City,” the land where you don’t have to worry about unwanted pregnancies anymore.
Maybe you’re in a relationship and want to protect your partner’s health. Maybe you’re single and want to remain childless. Or maybe you already have the family of your dreams.
Whatever your reasons for wanting sterilization, a vasectomy is a relatively pain-free and easy way to prevent pregnancy. Compared with female sterilization, male sterilization via vasectomy is simpler and has a significantly lower risk of complications. It’s also 99% effective against pregnancy.
Expert urologist, Alex Lesani, MD, specializes in no-scalpel vasectomies, which are minimally invasive and highly effective. Before undergoing your vasectomy at our Las Vegas, Nevada, office, however, he urges you to learn more about the procedure and its consequences.
Are you considering a vasectomy? The following are five important considerations you should make before committing to permanent sterilization.
Some men think about vasectomy as a reversible procedure. Sure, they don’t want kids now, but if they change their minds later, they can just have the vasectomy reversed.
Although vasectomy itself is a simple procedure, reversing it isn’t always easy or successful. Few surgeons have Dr. Lesani’s expertise in reconnecting severed vas deferens tubes. Even with his skill and knowledge, however, he urges you not to think of a vasectomy as a temporary procedure.
Vasectomies are considered a form of permanent sterilization. Don’t get one now if you think you might want kids — or more kids — at another stage of your life, or you may regret it.
If you have a partner, it’s essential that she’s 100% on board with your decision to have a vasectomy. Even if neither of you wants kids right now, and even if you’re afraid of the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy, be sure to have a long and deep conversation about the consequences of vasectomy.
Vasectomy isn’t just another form of birth control. You are literally cutting yourself off from the chance of having a biological child. Be sure that both you and your partner agree that this is the best choice for you as a couple.
No, not permanently! Just during your recovery period.
Luckily, this instruction won’t be as difficult to adhere to as it might now seem. After your procedure, you’ll be sore and uncomfortable, so sex will probably be one of the last things on your mind.
In most cases, it only takes about a week or two before you’ve healed sufficiently to resume sexual activity. However, it may take you longer. Just listen to your body (and Dr. Lesani).
No-scalpel vasectomies are relatively simple procedures. Instead of incisions, he uses punctures to reach the vas deferens tubes, sever them, and seal them. The entire process takes about 30 minutes to perform.
However, even this minor procedure requires postoperative care. You must be willing to follow instructions that help you heal. This includes:
In other words, stay home from the gym, refrain from manual labor, and only bathe with quick showers.
The reason that vasectomies are 99% effective against pregnancy, not 100%, is because there’s a year-long window when you could accidentally get your partner pregnant if you don’t follow Dr. Lesani’s instructions. Sperm are persistent and may continue to live in the residual tubes as well as your urethra for months after your vasectomy.
If your partner has been using birth control, have her continue to use it until Dr. Lesani gives you the OK to stop. If she hasn’t used birth control, then you should use a condom to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
It takes about 20-30 ejaculations before you clear all of the sperm from your tubes. Dr. Lesani tests you at your follow-up visits until you’re sperm-free.
Are you ready for your vasectomy? Call us today at 702-470-2579 or book your appointment online.
