Facts About Vasectomies To Aid In Your Discussion

Discussions that involve birth control methods are sometimes difficult to get started or you may not know what questions to ask when discussing your options with a medical professional. The following information may help to get the discussions going and lead to a better understanding of what is involved when a vasectomy procedure is done.

Males undergo the vasectomy procedure to the tune of some 600,000 men each year. The popularity of this choice of birth control stems from the manner in which it can be done (doctor's office, medical center or hospital) giving the male options.

The effectiveness of the method (less than 1% and up to 2% failure rate) as compared to other birth control choices:

The failure rate for other birth control methods are:

Condom – up to 33%
Diaphragm – up to 21%
Hormone implants – up to 2%
IUD – up to 5%
Oral Pill – up to 3%
Rhythm Method – up to 47%
Tubal Ligation – up to .4%
Spermicidal – up to 28%

The vasectomy is a permanent birth control method that does not interfere with the male or female ability to receive pleasure from the sexual act while using the method.

There is a no-scalpel method that was developed in the early 1970s in China by Dr. Li Shunqiang that is a popular vasectomy procedure. Worldwide 15,000 of these no-scalpel vasectomies have been performed with more being done every 20 minutes.

The vasectomy procedure does not have an affect on the male sexual drive, performance, touch or appearance of the scrotum.

Approximately 85% of insurance programs will cover the procedure, with little or no cost to the insured.

Vasectomies can be performed by qualified medical doctors, specialist (urinary tract or reproductive organs), urologists and surgeons; giving the male many choices.

The cost of the tubal ligation is usually 5 times that of a vasectomy.

Most physical activities can be resumed including sexual activities within one to two weeks of having the procedure.

The risks involved in the procedure:

There are always risks involved whenever you undergo a surgical procedure. The risks are low for a vasectomy and will be explained by your doctor during any birth control discussions as well as prior to starting the vasectomy. The risks involve:

An allergic reaction, which may include hives, itching and is a result of the local anesthetic used.

The sperm that are not released after the vasectomy may attract antibodies.

Bleeding is always a consideration when incisions are made. Bleeding may collect under the skin and may look like the scrotum or penis is bruised. Bleeding may cause swelling. Bruising is an expected reaction from this procedure due to the fact that the skin of the scrotum is thin.

A rare event that may occur following the procedure is called, "chronic orchialagia", and is a dull ache in the testicles caused by the epididymis becoming congested with dead sperm and fluid. If you experience this rare reaction it usually clears within 6 months of the procedure.

The vas deferens (tubes behind the testicles) may become inflamed and swollen in which case a anti-inflammatory medication is applied and the condition usually clears up within a week of the procedure.

It may help to print out this article and bring it with you as you discuss this option with your doctor or sexual partner.

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