Making The Decision About Having A Vasectomy

Any decision regarding your body, your reproductive health and the future should be carefully thought out. Most men will advise other men to speak with not only a doctor about the medical aspects of having the procedure done but also to talk with men who have had a vasectomy to get feedback regarding how happy they have been with the process of the surgery, recovery and how well the method of preventing pregnancy has been for them.

The vasectomy is not just a birth control method it is a "sterilization", which means you are being altered from your natural state of being in a way that will prevent nature from doing what it normally does. Any decision to alter your physical state should be a well thought out one in which you have allowed time to elapse between making the decision and carrying out the action. There are many resources available for making such as decision.

Resources for making a decision regarding to have a vasectomy or not can be found at your doctor's office, a urologist office, at any fertility clinic, the library, bookstore and many Websites.

Here are some things to consider before making your decision:

Think about the consequences of what will happen if you change your mind about not having any more children, or your sexual partner changes her mind. What will happen if your sexual partner changes and the new spouse/partner really want biological children with you?

Are you willing to go through the process of having a vasectomy reversal?

Never make a decision of this magnitude when you are being pressured to do so by anyone. Never make a decision like this in haste, always take time to weight all of the facts, get all current information, speak with your doctor, and men you trust who have had experience with vasectomy procedures.

If you have any health issues involving your genital area be especially sure to discuss all aspects of a vasectomy with your doctor.

Take into consideration the health and age of your sexual partner. Always explore options and alternatives before choosing an option that involves a surgical procedure.

Making the decision when the male is young, single, carefree and childless should be made knowing that the future is unknown and could have a big impact on your decision to have a vasectomy today. Any doctor, surgeon or urologist being asked to perform a vasectomy on a healthy, young, single, childless male will most likely ask a lot of questions to be sure that regret will not come up in the future. Reversals are possible but they are expensive and not a certainty that fertility will return. Vasectomy is sterilization and not just a birth control method and should be taken very seriously before the decision is made.

To start exploring your options regarding having a vasectomy talk with your doctor, family planning clinic, community health provider, or urologist. Your doctor may do a physical exam for you and then refer you to a surgeon or urologist for the procedure.

The cost of the procedure should be an important part of your decision. Some major insurance companies will cover part or most of the cost of a vasectomy but you will need to check with your particular health insurance provider to be sure of your policy coverage.

Recommended Reading

1. What Are Your Questions About Having A Vasectomy - The topic of having a vasectomy usually surfaces for married men, when the couple has achieved that "perfect family number",...
2. Top Q And A About Reversing That Vasectomy - A vasectomy should always be considered as a permanent form of birth control and men who want it need to...
3. Making The Choice Between A Vasectomy And A Tubal Ligation - Many couples facing the need for permanent birth control are finding that they should investigate the risks versus benefits between...
4. An Overview Of Different Vasectomy Techniques - Close to 500,000 men each year in the United States opt for a more permanent form of birth control called...
5. The Safety Of The Vasectomy - Having a vasectomy will prevent pregnancy and is a simple operation. There has been about 50 million men to date...