What Are Your Vasectomy Concerns

When contemplating having a vasectomy, there are concerns that every man has, whether or not they vocalize them. Here are some of the most common ones that doctor's hear and how they are addressed to alleviate the worst fears about the most sensitive of all male "parts". Accurate information and a doctor willing to listen are the two best ways to answer the concerns about having a vasectomy.

Males are very protective of the genital region and fear anything that may injure them in that area. Just the thought of anything sharp coming near that region and well, even the most macho of males will bolt the room rather than stay and discuss that!

Usually the discussion regarding have a vasectomy is either very short or one-sided. Occasionally a man may actually bring up the topic, but it usually is discussed when the topic of birth control comes up or family planning in after the desired number of offspring have been born. Men typically can understand the long-term benefits of having a vasectomy; it is the short-term consequences of actually having it that has them concerned. In some instances it is a huge step that only the man can take to further the couple's relationship plans.

Men can alleviate their fear by investigating the no-scalpel procedure. This procedure is just as effective as the traditional vasectomy, is safe, and only takes about 15 minutes to do once all the paperwork and prep work is done.

A real common concern is the "pain" that may be experienced. No one likes to be in pain and men, especially do not want to admit to being concerned about the pain. They may voice concern over not feeling well enough to return to work, or to have sex…but what they really mean is, " will it hurt?" The actual procedure should not be painful. The man will feel some pulling during the procedure and after the anesthesia wears off, the man will feel some degree of discomfort that can easily be taken care of by taking an analgesic such as Tylenol. The doctor may give a prescription for pain as well as to list the over-the-counter pain medication that is acceptable to take. The man can also apply ice packs to the area and wear an athletic supporter to also help give comfort.

Another concern for most men contemplating having a vasectomy is that of risk factors. They should know that a vasectomy is both safe and a relatively simple and minor surgical procedure that only requires a local anesthesia. Problems stemming from a vasectomy are very rare and if any do occur, there are remedies that can correct them. Problems are limited to infections, swelling, bleeding, bruising, inflammation and a small lump that is possible as a result of sperm leakage.

Males are also usually concerned about losing libido (sexual ability), which is of course not a normal occurrence at all after a vasectomy. The procedure can only prevent sperm from getting to the semen it does nothing else. The scrotum will feel and look the same, ejaculation is going to happen just as before the procedure except that there will not be any sperm in it at least not after the next 20 ejaculations following the procedure.

The male and female partner may both be concerned about the failure rate for vasectomy. The failure rate is between 1% and 2%, which is a lot less than other birth control methods. During the first 20 ejaculations after the vasectomy and until the male has a negative sperm count test, the couple will need to use alternate birth control until all the sperm are out of the man's system for sure. Any sperm produced after the procedure will dissolve and be reabsorbed into the male body just as other non-used sperm does.

Some men are concerned about lost work time. Usually the doctor will tell the man to avoid any physical strenuous activity like heavy lifting for one week following the procedure and that men typically return to work within 3 days of the procedure. Men report feeling totally back to normal within one to two weeks of the procedure.

Anyone thinking about having a vasectomy as their birth control method should feel free to discuss any of the concerns with the medical staff involved in the procedure. All questions should be addressed before the procedure.

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