Is a Vasectomy Right for You? Key Facts Every Man Should Know

Is a Vasectomy Right for You? Key Facts Every Man Should Know

In the United States, approximately 500,000 men undergo vasectomies every year. It is a common urological procedure that is the male version of “getting their tubes tied,” so to speak. A vasectomy allows a man to be infertile so he can no longer father children. 

A vasectomy is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that takes 30 minutes at the most, including the recovery period. For a woman to undergo a tubal ligation, recovery can take months. Plus, the procedure is much more invasive. However, women are much more likely to undergo a tubal ligation than a man is to undergo a vasectomy. 

A lot of this is due to fear based on myths. Many men are scared a vasectomy will affect their manliness. They fear they will lose their libido or face long-term health issues.  Here are the facts when it comes to vasectomies:

• A vasectomy does not affect a man’s testosterone level.
• There is no impact on sex drive or sexual activity.
• The man will still produce sperm, but it will not get into the semen.
• There are no long-term health risks.
• While a vasectomy prevents pregnancies, it does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Is a Vasectomy Right for Me?

A vasectomy is not for every man. Here’s how to determine if one is right for you:

• Permanent birth control. A vasectomy is designed to be a lifelong decision. While reversals exist, they are expensive, not always successful, and should not be relied upon. If you have even a small desire for future biological children, you might want to explore reversible birth control options instead, such as condoms and IUDs or pills for partners.
• Personal reasons. While it’s ultimately your decision, discussing a vasectomy with a partner is crucial if you’re in a long-term relationship. Some partners may have strong feelings about keeping the option for children open. Additionally, if you’re single, consider how a vasectomy might impact future relationships, as potential partners may want kids, and this could limit your options.
• Age considerations. Studies show that younger men (under 30) who get vasectomies have a higher rate of regret, especially if they experience major life changes, such as remarriage or the loss of a child. If you’re younger, you may want to reflect on whether your feelings about children might change over time.
• Effectiveness and simplicity. A vasectomy is one of the most effective birth control methods, with a 99.9% success rate after the initial clearance period (about three months). The procedure is simple, done under local anesthesia in 30 minutes or less, with minimal downtime. Most men return to work within a few days. 

Contact Us Today

A vasectomy is the recommended form of birth control, but is it right for you? Take a look at your life circumstances and discuss the situation with your partner.  A vasectomy can give you peace of mind if you are done with your family.

Contact Dr. Jon Lazare from Lazare Urology to discuss the procedure and if you are a good candidate. Call (718) 369-3300 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today. We serve the Brooklyn area.

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