Vasectomy Pros vs. Cons

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Vasectomy Pros vs. Cons

With Roe v. Wade being overturned, women’s right to abortions have been affected. Men are stepping up to the plate when it comes to birth control and this has led to a huge increase in vasectomies. In fact, some doctors have seen a 400% increase in vasectomy requests. A vasectomy is a highly effective form of birth control that works by preventing sperm from entering the vas deferens, which is the tube that extends from the testicles to the penis. The sperm cannot reach the penis, which makes it so pregnancy does not occur.

Most men who have had a vasectomy have no regrets. They enjoy the freedom that comes with being able to have sex whenever they want and not have to worry about the possibility of pregnancy. However, a vasectomy is still a surgical procedure, and while it may be a relatively easy one, it still comes with pros and cons that you should know about.

Pros of Vasectomies

A vasectomy is beneficial in many ways:

• It’s effective. Vasectomies have a 99% effective rate, making them one of the most effective forms  of birth control.
• It’s easy. Vasectomies are much easier to perform than tubal ligations. They take less than 30 minutes (sometimes even less than 10 minutes) and do not require general anesthesia.
• They’re cost effective. Vasectomies are much cheaper than tubal ligations. They’re also a lot cheaper than raising a child. In many cases, your insurance may cover the entire cost. 
• Your sex drive won’t be affected. Many men worry that their sex life won’t be the same, but your sex drive, erections, and testosterone levels won’t be affected at all. In fact, some men feel as though their sex life is better after a vasectomy because they no longer have to worry about pregnancy, which makes them feel more relaxed. 

Cons of Vasectomies

Vasectomies do have some downsides, though, such as the following:

• They’re not effective right away. Unlike a tubal ligation, which works right away, a vasectomy takes some time because sperm may still be in the semen. It may take about 20 ejaculations to get rid of all this sperm. Have your doctor check your sperm levels several months after the procedure. Until then, use birth control.
• Side effects. In some cases, men experience bleeding, swelling, and pain after a vasectomy. If it doesn’t go away after a few days, contact your doctor. 
• No protections against STDs. You will still need to use a condom if you’re concerned about sexually transmitted diseases. 

 Contact Us Today

Vasectomies are easy surgeries but they are life-changing procedures. As such, complications can still occur. Make sure to review the pros and cons with your doctor to make sure this procedure is right for you. A New York doctor from Lazare Urology can address your concerns and help you prepare for a vasectomy. Schedule an appointment with our office by calling (718) 568-7516 or filling out the online form. We serve the Brooklyn area.