Editor’s Note: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida School of Medicine.
As a urologist, I have done countless vascular resections. They are bread and butter of my profession. When I’m not doing the procedure, I look at even one partner and man to discuss its safety, simplicity and effectiveness. I realized, like many men, I was thinking about whether it was time to get it.
Perhaps it is a recent Supreme Court decision on reproduction that encourages more men to take positive consideration of their role in birth control. Or, it is part of a larger cultural shift to shared responsibility for family and planning. Again, as a urologist who has seen an increase in the number of men seeking consultations for vascular resection, I understand better how common this conversation has become.
An estimated 500,000 men in the United States choose psychoresectomy as a form of birth control each year. And if you’re like me and are considering vasectomy, or if you’re interested in this procedure as a form of birth control, here are the top things you should know.
Vasectomy is a minor office-based procedure that usually requires minimal preparation. You can eat the day of the procedure, wear a T-shirt and shorts, or relax. (If you choose to do a vasectomy in the operating room, you may need more preparation.) If you are in the doctor’s office, it will take 10-20 minutes to run.
After numbing the scrotum with a local anesthetic, the urologist creates a small opening in the skin. From there, the doctor finds vas deferens. A tightly coiled duct called epidimis in the urethra before ejaculation. Vas Deferens feels like pre-cooked spaghetti.
The tube is pulled out of the small opening, cut off, sealed or blocked, preventing sperm from mixing with the semen. This procedure is performed in a similar way, on both sides, both Vas Deferens. The ends of the cut are returned to the scrotum and the openings may be sealed with skin adhesive. After that, you can go home and rest.
Expect pain in the scrotum and surrounding area. I recommend that patients rest for 1-2 days, wear supportive underwear and apply ice packs to their scrotum for about 20 minutes every hour. It is recommended to take over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary for pain or discomfort. For about 1-2 weeks, or your doctor will recommend it.
Complications after arrest are rare, but may include minor bruises, swelling and temporary discomfort around the area where the procedure was performed. Although rare, infections can occur and if caught early, they are usually resolved quickly with antibiotics. Approximately 1% to 2% of men may experience pain after chronic vaginalectomy, which usually improves over time, but in rare cases it may last and require further treatment.
The important thing to remember is that you won’t be barren immediately. Usually, it takes several weeks and about 30 ejaculation to remove the remaining sperm. Your urologist will check your fertility with semen analysis that can be done in the lab or can use a new home test kit. However, we will continue to use another form of birth control until it is officially cleared. It is essential to ensure that you are infertile, as only one sperm is required to achieve pregnancy.
General myths and truths
I have heard all the myths about vascular resection, so I would like to share the answers to some of the most common questions men ask me during our consultation.
Many men are concerned about testosterone levels, sexual impulses, or low sexual function after vascular resection. It’s not true. In fact, many couples report increased sexual activity and satisfaction after semen excision, as they no longer have to worry about pregnancy. You still have ejaculation – almost the same amount and sensation – but you’ll end up “shooting a blank” as your semen no longer contains sperm.
Despite what you’ve heard, multimadness is not the only good time for vasectomy. Many men choose to boldly recover their football and their favorite shows. The truth is that you can safely book your procedure whenever you meet your schedule.
While some men believe that vascular resection is expensive or not covered by insurance, most insurance plans cover the procedure completely or partially. Even if you’re paying your own out-of-payment, the cost is less than $1,000, but the price ranges from $500 to $3,000 depending on your location and whether you choose anesthesia. It’s worth shopping, but always choose a qualified urologist who has been certified and experienced in performing angiectomy. It’s not worth compromise just to save a few dollars. But let’s face it. Compared to the monthly cost of just diapers (about $100 a month until your child is potty training), vasectomy is an economic victory.
It’s not very common, but I see men without children choosing to have a vasectomy. why? It’s a solid lifestyle decision, often because you are concerned about going through a certain genetic condition or absolutely certain that paternity is not the future. During consultation, we openly discuss the motivations for making this decision and review the pros and cons. One big scam is the persistent nature of the procedure. Yes, there is a reversal of vascular resection – and I do it myself for the patient – but I do not advise you to undergo vascular resection, assuming it is temporary. The reversal procedure is expensive and not always successful. If you’re not sure if you want children or not, pause and seriously rethink your decision. Ultimately, it remains your personal choice.
Men who need birth control can use condoms and avoid sex entirely. There are also research into male birth control tablets, injections and “switches.”
Women have birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injections, patches, vaginal rings, and tubal ligation.
Each of these methods has its own advantages, disadvantages and effectiveness rates, so in-depth discussions with healthcare providers and partners can help you make the best choice.
Determining a vasectomy is not easy. I’m with you, so I should know. My advice is not to hurry. Talk to your partner, ask your doctor all the questions you have during your consultation, and think about what this means for your future. However, make sure that no matter what decision you make, you feel it is right for you.
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