What is a Vasectomy? Is it the right form of birth control for you?

If you’re absolutely sure you don’t want any more children, vasectomy is right for you.

Vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure that makes a man permanently unable to father a child by keeping the sperm out of semen. Sperm are made in the testicles, and they pass through two small tubes called the vas deferens to other glands, which mixes with seminal fluids to form semen. Vasectomy blocks each vas deferens and keeps sperm out of the seminal fluid.

The procedure involves dividing and sealing the vas deferens so that your semen will not contain sperm, and when you ejaculate during sexual intercourse, you’ll be unable to get a woman pregnant. For your convenience and comfort, this procedure is performed in a private office within a relaxing environment instead of the hospital or surgical center.

About 50 million men worldwide have had a vasectomy, and approximately 500,000 men in the United States undergo the procedure each year. More American married couples rely on vasectomy for family planning than on any other method except female sterilization (tubal ligation) and birth control pills (oral contraceptives).

Although legally you may not be required to have the consent of your wife or partner, vasectomy (or any contraceptive choice) should be best decided as a couple. This is one decision that you may not want to make on your own, and better yet, your partner can come to the consultation visit with you so that you can both ask questions.

Why have a Vasectomy?

  • You would like to enjoy sex without worrying about pregnancy every time
  • Your partner’s health would be threatened by a future pregnancy
  • You do not want to risk passing on a genetic disease or hereditary disability
  • You and your partner do not want to (or cannot) use other kinds of birth control
  • You want to save your partner from the surgery involved in having her tubes tied.

Timing is Everything.
You may not be a candidate if…

  • You are very young with many life changes ahead
  • Your partner is pressuring you into it
  • Your current relationship is unstable or unlikely to last
  • You are under high stress, depressed or having difficulty making important life decisions
  • You are planning to reverse it later – because reversing a vasectomy can be complex and success is variable, you’ll need to carefully consider the pros and cons before proceeding with a vasectomy.

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