As most people know, a vasectomy is one of the few permanent birth control options. Most birth control options require daily pill taking, monthly or yearly updating, or in the moment action, whereas a vasectomy is birth control that you never again have to think about once the procedure is done.

This surgical procedure is done on men to stop the delivery of sperm through the vas deferens. By making a small incision through the scrotum, the vas deferens, which are the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles, can be cut and cauterized.

This is a fairly simple procedure and is a great option for some men and couples, however, there are a few things you need to know and think about before you choose to get a vasectomy.

You And Your Partner Should Be in Agreement

Given the permanency of this birth control option, this is a decision that should not be made lightly. You and your partner should thoughtfully consider all your options and discuss your feelings around the topic before deciding to have a vasectomy.

If both you and your partner are on the same page about the following topics, a vasectomy could be a good option for you.

  • You are certain you do not want any more ( or any at all) Kids.
  • Your partner should not get pregnant for their own health or is not able to have successful pregnancies
  • You or your partner are carriers of genetic disorders you do not want to pass on to children

A vasectomy may not be the right option for you if any of the following are true:

  • You are unsure of your plans for children in the future
  • You want temporary birth control
  • You desire to have children in the future

A Vasectomy is Safe And Effective With Little Down Time

For a more in depth look at how we perform vasectomies check out our blog post about no needle and no scalpel vasectomies. This surgical procedure is quick and fairly painless, especially when done in the hands of our experienced vasectomy doctors in Dayton, Ohio.

This procedure is done under local anesthesia which means only the affected area is numb and you are awake through the process. This may sound intimidating but it is quick and effective. This also means you get to go home that same day to rest and recover. There is very little down time after a vasectomy. You can return to work after 3 days, resume normal exercise after 7 days and even return to sexual activity after 7 days.

A Vasectomy Will Not Affect Your Sexual Functioning

Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions and biggest fears that come up when discussing vasectomies is how it will affect sexual functioning. The good news is, vasectomies will not affect your sexual functioning at all.

Your sex drive should remain the same and the procedure should not impair your ability to obtain an erection or orgasm. Even your ejaculation will look the same, it just won’t contain any sperm.

There is a Waiting Period Until You are Sterile

It is very important to note that sterilization doesn’t happen right away after a vasectomy. So while you can resume sexual activity after a week, you need to use alternative birth control until your sperm sample comes back free and clear and you get the okay from your doctor. This usually takes up to 20 ejaculations or 2 months.

A Vasectomy Can be Reversed, But It’s Much More Complicated

Yes, it is possible to have a vasectomy reversed. Life circumstances change and maybe you decide you do want to have a baby. This could still be possible, however, a vasectomy reversal is much more complicated than the vasectomy itself.

A vasectomy is a simple procedure that may take around 20 minutes, where a reversal can take up to 4 to 6 hours. It is a much more delicate procedure to repair the vas deferens after they are cut. For this reason a vasectomy is considered a permanent procedure.

Ask your doctor about alternative options such as sperm retrieval should you change your mind after a vasectomy.