Will it affect my masculinity? No!
Vasectomy only blocks the release of sperm. It does not affect hormone production. It does not cause hair loss, voice change, erection problems or loss of desire. Sex, orgasm and ejaculation are not affected. In fact many men report improvement in their sex life once the fear of pregnancy is gone.
Is it Painful ? No!
The modern No-Scalpel Vasectomy is almost painless. Many men say it is more of a "discomfort" than an actual pain. Every effort is made to make the vasectomy as easy and as comfortable an experience as possible. Valium, Ativan, Tylenol with Codeine, etc. are almost never required, just Advil.
Now that the important questions have been answered, read on···
- What is a vasectomy?
It is a procedure to cut each vas and close the ends, thereby blocking the flow of sperm into the semen.
- Is a vasectomy reversible?
Yes, but it is expensive and there is no guarantee of fertility, so: do not even consider vasectomy unless you are sure you never want to have more children.
- Men under 25 years old, men with marital problems men recently separated or divorced, are the ones most likely to regret the vasectomy at a later date.
- those with very young children might want to consider postponing a vasectomy until the child is six months old, just in case some tragedy like a crib death would cause regret later.
** PRE-VASECTOMY SPERM BANKING (cryopreservation) is another option for anyone wanting "insurance". The cost is approximately $300 to process and store for 2 years. In Vancouver, call Genesis Fertility Centre (located at 12th & Cambie) (604)879-3032 for information. Similar facilities are likely available in your community.
- What's a No-Scalpel Vasectomy?
NSV is just a simplified way of getting to the vas. It has gained increasing popularity since introduced to the West about 10 years ago. Instead of cutting the scrotal skin, it is punctured with a fine instrument. The vas is gently lifted out, where it can be divided and blocked with cautery and small clips. This method is safe and reliable, about 8x less likely than a traditional vasectomy to develop a hematoma or infection. There is usually little or no pain.
In this practice, no shaving is required.
- What is an Open-ended Vasectomy?
This is what many consider the best method of blocking the vas. Once the vas is divided, the end from the testicle is left open. The end leading to the penis is cauterized, then the two ends are separated from each other by holding some connective tissue between them with a small titanium clip.
- Will I have to miss work or sports?
It is recommended that you avoid heavy lifting or exertion both at work and at play for about a week, so it depends on your job. Most men try to schedule the procedure to get at least 2 days to relax after. Thursdays or Fridays usually work best for most people.
- Why not just let my wife get her tubes tied instead?
Tubal ligation is more dangerous since it requires a general anesthetic. It also has a higher failure rate than vasectomy. A failed tubal ligation has a 30% chance of ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially life threatening condition.
Also, your wife had the kids,
so now it's your turn to participate !
- Are there possible complications?
Like anything in life, yes, but they are rare.
MOST EXPERTS AGREE THERE ARE NO SERIOUS COMPLICATIONS THAT WE KNOW OF TO DATE. For detailed information see The NSV BOOK.
- How effective is NSV?
In this practice the success rate to date has been 99.5%. Those odds are considerably better than just about anything else out there, including tubal ligation. Unfortunately there is always that rare person whose sperm is more tenacious than spawning salmon, and they manage to "recanalize" an opening around the blockage. That's why it's so important to use alternative birth control until the semen is checked to make sure the operation has worked.
- What happens to the sperm after vasectomy?
Sperm continues to be produced but it slows down and they don’t mature. The body’s immune system dissolves them as fast as they are produced and recycles the molecules for other uses.
- What is the cost?
Vasectomy is covered under BC Medical. Performing it in the office is less costly for the medical plan. Those without BC Medical can pay privately for the operation. There is a $40.00 fee to cover the cost of the special items used to make your vasectomy comfortable.
- What do I do if I'm interested?
You must have a doctor’s referral. Then you can see our website to register online to have the consult and vasectomy in one visit or call the office for a consultation appointment. Bring your partner if possible. You will meet Dr. Rich, discuss any concerns and be examined. You can then book the procedure before you leave or call back when you are ready.
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