Why You Should Never Get A Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a permanent, surgical procedure that involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles). This prevents sperm from reaching the sperm duct and fertilizing an egg. In other words, it’s a form of male contraception.
Vasectomies are one of the most effective forms of birth control, with a success rate of over 99%. But that doesn’t mean they’re without risk. If you’re thinking about getting one, read this article to learn about the downsides.
7 reasons why you shouldn’t get a vasectomy
1. The procedure is uncomfortable
Vasectomies are typically done under local anesthesia, which means you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain in the area being operated on. However, you may feel some discomfort from the needle used to numb the area.
After the procedure, you can expect to experience soreness for a while, and you’ll have to go easy so as not to strain the area. You might also experience discomfort when urinating.
2. They’re (mostly) permanent
Vasectomies are considered a permanent form of contraception. Although the surgery can sometimes be reversed, it’s not always successful. And even if the reversal surgery is successful, it’s not guaranteed that you will be able to father children.
3. It’s not 100% effective
No form of contraception is 100% effective, but vasectomies are about as close as you can get. However, there have been rare instances where men have fathered children after getting a vasectomy.
Thus, you’ll need to bear in mind that you can still get a woman pregnant even though you’ve had the procedure. Any female partners you have should also be aware of the risks of pregnancy.
4. There might be complications
Complications from vasectomies are rare but they can happen. The most common complications include pain, swelling, and bruising at the site of the incision.
There is also a small risk of infection. In very rare cases, men have experienced more serious complications like blood clots or nerve damage.
5. Vasectomies don’t protect against STDs
Vasectomies only prevent pregnancy—they don’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you or your partner has an STD, you can still pass it on through sexual intercourse despite having a vasectomy.
So if you’re not in a monogamous relationship and you’re not using another form of protection, getting a vasectomy isn’t going to do much to prevent the spread of disease.
6. The recovery process takes time
It takes time to fully heal after a vasectomy, so don’t expect to be having sex until at least a week after the surgery.
And you won’t be off the hook then, either. You’ll still need to use other forms of birth control for up to 3 months after the procedure, as it takes this amount of time for the remaining sperm in your tubes to die.
7. You might regret it later
According to John Hopkins Medicine, about 6% of men who got vasectomies regretted their decision later on down the road.
If you think there’s even the slightest chance that you might want children in the future, a vasectomy isn’t right for you. Because, although it is reversible, that’s not always the case.
In fact, only up to 55% of vasectomies are reversible, which means that 45% fail. That’s a pretty big risk to take if you’re not 100% sure about your decision.
Conclusion
As with any permanent surgical procedure, it’s important to do your research and listen to your gut before moving forward with a vasectomy. If you do decide to get one, know the risks involved and approach it with open eyes.