Some men fear having a vasectomy because they equate it with castration. This is not true at all! Read the facts and make an informed decision for yourself.

Facts of the matter

Having a vasectomy is still considered the safest, most effective form of male birth control and is not the same as castration. To make an informed decision you, however, need to know both the pros and the cons of the procedure and how to prepare for it.

Procedure

Vasectomy is a relatively simple procedure that entails a cut, a snip and a twist or tie. This is how it is done: A small incision is made in the scrotum (the sack that contains the testicles) and the tubes (vas deferens) in the testicles (through which sperm is deposited in the semen) are pulled out slightly, snipped and tied shut either through stitches, clamps or with heat.

This procedure effectively blocks the passage of those champion swimmers, the sperm, who are dead set on reaching their natural habitat, the semen and via the semen fertilising the female egg during intercourse.

There are two types of procedures:

•    Scalpel vasectomy as described above
•    No-scalpel vasectomy where a special tool is used to make the opening in the scrotum.

Difference between vasectomy and castration

During and after a vasectomy the male body keeps on producing testosterone (the male hormone) and sperm (reproductive cells in the testes). However, after a vasectomy the sperm is prevented from reaching the penis and being ejaculated in the semen, whereas the castrated male body is unable to produce sperm at all.

Pros and cons of vasectomy

There are both positive but also a few negative consequences to having a vasectomy. It is important to take note of both to be able to make an informed decision.

Pros

    • Sex after a vasectomy is just as fulfilling as before but without the fear of pregnancy. Your libido, which is driven by the sex hormone testosterone, will not be affected negatively at all. Research has shown that a decline in sexual desire after a vasectomy is mostly caused by emotional distress and not the vasectomy.
    • This procedure has a very high rate of success (99.85%) and is more effective than other forms of birth control. It should be viewed as a permanent form of sterilisation even though there is the possibility of a reverse operation. It is, relatively “easier” to reverse a vasectomy than female sterilisation.
    • It’s a simple and safe procedure that takes approximately 30 minutes to perform under local anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. Long-term, serious, side-effects are rare and mostly not life-threatening.
    • It is a relatively cheap procedure and does not entail long hours away from work or a lengthy stay in hospital.

Cons

    • Surgery is not immediately effective and some runaway “swimmers” may still be present in your reproductive system after the vasectomy. This means that you have to use some other form of birth control for the first two months after the procedure.
    • Even though the recuperation period after a successful vasectomy is relatively short (2 to 3 days), you will experience some minor pain and discomfort after the operation. You will also be asked not to bath or shower for 48 hours after the procedure.
    • Reversing vasectomies are expensive, risky and complicated procedures that can take up to four hours to perform with only a 50% and less chance of success and a waiting period of up to 12 months before fertility may be restored. It also takes longer to recover after a reversal; up to five weeks.

Recent research findings

Recent (2014) research findings about a possible association between vasectomies and prostate cancer risks where blown way out of proportion. The increase in risk reported by the study, although statistically significant, was small. To put it into perspective, 12.4% of those who had had a vasectomy developed prostate cancer compared with 12.1% of those who hadn’t. This happened over a 24 year period.

Most medical professionals are of the opinion that more study and research is needed before they would advise patients to absolutely reject a vasectomy based on the latest research findings alone.

Make an informed decision

However, the decision to opt for a vasectomy remains a highly personal one in which the potential risks and benefits must be considered. Take your time and make sure that you and your partner do not want any more children. Don’t rush into anything that you may regret later. Make an informed decision.

 

Sources
Jerry, M. Pros and cons of vasectomy: breakdown of the good and the bad Retrieved from: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike
Jerry Liviticus, J. About male sterilization. Retrieved from://www.ehow.com/about 4793604 male-sterilization.html
Preidt, R. 2014. Study links vasectomy to aggressive prostate cancer. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20140710/study-links-vasectomy-to-aggressive-prostate-cancer
Researchers find link between vasectomies and prostate cancer. 2014. Retrieved from: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-09-10/health/bs-hs-prostate-cancer-vasectomies-20140910_1_prostate-cancer-vasectomies-clinical-oncology
Siegel, J. 2011. Weghing the pros and cons of vasectomy. Retrieved from: http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent:aspx?cid=14105
The pros & cons of a vasectomy procedure. Retrieved from: http//www.wahm.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-vasectomy-procedure.html
Vasectomy-associated prostate cancer risk ‘small’. 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2014/07July/Pages/Vasectomy-associated-prostate-cancer-risk-small.aspx

 

Revised by M van Os