Vasectomy Explained: What It Is + Advantages & Risks To Consider

“Vasectomy Explained” is an informational article that introduces this procedure and explores important things to know.

Researched, written by Amber & The Team
Updated on May 19, 2023

Middle Age Couple Hugging After Getting Vasectomy Explained To Them

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If you are looking into permanent male birth control methods, you have probably heard about vasectomy surgery. Vasectomy is known to be almost 100% effective and is often recommended to couples who do not want to have kids in the future.

Before you decide to go through a vasectomy procedure, there are a couple of things you should know. Schedule a consultation with your doctor, or visit the vasectomy clinic to talk honestly about the procedure, your expectations, fears, and other things.

Vasectomy Explained

Let’s take a look at this intriguing procedure.

What is a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is surgery, usually done in the doctor’s office, in a clinic, or in a hospital. During this surgery, your doctor will cut and block the tubes in charge of transferring sperm to the semen, called vas deferens. Because of this, your semen will become sterile, and you can avoid unwanted pregnancies in the future.

Your doctor can choose to perform the traditional or no-scalpel vasectomy procedure. Both are designed to do the same thing but are performed differently.

The traditional vasectomy requires a surgeon to make cuts on each side of the scrotum with a scalpel. Through these cuts, they can reach the vas deferens, cut and block them.
During the no-scalpel vasectomy procedure, your surgeon will use a device designed to make tiny puncture wounds. They will use those puncture wounds to reach the vas deferens, in order to make your semen sterile. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.

Advantages Of Getting a Vasectomy

Vasectomies are nearly 100% effective. Research says that 1 in 2000 women get pregnant after having sex with a partner who has had a vasectomy. This makes vasectomy surgery a very reliable birth control method.

No need for general anesthesia. The vasectomy is a very quick surgery that does not carry many risks. It can be done in the doctor’s office, and there is no need for general anesthesia. Instead, your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area.

Lower health risks. When compared to tubal ligations, a vasectomy carries fewer risks. You do not have to go under general anesthesia, which lessens the risks of anesthesia complications alone. There is also less risk of bleeding and infection, and there are no vital organs in the area where the procedure is done.

Insurance might cover the procedure. In most cases, your insurance will cover the vasectomy surgery, which means the overall cost will be significantly lower. But you need to check this with your insurance.

Your sexual desires will not be affected. You do not have to worry about your sexual drive, performance, or even the production of semen. The only thing a vasectomy surgery does is make your semen sterile.

The procedure is almost always reversible. While it is not advised that you go through with the surgery if you are not 100% sure that you do not want to have biological children in the future, the vasectomy can be reversed in most cases.

What About Vasectomy Risks?

The biggest risk of vasectomy surgery is that you might change your mind. In cases the vasectomy reversal does not work, you would have to look into other ways of having a biological child. For example, Vitro fertilization is an option, but this method is a bit expensive and not always effective.

The vasectomy procedure can also carry a few side effects. Some of these include:

Bleeding or hematoma inside the scrotum.
Bruising of the scrotum.
Blood in the semen.
Mild pain and discomfort.
Infection of the surgery site.

If you feel anything out of the ordinary, make sure to call your doctor. Before and after vasectomy, your doctor should tell you everything you need to know about the surgery and what you can expect. Having a fever, extreme pain, blood oozing, or anything similar is not normal.

Make sure to always visit your doctor, even if your questions seem minor and not important. You can also consider visiting a vasectomy clinic for help.

Man Debating Before Getting A Vasectomy

Final word

A vasectomy is an effective permanent birth control method that can prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is a good choice for couples who do not want to have kids in the future.

In most cases, the vasectomy can be reversed, but you should never go through with it unless you are 100% that this is the right birth control method for you. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor to learn more.