Vasectomy is a fairly non-invasive, quick and painless procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office. Still, it is not something that you should rush into.
Although the current advances in surgical techniques allows vasectomies to be reversed, a vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of birth control. A vasectomy reversal is a more expensive and complicated procedure, and you health insurance may not cover it.
Also, you may think that you are absolutely certain that you want to undergo a vasectomy, but research shows that 2-6 percent of men who have a vasectomy will later seek a reversal. This is mainly due to unexpected events, such as a spouse dying or a couple getting divorced.
So before you decide on a vasectomy, you need to absolutely determine that you do not want to father another child. If you are in a relationship, you should talk to your partner before deciding whether a vasectomy is the right choice for both of you.
Questions to ask your partner
Here are several topics that you might want to discuss with your partner:
- Why do you want to have a vasectomy?
- What other birth control options are available to you and your partner? How do these compare to a vasectomy?
- Do both of you feel like your family is complete?
- Would either one of you consider having children in the future?
- Would you want more children if you divorced or if your partner died?
- Are you having a vasectomy because of financial or emotional reasons? (These may not be the best reasons for undergoing this procedure.)
If you and your partner choose a vasectomy for the right reasons, you can avoid regretting your decision later.
Questions to ask your doctor
You do not need your partner’s permission before having a vasectomy. She also does not need to be present when you meet with your doctor, but you may want to consider inviting her so she can ask questions about the procedure.
Your doctor will be able to answer any questions that you and your partner have about vasectomy, such as:
- How effective is a vasectomy?
- Does a vasectomy work immediately?
- What happens to the sperm after a vasectomy?
- Will a vasectomy affect your erections or sex life?
- How soon after the procedure can you have sex?
- What are the complications with a vasectomy?
- How much does a vasectomy cost? Does your health insurance cover it?
- Can a vasectomy be reversed? How much do those procedures cost? Does your health insurance cover them?
- Does your partner need to come to the doctor’s office with you when you have your vasectomy? Can she stay with you during the procedure?
One of the most important things you can do before your vasectomy is to take time to learn about the procedure. This includes talking with your partner about what a vasectomy entails and what it means for you, your partner and your family.
If both of you educate yourselves beforehand and are on the same page, you will be more likely to have a positive experience.
Updated on August 1, 2016
