Most Common Vasectomy Misconceptions

Vasectomy is a common procedure for men, and is an excellent form of non-drug permanent birth control for couples.

Let’s be honest: When it comes to birth control, many of us think about condoms or the pill as reliable options. And they are … to some degree. But, mention a 100-percent effective way to prevent pregnancy, like a vasectomy, and your spouse may instinctively wince. What about getting your tubes tied? Before you prep your significant other for surgery, listen to this: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, vasectomies are a safer, more reliable and easier form of surgical sterilization – and it’s half the cost of a tubal ligation. Plus, most insurance plans cover vasectomies.

Vasectomy Stigma

Medical research and science aside, why is there still so much fear surrounding a vasectomy? The problem is that there are many misconceptions or misunderstandings about how a vasectomy works. Many people don’t realize just how liberating it can be – for them and their loved ones. If you are done having kids (or don’t ever want them), we have created a list of common vasectomy misconceptions, so you can move forward with your family-planning needs without fear.

6 Common Myths About Vasectomies

To help you make an informed decision, it’s important to debunk some common vasectomy myths:

1.

Myth: A vasectomy will affect your sexual performance.
Truth: A vasectomy will not affect libido, or sexual drive, or your testosterone. The purpose of the procedure is to prevent semen travel, which in turn prevents pregnancy. Men have even reported higher sexual satisfaction after a vasectomy.

2.

Myth: A vasectomy will cause severe pain.
Truth: You may be surprised to know that a vasectomy hurts just as little as a pinch or prick. Before starting the procedure, the doctor injects local anesthesia or a numbing agent directly into the scrotum area. This makes the procedure practically painless. Pain-relieving medications are prescribed to prevent any post-procedure pain.

3.

Myth: Testosterone levels will decrease.
Truth: True, the testicle makes both sperm and testosterone. The difference is, the testicle makes testosterone and transports it through the bloodstream, not the vas deferens. Testosterone levels don’t go down as a result of vasectomy.

4.

Myth: Vasectomy can lead to prostate cancer.
Truth: Having a vasectomy does not increase the risk of or cause prostate cancer. Many researchers have conducted studies on the subject and found no evidence of an association between the two. Sperm production has nothing to do with prostate cancer development.

5.

Myth: Vasectomy recovery is long and difficult.
Truth: It is a simple and very quick procedure. The person undergoing the procedure can return home the same day. Within 3-4 days, he can resume office/work. He can begin to perform sexual activities and normal exercise within a week and completely recovers within 15 days.

6.

Myth: You won’t be able to ejaculate.
Truth: If you can ejaculate before your vasectomy, you’ll ejaculate after your vasectomy. Ejaculatory fluid, semen, is made in the prostate and the seminal vesicles, which are not cut during a vasectomy. The muscle contractions that force fluid out during ejaculation come from the pelvis and, again, are not affected by vasectomy.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line: Vasectomy is one of the safest, most effective and most reliable form of permanent birth control. If you and your partner would like to have sex without worrying about having (more) kids, vasectomy is a great option. Talk to your physician to get more information.