Vasectomy

The vasectomy is a popular birth control choice. In health-related news, doctors have seen an increase in the number of married men opting to have vasectomies done since the recession started in December 2008. It appears that the main reason was to prevent more pregnancies from happening, and hence, lesser expenses in raising children. Well, it's a good reason as this article will tell you.

Vasectomy Explained

A vasectomy is a relatively simple birth control procedure, which is performed in a doctor's clinic. Nowadays, the most widely used method is the so-called no-scalpel vasecotmy non-surgical technique developed by a Chinese doctor in the 1970s.

The doctor makes a tiny puncture where the vas deferens is located under the scrotum's skin. A special instrument is then inserted to stretch, cut and tie the vas deferens, thereby, preventing the passage of sperm into the semen. Both the left and right vas deferens will undergo said operation.

Advantages

There are many benefits to vasectomies, which explains why 500 million men opt for it every year in the United States alone. These advantages are:

• it is a very effective form of birth control, not to mention a permanent one in virtually all cases. Approximately only 15 in 10,000 vasectomized men will get their partners pregnant during the first year after the operation.

• Medically speaking, it is a simpler and cheaper procedure than female sterilization. In general, it will cost 3-4 times lesser than that for a tubal ligation because the former is performed in a clinic while the latter is done in a hospital.

• The side effects and complications are lesser and, often, minor compared to female sterilization. Side effects are limited to bruising, swelling, inflammation and infection, all of which are generally treatable with heat and antibiotics.

• Since it is a no-scalpel procedure, less bleeding and less pain can be expected. And there will be virtually no post-operation scars since stitches are unnecessary in a vasectomy.

• Sexuality and sexual performance are not affected in any way. Erections and climaxes remain the same although some men may complain of decreased feelings of libido. After counseling, however, will go away.

If you are concerned about increasing your risks for prostrate cancer, don't be because various studies negate this concern.

Disadvantages

On the flip side, the main advantage is also its main disadvantage. It is a highly permanent birth control method, which makes it suitable for men who are very sure that more children are not an option in their future.

Admittedly, it can be reversed (called a vasectomy reversal) but only at great cost and major surgery involved. And then there's also the fact that 100 percent success cannot be guaranteed. Although some men will deposit their sperm in a sperm bank for future use - getting their partners pregnant through artificial insemination - it's also very expensive.

When contemplating vasectomy, seek medical advice on the matter. More importantly, discuss the procedure with your partner since it will affect your ability to sire children in the future. Only when you have gained the approval of both these parties can you go ahead with the vasectomy.