When it comes to birth control, there’s few contraceptive methods as reliable as the vasectomy. Whether it’s a married father keen to keep a big brood from expanding even further, or a child-free man keen to remain that way, vasectomy surgery is a sure-fire way of ensuring higher levels of success with minimal side effects. Keen to learn more about the procedure and whether it might be the right route for you? Your Parenting Info has put together some essential reading that covers all key areas you’ll want to consider.
The Loss of Libido Myth
The long-standing misconception that having a vasectomy will diminish a man’s sex drive and libido has somehow managed to endure to this day, despite there being no scientific evidence to support this. A vasectomy is a simple sterilization procedure, causing no disturbance to nerves and blood vessels in the vicinity of the testicles. Erection, orgasm and ejaculation aren’t affected in the slightest, ensuring sex lives can be continued on with as normal.
Effects Aren’t Immediate
Although vasectomies are an incredibly effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancy, it’s important to remember that the sterilization procedure doesn’t take effect right away. After the procedure is carried out, it takes an average of three months for semen to become completely free of sperm, with final assessment carried out by a doctor to confirm this. It’s imperative that patients who’ve undergone a vasectomy continue to use conventional birth control methods until this final test is carried out and cleared.
It’s a Reversible Procedure
Vasectomy surgery has come a long way since its inception. Today, vasectomy reversal is commonplace, with non-invasive procedures and an impressive success rate that can peak past 90 percent in some instances. That being said, it’s crucial that prospective patients make an informed choice when it comes to reversal surgery. Vasectomy reversal cost is often a deciding factor, but those keen to ensure a stronger chance of success should focus more on securing a surgeon with extensive experience in the microsurgical field. Institutions like Urology Georgia are a prime example of where cutting-edge surgical therapies and treatment options combine with first-rate patient care at every step.
Prostate Cancer Link
Alongside the enduring myth of the lost libido, more alarming dialogues have arisen around potential links between vasectomies and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Although debate on this topic refuses to die in certain circles, rigorous studies have shown no association between the vasectomy procedure and any grade of prostate cancer.
Side Effects
Although it’s a largely safe operation, a vasectomy does pose risk of short and long-term side effects and potential complications. Bruising of the scrotum, mild pain and general discomfort and swelling is not altogether uncommon, although most men don’t report substantial levels pain and irritation. In most cases, any pain and discomfort symptoms can be alleviated with prescription medication until they abate.
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