Are you thinking about getting a vasectomy? It’s a simple procedure that cuts your vas deferens tubes to prevent sperm from mixing with semen, and it’s one of the most reliable methods of permanent birth control available.
No-scalpel vasectomies at Advanced Urology are safe and effective — but our team understands that getting a vasectomy is a highly personal decision. And we’re here to help you figure out if it’s the best choice for you.
Here are the questions you should ask yourself before scheduling your vasectomy:
Vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control. The procedure stops sperm from mixing with your semen, and without sperm, you’re infertile.
That means the most important thing to consider before getting a vasectomy is whether you want children in the future. If you’re absolutely certain you don’t want the option of fathering a child, then a vasectomy is a safe and simple way to prevent pregnancy. If you’re not sure whether you want to have a child in the future, then a vasectomy may not be the best choice for you.
Your relationship status could affect your decision to get a vasectomy in several ways. If you’re in a committed, long-term relationship, it’s important to discuss vasectomy with your partner. Since it’s a permanent method of birth control, you should make sure you’re both in agreement about not having children in the future.
On the other hand, not all men who get vasectomies are in relationships. If you’re currently single, think about how vasectomy might impact future relationships. Maybe you want to avoid accidental pregnancy with future partners, and a vasectomy is a good choice for you. Maybe you want the option to have a baby when you meet the right person later on, and you decide to wait.
For some women, pregnancy is very risky and can even be life-threatening. For others, hormonal birth control causes severe symptoms that interfere with daily life. And since vasectomy is a safe, effective way to avoid pregnancy, some couples choose it because it’s the best way to protect the woman’s health while still maintaining an active sex life.
Vasectomy is a simple, in-office procedure. It takes just a few minutes, but a recovery period is required — and more importantly, vasectomies don’t prevent pregnancy right away.
Take a few days to rest following your vasectomy. We give you instructions for recovery, which typically includes using ice packs and wearing supportive underwear for a few days.
It’s safe to start having sex within about two days, but your semen still contains sperm for about two months after getting a vasectomy. You must use other methods of birth control during this time. Our team performs semen analyses in the weeks after your vasectomy, and once we confirm that sperm is absent, you can stop using other contraceptives.
You should only get a vasectomy if you’re sure you don’t want to father a child in the future. But, it’s no secret that life is unpredictable. If you had a vasectomy and you’ve changed your mind, vasectomies can be reversed.
Our team performs microscopic vasectomy reversal, which is one of the most reliable ways to reverse the procedure — even if it was done years ago. The efficacy of vasectomy reversal depends on a handful of factors, like your age and overall health, so talk to our team about your options.
Still have questions about getting a vasectomy? Want to find out if the procedure is a good option for you? We’re here to help. Advanced Urology has offices in Los Angeles, Culver City, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro, California. Call the location nearest you or send us a message online now.
