The Pros and Cons of Vasectomy

Does the typical American male consider the pros and cons of vasectomy before undergoing it? A good number probably don't and undergo the procedure in response to stressful events in their lives, such as:

• financial problems;
• birth of a child;
• sickness; and/or
• death.

While the stressful event could be temporary, vasectomy is permanent. So considering the pros and cons of vasectomy, as well as its options, this is necessary so you don't end up with lifelong regret.

It's also a good idea to go through psychotherapy or even some informal counseling to know all the pros and cons of vasectomy before undergoing this irreversible procedure.

Vasectomy 101

Vasectomy being a common medical procedure may be taken as both a pro and con. But one of the disadvantages of it being so commonplace is that it may be taken lightly – a simple, convenient procedure almost like getting a haircut.

Approximately 50 million males around the world have had it. In the US, half a million males have a vasectomy EACH YEAR!

It's the family planning method of choice for more married US couples over anything else, apart from oral contraceptives or female sterilization. This means the science behind it is pretty solid and you can be sure you're safe.

Are You a Candidate for Vasectomy?

Statistics show that the typical male who gets a vasectomy has, at least, been married for 10 years. But even if you fall into this category, the procedure may not be for you.

Answer the following questions to find out if vasectomy is for you:

1. Are you both unwilling/unable to choose another method of birth control instead?
2. Does your spouse have an illness that can make it unsafe for her to get pregnant?
3. Do your spouse and you agree that you've all the kids you'll ever want?

Consider these questions to find out if vasectomy is NOT for you:

1. Is pleasing your spouse your main reason for getting a vasectomy?
2. Are you in an unstable, problematic relationship?
3. Are you still uncertain about having more kids?
4. Are you still looking forward to many changes in your life?

Pros and Cons of Vasectomy - 3 Important Considerations
Finally, you and your spouse have to ask yourselves:

1. What if you got a vasectomy and one of your kids died? Would you regret the decision?
2. What if your finances got better, enabling you to afford one more child?
3. What if your spouse dies or you become divorced? Would you still feel the same way?

These are tough questions you'll have to answer. Unfortunately, most doctors who perform vasectomies will not discuss these matters with you. So you'll have to seek counsel yourself.

Talk it out with your spouse, no matter how uncomfortable it is to consider things like death and divorce. It may just save you a whole lot of heartache later on.