Vasectomy Surgery - Should You or Shouldn't You?

A vasectomy surgery is a contraceptive method that involves the cutting of the vas deferens, the channel that facilitates the passage of the sperm from the testes. This male sterilization procedure is generally intended to be permanent. Its proven convenience and efficiency has drawn more than half a million American men to opt for it every year.

Vasectomy appeals to many men since the operating time, as well as the recovery period, is fairly short. The procedure is merely considered as an outpatient case and it rarely requires the confinement of the patient in a hospital. In fact, it can be done right inside the physician's office and can be completed in just half an hour. Assuming that no complications would arise, the patient could return back to work or resume his normal daily activities in as short as TWO days.

A Vasectomy Surgery's Desired Results Could Take Months to Materialize

Although the consequence of vasectomy is sterility, it is still possible for a person who just had his vas channels severed to impregnate a woman. This doesn't mean that the operation was a failure. Sperm sometimes still reside in the duct even after it has already been cut. It usually takes up to three months before all the sperm could be flushed out. Hence, couples should still use other contraceptive methods until such time as the doctor has already determined that the patient's semen is completely free from sperm.

A vasectomy surgery is usually performed by urologists or surgeons who have extensive knowledge on male fertility. There are a number of ways by which the vas deferens may be clipped.

A vasectomy surgery is generally done by making an incision in the scrotal area. The vas deferens would then be severed and sealed off using a laser, suture, or a clamp. The procedure may also be done without the aid of a scalpel. This incision-less procedure involves the use of a pointed hemostat which creates a small hole in the scrotal region. The vas deferens would then be pulled. As no incision is involved, the recovery period is shorter since there is no wound to heal.

It has been claimed that the vasectomy surgery success rate is nearly perfect at 99%. The statistical survey from which the claim has been based took into consideration all surgical methods involving the severance of the vas. Hence, the type of vasectomy is immaterial in so far as efficiency is concerned. As long as the procedure has been performed by a very competent surgeon using the latest tools and procedures, the patient could reasonably expect a 99% chance of success.

One should seriously consider all the advantages and disadvantages of a vasectomy operation before deciding to subject himself to it. The benefits are indeed enticing. The consequences are often irreversible though. If one is already decided that he has no plans of fathering a child anymore, then he may find blissful satisfaction in vasectomy. However, if he is unsure whether he wants to father a child or not in the future, then he should look for an alternative to vasectomy surgery.