Vasectomies can be a tricky subject for some men and having that conversation with your partner can be challenging. The decision to have a vasectomy is a very personal one, which only you can make for yourself. Having said that, with everything in life, sometimes it can help to discuss it with a loved one. If you decide to have the snip chat with your partner, here are some things you might like to consider discussing during your conversation.
Let’s start with the basics.
Learning about the vasectomy procedure and what to expect is a great place to start.
Many men choose vasectomy as a form of birth control. It involves preventing the sperm from entering the ejaculate fluid, by cutting off or blocking the tubes that carry the sperm. Sperm and testosterone continue to be produced in the testes, but the sperm simply can’t escape and fertilize an egg.
For those who are sure they don’t want to have children, the vasectomy procedure is the most effective form of contraception. With the popularity of vasectomies growing, over 1 in 4 Australian men over the age of 40 have undergone the procedure. Their popularity is thanks to their low cost and low risk attributes.
Understanding the procedure allows you to have an informed discussion and open communication about what getting a vasectomy means for you and your partner.
Understanding the procedure
At Dr Snip, we perform open-ended vasectomies, meaning our procedures usually take between 5-15 minutes. They are simple and virtually pain-free thanks to our signature microKeyhole™ no-scalpel method. The procedure isolates the vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm to the penis), they are then snipped and sealed off so the sperm loses access to the outside world. The sperm are then forced to travel back into the scrotum, where they are absorbed by the body, without any adverse effects for you. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic, so it’s safe for you to drive home.
Dr Snip’s no-scalpel vasectomy is the least invasive type of vasectomy surgery you can have. This means the chances of experiencing pain or any side effects are extremely low. Most patients don’t need any more than a few quiet days to rest and recover. This is great news for busy men (and for their partners too), who may be juggling busy work schedules, kids’ activities, and other commitments. This procedure gives you and your partner freedom.
Getting back to business
It’s a common concern and a valid question: how long after a vasectomy can I have sex? The answer is really determined by you and your comfort levels.
If you’re feeling up to it, there’s no reason why you can’t jump back in the sack after a few days. Just keep in mind that it can take 8-12 weeks for your semen to be free of any sperm that have continued to hang around in your reproductive tract post-vasectomy (everyone is different). In that time frame, you’ll still need to use some other form of contraception to prevent a pregnancy.
At the 12-week mark, the Dr Snip team will provide you with a pathology request form to ensure that you are in fact, sterile. After that, it’s happy days! You can get back to enjoying your sex life without the risk of pregnancy. We know the partners will be happy to hear this one.
Addressing the misinformation
It is common that myths and misinformation can make some people worried about themselves or their partner having a vasectomy. Understandably, a lot of the concerns tend to centre around sexuality, libido, and of course, orgasms.
Well, you’ll be pleased to know, there should be absolutely no impact on sex drive, erections, or orgasms. The semen (minus the sperm) remains exactly the same and for many men, their sexual appetite has even been seen to increase following a vasectomy, thanks to the freedom it creates.
Is permanent contraception right for you?
There are a few things you’ll want to consider when deciding if a vasectomy is right for you. Having a complete understanding allows you and your partner to make an informed decision.
A vasectomy is best thought of as a permanent procedure. As such, you’ll need to be sure that you don’t want a child or any more children in the future. Whilst a vasectomy can technically be reversed, the procedure is invasive and costly. Not to mention it’s not guaranteed to be successful. For this reason, Dr Snip believes that vasectomies should be considered permanent contraception.
What is the cost of having a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a popular choice because it’s no-fuss and low cost. At Dr Snip, we offer competitive pricing without compromising on our facilities, technology, and exceptional standard of care for our patients.
With over 40,000 vasectomy procedures performed in our clinics, you can be sure you’re in capable hands. The out-of-pocket cost for a vasectomy at Dr Snip is $510 ($750 less a $240 Medicare rebate).
Need to know more?
We are here to help you and your partner navigate the decision of whether a vasectomy is the right choice for you. If you need help discussing this with your partner we are here for you.
If you have any questions about the vasectomy procedure, please get in touch with us. We’re always happy to speak with you on 1300 DR SNIP (1300 377 647). If you prefer, you can also submit an online enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch.
