Faqs
What is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a permanent form of contraception for men that involves surgically cutting or blocking the tubes (called the vas deferens) that transport sperm from the testicles to the penis.
Will I still ejaculate?
Yes, you will. The sperm makes up less than 5% of an ejaculation so there will be no noticeable difference in the volume. The rest is ‘semen’. The only difference is now there won’t be any sperm so there’s no fear of pregnancy.
Where can I find detailed and reliable information about vasectomies?
Besides right here in WVD, there are many excellent sites and many qualified providers. We recommend visiting the websites of World Vasectomy Day’s co founder, Dr. Doug Stein, http://www.vasweb.com/vasectomy.html or of Dr. Charles Monteith at https://www.bestvasectomy.com. If you prefer French, then go to http://vasectomie.net/la-vasectomie/quest-ce-que-la-vasectomie/.
If you’re committed to deep research (and/or you have interest in doing vasectomies yourself) check out the American Urological Association’s (AUA) guidelines.
What is a No Scalpel Vasectomy?
The No-scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) was originally developed in China in 1974 by Dr. Li Shunqiang. Two specialized surgical instruments, a pointed hemostat and a ring clamp, replace the scalpel. NSV, as compared to the traditional incisional technique, results in less bleeding, less hematomas, less infections, less pain, and a shorter operative time.
How long does a vasectomy take?
The length of time ranges from 10- 30 minutes depending on the experience of your provider and the different challenges each person’s body might present.
Who should consider getting a vasectomy?
A vasectomy should be carefully considered by any man whose family is complete, be it someone with many children or someone certain he doesn’t want any children at all. Regardless of you are, you should consider vasectomy a permanent form of contraception.
Is a vasectomy painful?
Most men are surprised how little pain it causes, which given the amount of anxiety many of us feel beforehand, is a very pleasant surprise. In fact, once the anesthesia is administered (this can be done by needle or even a spray applicator), there should be no pain at all.
Are there long-term negative effects from a vasectomy?
According to the American Urological Association, between 1-2% of men suffer lasting pain from vasectomies. While this is an unfortunate consequence, keep in mind that a decision not to get a vasectomy doesn’t eliminate suffering, it just puts all of the burden on women.
Are vasectomies reversible?
Well, in fact, they can be reversed, but there is no guarantee the reversal will succeed. Furthermore, it is a much more expensive and lengthy procedure. As a rule, with each passing year, the likelihood of a successful reversal goes down. Nevertheless, we believe that reversals should be a part of any fully functioning vasectomy program.
How frequently are vasectomies done?
There are about 50 million men who have received a vasectomy worldwide and 500,000 yearly in the US making it the nation’s second most common procedure performed on males (after circumcision.)
Is there a correlation between vasectomy and prostate cancer?
A 2014 study indicated a correlation between the two but many other studies before and after indicate the opposite, including this 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. https://www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/large-study-finds-no-link-between-vasectomy-and-prostate
Will it affect your capacity to give or receive sexual pleasure?
There is no correlation between sexual performance and a vasectomy, although many men feel that removing fear of pregnancy actually makes lovemaking more pleasurable.
Why would a guy get a vasectomy instead of just letting his wife or partner get a tubal ligation as is more often the case?
Well, for one, a tubal is much more painful and the recuperation time much longer. And worse, while a failed vasectomy (exceedingly rare) ends up as a normal pregnancy, a failed tubal ligation can result in an ectopic pregnancy, one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
Does a vasectomy protect against STD’s?
That would be wonderful, but the fact is, if you’re not in a long-term monogamous relationship, you still have to protect yourself and your partner.
What other options are available for men?
Sadly, for now, there’s not much choice out there. There’s abstinence which is a very hard sell. There’s withdrawal, which, while favored by the Catholic Church, is far from reliable. Next, there are condoms, but 18 of 100 men who use condoms as their primary form of birth control get a woman pregnant within a year. And then vasectomies, which is to say that we are desperately in need of alternatives and at World Vasectomy Day we enthusiastically support this research and development.
Will I get general or local anesthesia?
The most common practice is local anesthesia applied with either a very fine needle or a high powered spray applicator. Neither are painful – they say the spray applicator feels like a rubber band snap at worst and the needles are so tiny you can barely feel them at all – and both work. Some men ask for general anesthesia. While certainly that one’s right, and perhaps even suitable for the most anxious of men, it’s really not needed.