Permanent family planning for men: Everything about vasectomy surgery in simple terms

Are you also thinking about family planning? Maybe you already have children and don't want to have another child. Or maybe you and your partner have decided not to have children. Vasectomy is a very effective and permanent family planning method that men can do. Some people are scared when they hear this name, but when we learn about it, that fear disappears. In this article, we will talk about it in simple terms, A to Z.

What is a vasectomy in simple terms?

Simply put, a vasectomy is a permanent birth control surgery for men. It stops your sperm from leaving your body, along with your semen.

Imagine that the sperm produced in our testicles travel to the penis through two small tubes. These tubes are called the vas deferens. A vasectomy involves cutting these two tubes and tying off the ends. Just like cutting a water pipe in the middle and tying it off, the water stops flowing in the other direction, completely blocking the sperm's path.

What happens to the body after surgery? Some things that many people fear

This is the biggest problem that many people have. I'm afraid that something will happen to my manhood and sex life after the surgery. Let's see what really happens.

After surgery, your testicles will continue to produce sperm as normal. But since there is no way for those sperm to get out, they will die after a while. Then the body will absorb those dead cells. This is just like the other cells in our body that die every day. It is a very normal process.

A vasectomy will not affect these things:

• Sexual desire (`Libido`): Your sexual desire does not decrease.
• Erection: There is no harm to the ability to get an erection.
• Ejaculation: Ejaculation occurs normally during sexual intercourse.

The only difference is that the ejaculate that comes out does not contain sperm. This means that neither you nor your partner will notice any difference in the amount, appearance, or taste of the ejaculated fluid.

Is this a 100% successful method?

No birth control method is 100% effective, but vasectomy is one of the most effective birth control methods available.

The failure rate is very low. There is a small chance of sperm remaining in the semen for the first 3-6 months after surgery, ranging from 0.3% to 9%. After that time, the failure rate drops to less than 1%. This is much lower than any other birth control method. For example, condoms, even when used correctly, have a 2% failure rate.

Very rarely, even years after surgery, the ends of the two cut tubes can reconnect (`recanalization`). But this happens very rarely.

How do you prepare for a vasectomy?

Even though this is not a major surgery, there are a few things that need to be done before it.

Consultation with the doctor

Before having the surgery, you should definitely talk to your partner about it. Because this is a permanent decision. Then you should discuss it with your doctor. He or she will ask you questions like:

• Do you have any bleeding disorders or blood-related diseases?
• Are you allergic to local anesthesia?
• Are there skin diseases like acne associated with the testicles?
• Are you taking any medications, such as anticoagulants?
• Have you had any surgery, such as a groin hernia?
• Have you had a urinary tract infection or genital infection?

Consent

The doctor will explain the surgery to you completely. He will also tell you about the risks. You need to understand everything and sign that you are happy with this. Remember, this is your decision. If you are not 100% sure, you do not need to do this.

Cleaning before surgery

• Hair removal: The night before surgery or the morning of surgery, you will need to shave your entire scrotum and the top of your penis. It is best to use a single-blade disposable razor for this. Do not use an electric razor.
• Washing and cleaning: To reduce the risk of infection, the day before surgery and the morning of surgery, wash the scrotum and groin area thoroughly with an antiseptic soap and dry thoroughly.

Things not to forget

• When you come for surgery, wear a tight, comfortable underwear (like a jock strap).
• Don't eat a big meal before surgery. Eat a light meal and drink plenty of fluids.

How is the surgery done?

This is a very simple procedure that usually takes about 15 minutes. It is done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your testicles. So you won't feel any pain.

There are two main types of vasectomy.

In both of these methods, the tube is cut and the ends are tied, clipped, or cauterized with an electrical device (cauterization).

What are the benefits of vasectomy?

Compared to permanent birth control surgery for women (tubal ligation), vasectomy has many advantages.

• Simple: Much simpler than female surgery.
• Safe: The risk of complications is very low.
• More successful: lower failure rate.
• Can be done in an outpatient setting: You can go home immediately after the surgery. There is no need to stay in the hospital.
• Low cost: It is less expensive than female surgery.

Additionally, this will be a great help to free your partner from the daily need to take birth control pills and the side effects they cause.

What are the risks and complications of surgery?

Like any surgery, there are some risks involved, but they are very rare.

• Pain: There may be some pain and swelling for a few days after surgery.
• Infection: The incision can become infected. That's why it's important to keep it clean.
• Sperm granuloma: A small, painful lump may form at the site of a cut in the vas deferens, where some sperm has leaked. This is not dangerous and will be absorbed by the body over time.
• Congestion: You may feel pressure or tightness in the testicles for a few weeks. This will also go away over time.
• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome: Very rarely (about 1-2%), some people may experience long-term pain. There are treatments for this condition as well.

What should I do to recover quickly after surgery?

Usually, it takes 8-9 days to fully recover. But you need to be a little careful for the first 2-3 days.

• Rest well for at least two days after the surgery.
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sports for about a week.
• Sexual intercourse: Avoid sexual intercourse or masturbation for at least a week.

Most important: Semen Analysis

This is something that should not be forgotten.

Therefore, 2-3 months after the surgery, your doctor will recommend that you have a semen analysis. Until that test confirms that your semen is completely free of sperm, you must use another form of birth control (such as a condom).

When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, see your doctor immediately.

• Signs of infection such as fever, chills, and shivering.
• Excessive bleeding from the cut.
• Excessive swelling, redness, and pus-like fluid draining from the incision.
• The pain is so severe that it cannot be controlled even with medication.

Can the surgery be reversed?

Yes, a vasectomy reversal is possible. This means that the two tubes that were cut can be reconnected. However, this is not 100% successful. It is also a more expensive and complicated procedure.

Therefore, don't have this surgery thinking, "I can reverse it if I want." Think of this as a permanent decision, and only make this decision if you and your partner are 100% sure.

Alternatively, you can bank your sperm before the surgery (sperm banking). Then, if you want a child in the future, you can use that sperm.