What you need to know about a vasectomy before deciding on one

What is a vasectomy

VasectomyVasectomy (male sterilization) (male sterilization) is a procedure in which a doctor cuts the vas deferens.

The task of the vas deferens is simple: upon sexual arousal, they contract and pump out the matured sperm from the testicles, where they are stored. Further, sperm move along the ejaculatory tract, mixing with fluid from the seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands. This is how semen is obtained - ejaculate.

If the ducts are cut, ejaculate will also form. However, the sperm does not get into it. That is, fertilization during intercourse becomes impossible.

Who needs a vasectomy

The only reason a vasectomy is done is for birth controlVasectomy. After this operation, a man in the vast majority of cases becomes infertile.

Therefore, the procedure can be a convenient solution for strong couples who are firmly convinced that they are not going to have children. Partners will be able to have sex without thinking about contraception and without fear of one day seeing two strips on a pharmacy pregnancy test.

This is justified, for example, if a man and a woman are carriers of genetic diseases and do not want to risk passing on their genes to the unborn child. Or they already have many children and parental ambitions are fully satisfied.

Of course, a woman can also go through sterilization - ligation of the fallopian tubes. But such an operation is much more complicated and expensive.

What not to expect from a vasectomy

This operation protects the man from risk become a father. But it does not save at all from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, you will have to use a condom after a vasectomy - unless you are completely confident in your partner's health.

What will happen to sex after a vasectomy

Cutting the vas deferens in any wayVasectomy does not affect sex life. The man will still be able to experience sexual desire, he will have a normal erection, full orgasm and ejaculation. And even more.

Some men claimVasectomythat after the vasectomy, their orgasms became more tangible and vivid, and the level of sexual satisfaction increased.

IN semen just no sperm. This is the only difference between sex before and after a vasectomy.

Things to Consider Before You Decide on a Vasectomy

Not everyone does a vasectomy

The Federal Law "On the Basics of Health Protection of Citizens in the Russian Federation" allowsArticle 57. Medical sterilization perform medical sterilization only for men over 35 years old or with two or more children. Also, the operation is possible for medical reasons: subject to strictly defined serious illnesses.

In other countries, a vasectomy can be done at will. But when you come to the doctor for the first time (and there will be several visits in any case), the doctor will certainly ask you a few questionsVasectomy:

• Do you understand that a vasectomy can be irreversible?
• Are you sure that you definitely do not want to have a child in the future?
• Do you have children?
• How does your regular partner feel about the idea of ​​having a vasectomy (if you are in relationship)?
• Do you know of other, less definitive methods of birth control and why do you consider vasectomy to be the best option?

In addition, they will tell you in detail how the operation will take place and what consequences it may have. If at some stage your answers raise doubts among the doctor, you may be refused the procedure, recommending to look for another clinic.

Vasectomy doesn't work right away

Even though the vas deferens is cut, some sperm may remain in the ejaculatory tract. They come out with sperm gradually.

The sperm will disappear after you ejaculate about 20 times.

Until then, you have to use condoms or other methods of contraception.

Your doctor will ask you for a semen control test 6 to 12 weeks after the procedure to ensure that the surgery was successful. The ejaculate is examined under a microscope to look for sperm.

How is a vasectomy done?

It is quick and not scary: the operation is performed under local anesthesia, is completely painless and takes no more than 20-30 minutes. It is performed by a surgeon or urologist with the right to work in a surgical office. Vasectomy looks like thisVasectomy:

• The doctor will inject the anesthetic into the skin on scrotum. After that, the operation area will be numb and you will not feel any touch.
• In the upper part of the scrotum, the surgeon will make a small incision or puncture (in this case, they speak of an operation "without a scalpel") and remove a segment of the vas deferens through it.
• The duct is cut with a scalpel and the wound is treated: bandaged, cauterized, or using surgical clips.
• The surgeon will then return the section of the vas deferens back to the scrotum and suture or glue the incision.

How is recovery from a vasectomy going?

After your surgery is complete, you will be told how to care for yourself for the next few days. Typically, recommendations include:

• Rest for at least 24 hours. Ideal - bed rest and a minimum of physical activity.
• Restrictions on physical activity for 7 days. You can walk, work and do everyday activities, but running and other sports, weight lifting are contraindicated.
• The need to wear a bandage and tight-fitting underwear for 48 hours after surgery.
• No sex in a week.
• Cold compresses. During the first two days, it is recommended to regularly apply a heating pad with cold water or an ice pack wrapped in thin cloth to the scrotum. This helps to reduce postoperative pain and reduce the risk of inflammation.

A week after the procedure, you will be fully recovered and can return to your normal life full of sports and sexual activity.

Is it possible to cancel a vasectomy

Can. Sometimes the reverse procedure is also carried out - stitching the vas deferens. But she does not guarantee that reproductive function will recover.

If the reverse operation is performed within 10 years after the vasectomy, the success rate isVasectomy (male sterilization) 55%. Then the chances drop to 25%.

In any case, such an intervention is more complicated and more expensive than a conventional vasectomy. Therefore, the best option is to immediately accept the idea that the operation is irreversible, and think carefully before deciding on it.