Many articles have been written and discussed in the medical world, and even on social media platforms, concerning vasectomies. Many of these discussions have been based on the simple question, are vasectomies safe? To clear any doubts that you may have, it’s wise to look at what is a vasectomy, its key risks, and its benefits.
A vasectomy is a permanent contraceptive operation that men get to prevent pregnancy. Once a man undertakes this procedure, the sperm is blocked from getting into the semen during ejaculation. It’s a type of male birth control method that involves cutting and effectively sealing the tubes that carry and supply sperm. Numerous names are used to describe the vasectomy procedure; from the medical “male sterilizations” to the more slang term “the snip”.
And because of that imagery, many men worry about the safety of their genitals after a vasectomy. The good news? The many men who have undergone this procedure can still have healthy sex, orgasm, and ejaculate. So, while it is safe, researching and collecting as much information to give yourself peace of mind is a valuable part of achieving a safe and effective result for yourself.
How effective is Vasectomy? What to Know
There are two main procedures used for conducting a vasectomy, and understanding them both can help settle any doubts you may have.
Traditional Vasectomy
Through this type of surgery, your doctor will make an incision cut through your scrotum to reach each tube (vas deferens) with a scalpel or surgical knife. An anaesthetic will be applied to your scrotum to numb the area before undertaking the procedure, to help reduce the pain and sensations felt.
Your surgeon will remove a small piece from each tube, leaving a gap between the two ends. Then, the surgeon will proceed to tie each one of the tubes, with a stitch that dissolves over time. Once the two tubes have been cut, the sperm will no longer be able to travel into and along with the semen during ejaculation.
No-Scalpel Vasectomy
Similar to the start of the traditional technique, an anaesthetic is applied to your scrotum so that it can become numb, the surgeon will then proceed to make a small puncture hole to reach your tubes. This means that no scalpel will be used to cut through your skin. The doctor will then cut and seal the tubes. No stitches are required for this procedure. No scalpel vasectomy is an effective method as there is less pain experienced and complications.
Should You Opt For a Vasectomy
A vasectomy is an effective surgical option and an excellent birth control method for men looking to reduce the risk of future pregnancies. If you are working with an experienced surgeon, the process is safe and accompanied by fewer complications.
What attracts many men to the vasectomy is the idea that it can be performed as an outpatient surgical procedure, handled in a short 30-minute window, with limited downtime, allowing the patient to return to home and work immediately following. The recovery period after the surgery is not a stressful phase. After a vasectomy, you can;
- Start undertaking your day-to-day routines immediately, assuming they don’t involve heavy lifting or stress.
- If you are a fitness enthusiast, you can resume light routine activities in seven days.
- After a week, you can start having sex again.
- Any bruising or swelling should go away within the next week.
It’s advisable that if you experience any complications after the procedure, you immediately consult your physician. And this is especially in the event of an infection or inflammation.
Vasectomy Specialist
A vasectomy is a safe and effective surgical procedure that should be carefully considered before undertaking it due to its permanent result. Ensuring that your case is being handled by a trained and experienced vasectomy specialist, such as our team at Vasectomy Australia, is the safest decision you can make for yourself. We have vasectomy clinics located across the country, including vasectomy in Orange.
The vasectomy procedure itself has been demonstrated to be safe and effective, and thousands of men have undertaken it to provide themselves with a permanent male contraceptive for the future. If you have any more questions or concerns, we encourage you to set up a consultation with us, so we can discuss your unique circumstances and how a vasectomy could be the right choice for you. Please contact us at 1800 SNIPME (1800 764 763) or email us at info@vasectomyaustralia.com.au.
About The Author
Geoff Cashion
Dr Cashion was born in Brisbane and grew up in Rockhampton. After graduating in medicine from the University of Queensland in 2002 he spent many years working in emergency medicine and general practice. He completed training in the No Scalpel Vasectomy technique under Dr Doug Stein in Florida with further training undertaken in Australia. Opening Vasectomy Australia, he has grown it into one of the largest providers of Vasectomy in Australia, while still performing more than 3500 vasectomies a year himself.
