Vasectomies are a near-permanent, irreversible contraceptive option for males with a 99% success rate. However, most men are often hesitant about undergoing the procedure owing to misinformation and confusions related to the after-effects of a vasectomy and the procedure itself. Here are some commonly asked questions and myths pertaining to vasectomies before you think of booking an appointment with a top urologist in Lahore
1-Does The Procedure Hurt?
Although performed under local anesthesia in which only the genitals are numbed instead of general, full-body anesthesia, a vasectomy is usually discomfiting at best. However, general anesthesia may be considered due to certain anatomical issues, or if a patient is particularly anxious or simultaneously requires another surgery.
2-Can I Stop Using Other Birth Control Methods Soon After A Vasectomy?
You can resume sexual activity whenever you feel comfortable following the procedure, but birth control is necessary for at least 3 months (the general time required to fully clear sperm from the tubes and other storage areas) or ejaculating 15-20 times after a vasectomy, whichever comes first.
A semen analysis is conducted once or twice 2-4 months post-surgery through samples collected on a special condom during intercourse or in a cup at the doctor’s office. You can stop using external contraception once the semen is sperm-free.
3-Can It Still Cause Pregnancy?
Although extremely rare, the cut ends of the vasa deferentia (sperm-carrying ducts) may rejoin, or sperm leaking from one cut end of the vas deferens may form a channel to the other end, resulting in a pregnancy.
4-Can My Partner Tell If I’ve Had A Vasectomy?
While the volume of ejaculated semen itself makes it near impossible to detect a vasectomy, an improperly healed incision, or in some cases, granuloma (lump) development in the scrotum may give away the surgical procedure.
5-Are There Any Prerequisites for a Non-Scalpel Vasectomy?
As opposed to the relatively non-complicated incisional variety, the following factors are taken into account for those considering non-scalpel vasectomy:
- History of blood disorders like anemia
- Allergy or sensitivity to local anesthetics
- History of injury or earlier surgery on the genitals
- Scrotum skin diseases, particularly infected pimples
- History of recent or continuous UTIs or genitalia infections
- Regular use of aspirin or medicines containing aspirin until a week before surgery
6-Could Sterility Affect Me Emotionally?
While the procedure itself does not induce any feelings of depression or anxiety, some individuals may feel unusually anxious and uncomfortable about the procedure and its repercussions. In such cases, rethinking the decision to undergo permanent contraception is advised.
Myths:
1-Causes Sexual Dysfunction:
A vasectomy has no physical link to the libido (sexual desire) controlling mechanism, nor does it affect testosterone levels, masculinity, ejaculation amount, or cause Erectile Dysfunction. It is simply a form of contraception -and an effective one at that.
2-Permanently Damages Sexual Organs:
The incisions or punctures made during surgery are too small to inflict any real damage to the testicles, penis, and other parts of the male reproductive system, nor do they interfere with the organs’ functions.
3-Increases Risk of Heart Disease and Prostate Cancer:
While previously believed to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer due to the surgical site’s close proximity to the prostate gland, it has been proven that vasectomy has no link to either of the conditions and the development risk is identical for both sterilized and unsterilized men.
4-Protects Against STDs:
For one, quite a few STDs can be contracted through skin-to-skin contact, making self-care and awareness the only barrier that stands between you and an STD. Moreover, a vasectomy only performs the birth control function of external contraceptives like condoms by eliminating semen sperm count. Contraceptives are still required to reduce the risk of contracting an STD.
A vasectomy is generally safe and painless with very little side-effects. If you wish to undergo a vasectomy, consult with your doctor to determine which procedure to opt for and whether it should be performed at all. You can also book an appointment with a top Urologist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT Doctor for your health concerns.
