5 Common Vasectomy Myths Debunked by Urologists
According to the Urology Care Foundation, more than 500,000 men in the U.S. choose vasectomy for birth control each year. But is it right for you? Because it’s a permanent form of birth control, many men have questions or concerns before having a vasectomy. This is normal and to be expected. To help you make an informed decision, our urologists are debunking some common vasectomy myths:
Myth: Vasectomy is a risky surgery.
Truth: A vasectomy is a safe and effective minor surgery that is usually performed in your doctor’s office. However, all surgeries have risks. After a vasectomy procedure, mild discomfort, bruising, and swelling is normal. Most men recover within one to two weeks.
Myth: Vasectomy can always be reversed.
Truth: While many men are good candidates for a vasectomy reversal procedure, only about half of these procedures are successful. The tube that the sperm passes through, called the vas deferens, is reconnected during a vasectomy reversal. It is a more complicated surgery because there are different ways to reconnect the vas deferens. Because there is no guarantee that a vasectomy reversal will be successful, it is important to be sure that you want to get a vasectomy in the first place.
Myth: You’ll lose sexual function.
Truth: A vasectomy does not hinder your sex life as the production of testosterone is not affected. The procedure blocks sperm but does not reduce the amount of semen produced, so there is no noticeable difference when you ejaculate.
Myth: Vasectomy is 100% effective right away.
Truth: It can take two to three months following a vasectomy to ensure there is no live sperm. A backup form of birth control should be used during this time. Only 1 to 2 women out of 1,000 will get pregnant in the year following their partner’s vasectomy.
Have other questions about vasectomies and vasectomy reversals?
If you have questions about getting a vasectomy, contact your local NJU office to schedule a consultation with a urology specialist.