Having an unplanned child later in life can interrupt retirement plans and other life goals. To prevent this from happening, many men have a vasectomy performed. This birth control procedure prevents them from inseminating a woman and is a one-time solution to the issue. It’s a relatively straight-forward procedure, and if you’re considering it, you’ll find answers to common questions here.

A Guide to Vasectomy Surgery

Why get a vasectomy?

A vasectomy ensures that you can have intercourse without impregnating a woman. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and is ideal for men that are confident they don’t want children. It’s also much cheaper and less complex than female sterilization procedures and treatment, which is why many couples opt for it over alternatives.

What’s the procedure like?

During a vasectomy procedure, a surgeon will choose one of two options to prevent a man from releasing sperm during ejaculation. You’ll first be anesthetized. Once under, the surgeon will make two small incisions on the sides of the scrotum or make a small hole so they can access the vas deferens. They’ll then sever the tubes and tie them off. This will prevent semen from traveling from the testes.

Are there side effects?

Following surgery, you’ll need to avoid sexual and strenuous activity based on your physician’s orders. You may experience swelling and bruising along the surgery site and experience soreness for several days. It’s important to relax and ice the area until you recover. Although it’s rare, serious side effects later include chronic pain and fluid buildup in the testicles. In even more rare cases, the vas deferens may heal themselves, undoing the vasectomy.

Does it impact sex drive & performance?

The vasectomy won’t interfere with testosterone production or impair sexual function. If you experience impotence, erectile dysfunction, or a lowered sex drive, it’s related to a different health condition, and you should speak with your physician so they can attempt to diagnose the cause.

If you’re interested in exploring vasectomy surgery further, turn to the team at Lexington Family Physicians. Located in Lexington, NC, they offer an extensive scope of services ranging from gynecology and heart health to mental health services and preventative medicine. A family doctor will work closely with you to diagnose and resolve your health needs and will take every step to prevent future issues. Call (336) 249-3329 to schedule an appointment and explore their services further on their website. For news and health updates, connect on Facebook.