When considering long-term birth control options, a vasectomy is a reliable option available for a male. This minor surgery cuts or blocks the vas deferens, which includes the two narrow tubes through which sperm travel. This approach has advantages that make it an ideal option for many people. Below, learn reasons to consider a vasectomy if you no longer want to have biological children. 

Why Choose to Get a Vasectomy?

1. Convenient

A vasectomy is one of the simplest surgical procedures available and can usually be performed in the office by your physician. It generally takes half an hour or less, and the recovery period is one to two weeks. By comparison, a female tubal ligation is more invasive and may require a longer recovery period. The risk involved in a vasectomy is low. It's likely you won't even experience significant pain during the procedure and recovery.

2. Effective

After a waiting period to clear any remaining sperm, the chance of conception after a vasectomy is extremely low. There is only a one in a 100 to one in a 1000 chance, even without any other form of birth control. The chance is even lower if you take precautions until you can have a semen analysis performed a few months after the procedure.

3. Flexible 

Spontaneous healing from a vasectomy is extremely rare. In most cases, the procedure is permanent, and you won't have to worry about contraception or undesired pregnancies ever again. If you do change your mind in the future, most vasectomies are reversible, as the testes continue to produce sperm. This allows you the option to have biological children in the future if you want them.

For more information about vasectomies and whether this procedure is right for you, talk to a family doctor at Lexington Family Physicians. Serving Davidson County, NC, their five friendly and experienced medical practitioners provide a full range of services, including prescriptions and treatment for minor emergencies. Call (336) 249-3329 to make an appointment, or learn more about the practice on their website.