After the US Supreme Court decision, many more people are seeking out vasectomy. Sadly, a ton of misinformation is circulating around the interwebs and beyond. Buckle up and let’s bust some vasectomy myths with truth bombs!
First off, what is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the tubes in the scrotum (called the vas deferens) that carries sperm out of the testicles. When the vas is blocked off, sperm can’t leave the body and cause pregnancy. It is quick, often done in an office, and you can go home the same day. It’s nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Myth: It is easy to reverse a vasectomy.
Nope! If you think you may want to have children in the future, a vasectomy is not the right choice. It is intended to be a permanent form of birth control. Attempts to reverse a vasectomy are complicated, expensive, and may not work.
Myth: Vasectomies work immediately as birth control.
False. Vasectomies are super effective but take about 3 months for the semen to become sperm-free. A few months after the vasectomy, you will have a semen analysis to look for any sperm. When there is no sperm left in the semen, the vasectomy is working as birth control. Until that time, pregnancy is still possible and other forms of birth control should be used. There is a SUPER TINY chance that the cut ends of the vas deferens can grow back together and cause a pregnancy. This is incredibly rare.
Myth: Vasectomies cause cancer and heart disease.
There is absolutely NO EVIDENCE of this at all. Multiple recent studies have looked at this and come up empty. Vasectomies do not increase the risk for prostate or testicular cancer or heart disease.
Myth: Your sex drive decreases after a vasectomy.
Nah. Vasectomies do not decrease libido or impair erections. While there is no more sperm in the semen, the volume of semen is the same. There is no change in testosterone levels. Some people even think sex is better after a vasectomy, because they aren’t worried about pregnancy.
Myth: Vasectomies protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
They don’t. People who had a vasectomy can still catch a sexually transmitted disease. Using condoms can lower the risk of catching or spreading STDs.
Myth: Vasectomies are dangerous and hurt like a son-of-a-gun.
Getting a vasectomy is usually very safe and well tolerated. Like any procedure, complications are possible but serious complications are rare after vasectomy. Temporary pain, bruising, swelling, and infection are the most common and are easily treated. Less common complications include bleeding, spermatic granuloma (sperm leaking from the vas deference and it typically goes away by itself), and hematoma (bleeding under the skin). Local numbing medicine is given during the procedure to prevent pain. Pain after the procedure is typically well controlled with ice, snug underwear, and couple of days of prescription or over the counter pain medication.
To sum it all up, vasectomies are safe, effective, and well tolerated. They don’t increase health risks or reduce enjoyment of sex. Check out the links below for more vasectomy myth busting action.
Stay safe. Stay well. And if you don’t want pregnancy, stay protected.
Those Nerdy Girls
Links!
WebMD Quiz “Do you Know Vasectomy Facts from Fiction”
Mayo Clinic “4 Common Vasectomy myths debunked”
AUA “Vasectomy Guideline Summary”
Planned Parenthood “Vasectomy”
