Having a vasectomy
A procedure that can provoke a mixed reaction, from a wince to a well done. But what is a vasectomy? Why is there so much unknown, and could it be something for you to consider?
Well here is our (my husband’s) experience, after having his vasectomy yesterday.
First things first, what is a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure to cut or cauterise the tubes that carry a man's sperm. Its a form of sterilisation to prevent pregnancy if having sex with someone with a vulva.
Why did you decide you wanted a vasectomy?
Short answer: We do not want any more children.
Long answer: Debbie has been on hormonal contraception for half her life, she’s has carried and birthed 2 giant babies (10lb 12oz & 11lb 12oz), I felt it was a small procedure in comparison and decision I was happy to make.
Did you have any reservations?
Debbie was worried if she was to pass away at a young age and I met someone else there might be a desire for children in a new relationship; but as I see it, I am more than happy with our 2 children, so if any of that was to happen that wouldn’t be the right person for me to pursue a relationship with.
My only reservation was any possibly changes to hormones, having had hormonal issues several years ago. But after discussion I was assured that a vasectomy only prevents sperm leaving the testicles and entering the semen, and so doesn’t affect hormones.
What happens during a vasectomy?
I was unable to just book a vasectomy. After calling my GP to discuss having one, I had a phone consultation with the GP, followed by an in person consultation at the surgery where it would be performed. These conversations went through my reasons behind having a vasectomy as well as what it would involve.
I am a 35 year old cis-male, with 2 children - so this was fairly simple from my point of view. Although arguments against the op were given, I suppose to ensure I was positive this was the right decision for me & us.
On the actual appointment day I just had to arrive on time. Debbie dropped me off in case I struggled to drive after, the staff were great. I was put at total ease.
2 injections of local anaesthetic were administered into my scrotum. I was awake the whole course of the procedure. The tubes that usually transport the sperm were cauterised via a small incision (I had a non scalpel procedure). I could here the machine working but felt nothing. I was able to chat to the doctor throughout. Some gauze was placed on my scrotum for the journey home just to help stem any bleeding from the tiny entrance wound. This gauze came off when I went to the toilet later and showed hardly any blood.
It took a while to be able to feel my genitals which was super weird - going to the loo with everything numb was really odd. We laughed about it and feeling returned after a couple of hours.
I can see a small entrance wound through which the procedure was performed. This has already started to heal and is half the size of my little finger nail.
Is it really painful?
No. Not in my experience. Talking now over 24 hours later I feel absolutely no discomfort. I was told no heavy lifting for almost 2 weeks and to keep off any physical exercise for a bit. So I will comply with this. To help recovery I worked from home on the day of the procedure and scheduled work from home again today. The doctor’s recommendation was to rest for 2 days. Before gently returning to work as normal. Having had a friend who had a painful vasectomy experience due to not resting and going straight back to physical work I took this quite seriously, and am glad as it has meant I have been completely pain free.
What do you have to do in terms of aftercare?
As well as the above, I was told:
wear tight pants - this helps reduce swelling. Now I am a boxer trunk man usually. And have heard friends who have had to wear the wife’s pants for extra support. So I made sure I had some tight briefs, pulled up! (Its a new look for me)
not to shower until after 48 hours.
no sex for 5 days - and it is normal for there to be some blood in semen when you do first ejaculate
check for signs of infection - so any redness, discharge from the wound, feeling unwell. (Unlikely but contact GP if this is you.)
So is that is now? No need for any other contraception?
Not quite. A successful vasectomy means no sperm being present in the semen. This is not instant. It is tested 4 months after the operation. I was given a sample pot after my vasectomy and told to ejaculate in it after 4 months and take it to my GP to check the sperm count. I am told this may be clear on the first time of doing it, but for some it may need to be done again a few months after if there’s still sign of some stragglers!
Debbie wants to remain on hormonal contraception until the sperm count is 0 to prevent any chances of unplanned pregnancy. Then she will look at coming off contraception and what that involves.
Can you still cum after a vasectomy?
Yes. You still produce semen, but sperm cannot get into it. So your cum basically just doesn’t contain any sperm. In fact having a vasectomy shouldn’t affect any of your sexual performance, just the ability to get someone pregnant.
Would you recommend a vasectomy?
Yes. So long as you consider it seriously as a “sterilisation”. I feel like a fraud not being out at work today as I am feeling good. No pain, no bleeding or discomfort. Just some sexy blue briefs! I would say if that’s what you want, you’ve discussed it with any partners, openly and honestly then go for it. From my experience it is simple, but I would really, really ensure you listen to the doctor’s advice on aftercare precautions. Take it steady. Especially for the first few days after. Just to prevent any problems! I feel like that’s where my recovery has been fantastic - because I have actually done as I am told.