If you think a vasectomy could be right for you, here are some questions you should ask your physician before you commit to this extremely effective form of permanent birth control. NorCalVas offers safe and highly effective no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures to the Elk Grove, Redding, Scotts Valley, and Sacramento communities.

Vasectomies – particularly no-scalpel vasectomies – are highly effective and low-risk procedures that achieve permanent sterilization. They offer a significantly lower failure rate and risk for complications than tubal ligation, and are far more affordable, as they do not require hospitalization. If you do not want children now or in your future and believe that a vasectomy would suit your lifestyle, here are some questions you should ask before you undergo the procedure.

Should I have a vasectomy? This is a question you should seriously ask yourself before your consultation. Vasectomies are designed to achieve permanent sterilization – you cannot rely upon possible reversal if you and your partner decide to have children later on. If you aren’t sure if you’ll change your mind in a few years, vasectomy might not be the best decision for you.

Are there side effects or risks? Any surgical procedure – even minimally invasive procedures like no-scalpel vasectomy – has risks. The most common complications are infection (infection risk is very low) maybe change to inflammation or hemorrhaging, but no-needle vasectomies offer the lowest risk since there is no injection of anesthetic, so there is very little bleeding. Your doctor will discuss recovery protocols, and provide strategies to ensure minimal discomfort during the healing process.

Are there health risks associated with vasectomies? While there are numerous online rumors claiming that vasectomies put men at risk for aggressive forms of prostate cancer, there is no evidence that vasectomies are linked with the development of cancer. Studies that drew a link between vasectomy and cancer were later found to be flawed, in that the subjects were more likely to be screened for prostate cancer than the general population.

What are vasectomy success and failure rates? Vasectomies are the most effective permanent pregnancy prevention solution, with a long-term failure rate of 1 in 1500 to 2000. However, it is important to follow the instructions of your doctor, as vasectomy failures most often occur when patients do not use additional contraception within the first three months post-procedure.

When can I be sure that the vasectomy worked? Approximately 12 weeks after the vasectomy, the patient will have his semen screened to ensure there is no sperm present in the sample.

Are vasectomies permanent? Yes, vasectomies should always be considered a permanent form of birth control.

Will a vasectomy interfere with testosterone production? No, vasectomies do not inhibit or affect testosterone in any way. Nor will vasectomies affect sex drive or sexual performance.

Will my insurance cover my vasectomy? Vasectomies are highly affordable, but many insurance providers will cover the cost or a portion of the cost for the procedure. However, always check with your provider to make certain.

When can I have sex again? It is advisable for patients to wait until the surgical site heals before resuming sexual activity, and always use contraception before your sample screening is determined to have no sperm present. Healing time is usually 3-7 days.

Is it possible to store sperm samples before undergoing a vasectomy? While it is advisable that vasectomy patients be absolutely certain that they never want children (or more children), no one has a crystal ball, and you can’t be sure you’ll feel the same way in 10 or 15 years. It is possible to freeze a sperm sample before the surgery, but think carefully about your long-term goals before having the procedure.

NorCalVas founder, Dr. Chirag A. Patel MD, Ph.D., specializes in no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy procedures. To schedule a consultation, please visit our contact page.