Vasectomy – Myth And Concerns

Unplanned pregnancies can be prevented by a number of reversible and irreversible contraceptive procedures. The sensitivity, cost and effects of each method vary and most individuals make their decision after weighing pros and cons.

It is the most common yet permanent sterilization procedure that is performed in males for long term contraception purpose.

What Should You Know About Vasectomy Procedure?

Vasectomy is a highly economical procedure. According to a new report, the average monthly cost of temporary contraceptive procedures (like condoms and birth control pills) vary from $0 to $1,000; depending upon the method and nature of insurance. But it is imperative to keep in mind that:

• The efficacy of most temporary birth control methods is less than 90%.
• The risk of complication and systemic side effects is very high with some birth control methods (especially hormonal IUDs and pills).

However, with vasectomy, the failure rate is less than 0.5%. Therefore, couples who have successfully completed their families should consider effective methods like vasectomy to prevent unwanted births.

How Is Vasectomy Performed?

In this surgical procedure, the vas deferens (tube carrying the sperms and semen) is tied or severed. In turn, the ligation restricts the travelling of sperms into the seminal vesicles. Thus, the ejaculate will be sperm free.  In simple words, sperms will be produced at a normal rate after the vasectomy procedure, but instead of being secreted into the semen, the sperms will be reabsorbed in the body. The epididymis membrane increases in size slightly after the procedure due to obstruction of vas deferens. But this in turn further increases its capacity to absorb more fluid content while the immune system (white blood cells) breaks the solid content to reabsorb the sperms into the blood stream.

Pros And Cons Of Vasectomy

As every surgical procedure, it also has some side effects such as:

• Scrotal infection
• Bruising
• Bleeding

Fortunately, in most cases, these side effects resolves spontaneously within a short period of time.

Post vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS): Post vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS), is a rare but long term complication of this procedure. It is characterized by persistent discomfort or pain in the scrotum, pain in groin during intercourse and painful ejaculations. This pain can be felt even after several months of procedure and may also compromise the quality of sex life. Fortunately in most cases, symptoms improve gradually within a year.

PVPS is believed to be a product of multiple factors; such as build-up of back pressure within the testicles, overflow epididymis, entrapment of nerves, chronic inflammation and scarring. Vasectomy reversal can help in resolving the disturbing symptoms.

Myths And Facts About Vasectomies

There are lot of myths and misconceptions among men regarding vasectomy which can make individuals anxious and doubtful about the procedure. Here are some common myths and facts regarding vasectomies.

Myth # 1:“After Vasectomy, Men Are Unable To Ejaculate”

Fact: Ejaculate is made up of three primary components;

• Secretions from prostate gland
• Sperms (which makes only 1% of the total ejaculate)
• Secretions from the seminal vesicles

In vasectomy, only sperm tube (or vas deferens) is tied up. Thus, after the procedure 99% of ejaculate remains unaffected.

Myth # 2: “Production Of Sperms Is Diminished After Vasectomy”

Fact: Sperms will be produced even after this procedure has been done, but since vas deferens is tied up, the produced sperms won’t be a part of the ejaculate and will be reabsorbed in the body.

Myth # 3: “Surgical Birth Control Method Is Easier In Women”

Fact: Vasectomy is far easier then tubal ligation (surgical sterilization method in women). Also, vasectomy is less invasive and can be performed within 10-15 minutes as an out-patient procedure. Complete recovery is possible within a week.

Myth # 4: “Vasectomy Can Lead To Cancer”

Fact: There is no added risk of developing testicular or prostate cancer after this procedure.

Myth # 5: “Vasectomy Can Cause Loss Of Libido, Due To Loss Of Testosterone Production.”

Fact: Vasectomy does not alter the secretion of testosterone into the blood. Thus, men can enjoy the sexual intercourse to the fullest without having any fear of getting their partner pregnant.

References

1.  Payne, C., & Goldberg, E. (2014). Male Contraception: Past, Present and Future. Current molecular pharmacology, 7(2), 175-181.

2. Multazam, A., Kasnawi, T., & Adam, A. (2015). FACTORS AFFECTING ACCEPTANCE OF VASECTOMIES AS MALE CONTRACEPTIVE. International Journal of Academic Research, 7(1).

3. Rogers, M. D., & Kolettis, P. N. (2013). Vasectomy. Urologic Clinics of North America, 40(4), 559-568.

4. Horovitz, D., Tjong, V., Domes, T., Lo, K., Grober, E. D., & Jarvi, K. (2012). Vasectomy reversal provides long-term pain relief for men with the post-vasectomies pain syndrome. The Journal of urology, 187(2), 613-617.