Male Birth Control: Have the Conversation
February 3, 2025
Birth control is not just for women. Men can also avoid an unplanned pregnancy in a very permanent way with a Vasectomy. If you haven’t already, maybe it’s time for a conversation about sharing the responsibility for preventing an unplanned pregnancy equally. It could be a much-loved Valentine’s Day gift.
Vasectomy – Overview
More than 500,000 U.S. men choose to have the procedure every year. It is among the most reliable and permanent forms of birth control because nearly 100% effective at preventing pregnancy.
During the procedure, your urologist snips off and seals the tubes your sperm travels through from the testicles to the penis (the vas deferens). Typically, two small incisions in the scrotum are required, which are usually closed with two or three stiches. Some urologists use a no-scalpel, puncture approach.
And great news…you don’t have to go to a hospital or be put under anesthesia. The procedure is usually performed right in your doctor’s exam room. It takes less than 30 minutes and is pain-free, thanks to localized numbing agent. Doctors in our group can also offer you nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, if you you think you might be anxious during the procedure. An additional fee is required.
Afterwards, you will recover at home for a few days before returning to work. You should avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks. And, it’s very important that you not have unprotected sex until your sperm is checked (usually after a few months). That’s because even after a vasectomy, some live sperm remain in your system for a period of time. Using a semen analysis kit, your doctor will confirm you are free of mobile sperm. Here’s an important distinction: Your body can carry up to 100,000 immobile sperm and be considered safe; but any number of mobile sperm can cause pregnancy.
Vasectomy Clinic – Fridays
We’ve made schedule a vasectomy easier with our Friday vasectomy clinic. We have two locations and both are open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. every Friday.
