5 Reasons to Consider a Vasectomy

When you ejaculate, sperm from the testicles travels through the vas deferens tubes and exits through the penis. In a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is either severed or clamped to prevent sperm from being ejaculated and causing pregnancy.

A asectomy is regarded as a permanent form of birth control, though in some instances, a second, reversal procedure can be performed to allow the sperm to move freely. However, this doesn’t restore fertility in all instances.

At the offices of Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS, in Brooklyn and Queens, New York, Dr. Khanna and his staff perform vasectomies for men who are looking for a permanent form of birth control. Here, the team provides five good reasons why you should consider a vasectomy as your birth control option.

Is a vasectomy an effective birth control option?

A vasectomy is the most effective method for people who have penises and testicles. They’re almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy (only abstaining from sex is more effective) — but it doesn’t happen right away. Expect it to take about two months for your semen to become sperm-free.

Two to four months following your vasectomy, Dr. Khanna performs a simple test called a semen analysis; it checks for sperm in your semen. You will need to have ejaculated at least 20 times before testing to “flush out the tubes.”

For the test, you provide us with a semen sample for analysis to see if the vasectomy is working as it should, or if there is still sperm in the semen. You shouldn’t have unprotected sex until Dr. Khanna says it’s safe.

A vasectomy is an effective option because it’s designed to be permanent, you can’t forget to use it or do something wrong, and it prevents pregnancy around the clock for the rest of your life. 

One thing you should note is that having a vasectomy won’t protect you or your partners from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Semen (cum) can still carry these infections, even if it doesn’t contain sperm. You should always use condoms to lower your chances of getting or spreading STIs.

What happens during a vasectomy?

There are two types of vasectomies: incision and no-scalpel.

Incision vasectomy

During an incision vasectomy, Dr. Khanna makes one or two small cuts in the skin of your scrotum. It’s through these cuts that he accesses the vas deferens tubes and blocks them off.

He may remove a tiny part of each tube, or he may tie them, block them with surgical clips, or close them with an electrical current (cauterization). The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes, and then the incision is closed.

No-scalpel vasectomy

During a no-scalpel vasectomy, Dr. Khanna makes one tiny puncture in the scrotum to reach both vas deferens tubes, which are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked. You don’t need stitches, the puncture heals quickly, and you won’t even have a scar.

No-scalpel methods reduce bleeding and lower the risk of infection, bruising, and other complications.

You’ll only need a few days of recovery time, or about a week if your work involves manual labor. You can also have sex again about a week after the procedure, though if it’s still uncomfortable, waiting another couple of days may be a good idea.

5 reasons to consider a vasectomy

If you’re looking for effective birth control, here are five good reasons to consider a vasectomy:

1. It’s permanent, a one-and-done
2. More than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy
3. You don't need to buy or use anything else before sex
4. It doesn’t affect your hormones or sex drive
5. It doesn’t affect the look, feel, or taste of your semen

Want to learn more about a vasectomy and why it can be a good option for you? Contact the office of Himansh Khanna, MD, FACS, today by calling 347-274-8370 or booking with us on our website.