Vasectomy
If you no longer wish to have children biologically, you may consider vasectomy as one of your permanent birth control options.
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a form of birth control for men that is meant to be permanent. During a vasectomy, a health care provider closes or blocks the tubes that carry sperm. When the tubes are closed, sperm cannot leave a man’s body and cause pregnancy.
How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is nearly 100% effective, but the procedure is not effective right away. You must use other birth control for about three months after the procedure to prevent pregnancy. A simple test that is performed after three months, called a semen analysis will confirm that there are no more sperm in your ejaculate.
What are the benefits?
Vasectomy is safe, simple, and convenient. It lasts for life and allows women and men to enjoy sex without worrying about causing pregnancy.
Vasectomy:
> does not change your hormones or affect your masculinity
> will not affect your ability to get and stay erect
> will not affect your sex organs, sexuality, and sexual pleasure
No glands or organs are removed or altered. Your hormones and sperm continue being produced, and the sperm will dissolve and be absorbed by your body. Your ejaculate will look like it always has, and there will be about the same amount as before.
What are the disadvantages?
Vasectomy may not be a good choice for you if you:
> may want to have a child biologically in the future
> are hesitant but getting pressured by a partner, family, or friends
Are there any side effects?
There are risks with any medical procedure, including vasectomy. Major complications are rare and are caused by infection. As with any surgery, you may experience some discomfort after the operation. At Planned Parenthood we use a modern technique that reduces the size of the incision and the length of the surgery, thus reducing the pain and recovery times. Of course, each man is different. If you experience slight or moderate pain, an athletic supporter, ice bag, and non-aspirin pain reliever will help.
How effective is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is nearly 100% effective, but the procedure is not effective right away. You must use other birth control for about three months after the procedure to prevent pregnancy. A simple test that is performed after three months, called a semen analysis will confirm that there are no more sperm in your ejaculate.
Vasectomy does not protect you against sexually transmitted infection (STI). Condoms can reduce your risk of infection.
Vasectomies are performed on Thursday afternoons by a physician in our East Columbus Health Center. The entire vasectomy process will last about 1 hour. You will need to come back for a follow-up appointment after your vasectomy to ensure that you’re healing correctly and that the vasectomy is complete.
At Planned Parenthood, care is more than just a service we provide. Care is the way we interact with the women, men, and young people who rely on us every day. We stand firmly in the belief that all people, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio economic background, deserve affordable, high-quality health care.
Planned Parenthood offers other services for men, including STD testing and treatment, HIV testing and referrals, testicular cancer screenings, and more. Make an appointment at any of our health centers by phone: 1-800-230-PLAN.
How much will it cost?
Planned Parenthood accepts most forms of insurance, including Medicaid, and cash payments. If you are uninsured, the cost will be calculated on a sliding fee scale based on your income.