
Have you ever thought of getting a vasectomy procedure but you have your doubts? Or it’s not a birth control option you’re willing to try because it concerns getting a procedure on your male private organ? Don’t worry; in this post, we’ll be answering popular questions men ask about a vasectomy procedure. So sit tight, it’ll be insightful!
A vasectomy is a simple surgical procedure performed by a doctor (Urologist) in a hospital. A vasectomy is a birth control option for men, where the small tubes in the scrotum (vans deferens) that carry sperm are cut. Once the tubes are cut or blocked, your sperm can’t leave your reproductive organ to make a woman pregnant. Getting a vasectomy procedure is quick, safe, and effective, and you can decide to leave the hospital immediately after getting the procedure done. A vasectomy procedure has two types: the incision method and the non-scalpel or no-cut method.
Now that you know what a vasectomy procedure is, and what it involves, let’s get into answering those popular questions men ask about this birth control option. For this, we spoke to 3 Nigerian men (Chris-40, Alade-40 and Anonymous- 33) about their experiences and thoughts getting a vasectomy procedure done. They shared their triggers, positives and how it all happened.
Chris: “It is birth control method for men through a minor surgical procedure to cut or seal the tubes that carry a man’s sperm and permanently prevent pregnancy.”
Alade: “It is a medical procedure to remove a small section of a tube that connects your testicles to your penis, to stop sperm cells being released when you ejaculate.”
Anon: “A vasectomy is a procedure that reduces the risk of a pregnancy from unprotected sex. The tube that carries sperm from the testicles (balls) to the urethra (in the penis) is cut. After undergoing this procedure, a man will orgasm/cum as usual but without any of his sperm in it.”
Chris: “I’ve always wanted only 2 children and I knew we (my wife and I) would need some sort of birth control. Did some research on the side effects and I decided the best option for us was for me to get “the snip”.”
Alade: “I started thinking about it when my second child was born. My wife and I had always wanted two children and when my younger daughter turned three, I started looking into it seriously and decided to get a vasectomy done.”
Anon: “Once I realized I did not want to have any more children, I made the choice to get a vasectomy. Nothing triggered my decision but having one child I decided it was enough.”
Chris: “Most of my friends are non-Nigerians and some older guys had done it and they told me it was no big deal. I tell my cynical friends who are still playing the field that it is the sure fire way to prevent permanent offspring from temporary situations.”
Alade: “A close friend of mine had the procedure without any issues and we were in similar circumstances, so it reinforced that I was on the right path. Also, my outlook on life was shaped strongly by my Dad who encouraged, as far as possible, a clear-minded approach to making decisions, making them based on what suits the nuclear family best, not extended family/societal expectations. And I was living in the UK, where there’s a lot of information available and a well developed and trusted medical system. I had the confidence that things will go as planned (aided by some prayers of course!)”
Anon: “I did a lot of reading about the procedure and asked a lot of questions from the doctor before going ahead with it.”
Chris: ” I had the non-scalpel method and I was given a local anesthetic so I didn’t feel any pain during the procedure. There was some discomfort as the doctor tried to locate the tubes and the cauterizing part was a bit surprising. The cauterizing smelt faintly like burning smell. The doctor explained that he was applying heat to block the tubes- a bit like soldering iron. I didn’t feel a thing but the slight smell and the nurse explained what was going on”
Alade: “You go to see a family doctor (GP) who discusses with you, asks you whether you really want to do it, or if you’re making a knee-jerk decision after having a baby or something else, and if all goes well refers you to a surgeon. The surgeon then explains what it involves, and an appointment is booked. On the day, take a taxi to the clinic, undress, get the local anesthetic applied and then the surgeon/nurse does the procedure. The procedure takes about half an hour in total, and you get told not to drive, wear tight fitting underwear and to get enough rest.”
Anon: “The procedure lasted for about 20-30 minutes. There was some pain and discomfort but it was not anything I couldn’t chest.”
Chris: “I was advised by my doctor not to have any alcohol 2 days before and 2 days after as that could affect blood pressure and lead to excessive bleeding. I tried not to move around for the next 2 days also. When I experienced any pain I used paracetamol. A good tip is to have a bag of ice or frozen peas at hand, it reduces the discomfort in the hours after the procedure.”
Alade: “In my case I felt some mild pain but that was because the anesthetic hadn’t kicked in enough. I’ve felt far more pain getting hit by a ball in the balls to give you a sense of the pain level. The healing process requires not wearing tight fitting briefs and avoiding any impact to the area. The dressing comes off after a few days and there’s no visible/noticeable scar at the end. I felt a dull aching pain for a few days afterwards but pain was mostly gone in a week or so.”
Anon: “Mine hurt, I can’t speak for others. I was sore for about two weeks and I had to walk carefully, plus no running or jumping. The pain disappeared over the following weeks. A year+ later, I’m completely fine.”
Chris: “No major ones. I just hoped there would be no complications that would delay my return to a normal life, sports and other activities.”
Alade: “All medical procedures have a risk of complications, and my main fears were I might suffer from recurring pain in my testicles, and the pain putting me off sex afterwards. After doing some research I felt the risk of these were quite low and they generally got resolved. I was also concerned that my wife wouldn’t be onboard with the decision, and she initially was hesitant. After much discussion and research she reluctantly agreed it was the right thing for us to do.”
Anon: “I was afraid the doctor would make a mistake, touch something he’s not supposed to touch and things would stop functioning how they used to. If that happened, how would I explain myself?”
Chris: “Not at all! Zero difference, except for the absence of sperm in the cum (semen) that produces babies. An active sex life without worrying about more children in this economy is better.”
Alade: “It had no effect whatsoever. The semen is produced by the prostate and that isn’t affected by the procedure at all – the only thing is the sperm (army) cells aren’t deployed into the semen as used to happen before.”
Anon: “No there is no difference at all to any sexual experience.”
Chris: “Not at all! It has had no effect on my sex drive or sex life.”
Alade: “Getting a vasectomy has not reduced my sex drive, instead I’d say I feel quite liberated to have sex now without having to worry about the risk of a pregnancy. Sex is now fully a recreational activity for me now, and though work and life still get in the way of having as much as I’d like, I’m enjoying the freedom.”
Anon: “No, I haven’t experienced any difference in my sex life.”
Chris: “None at all! I highly recommend a vasectomy as it is the most effective at 98% with the least side effects and disruption to general life. Only go ahead as a man if you’re sure you no longer want to have children.”
Alade: “None whatsoever. I think it’s one of the best adult decisions I’ve made. I initially worried that I might later think I wanted more children, but I haven’t. I think that’s because I didn’t rush into it and considered it sufficiently before going ahead. Men interested in a vasectomy should research, to find out as much as possible and try to get information about people’s real-life experiences.”
Anon: “I’ve had zero regrets so far.”
Chris: “I was referred by my GP (General Practitioner) in the UK (United Kingdom) after an initial interview and the cost was covered by the NHS. Private procedures in the UK cost between £300 – £650 depending on location.”
Alade: “I had it done in the UK (United Kingdom), where I reside, so it was free on the health service.”
Anon: “I went to Marie Stopes clinic in Abuja, Nigeria. In total it cost me about N50,000 (fifty thousand naira).
Getting a vasectomy is not as complicated as it is thought to be in Nigeria. The conversation about birth control options doesn’t stop at the desks of women alone, as a man (father or husband) you can choose this safe procedure. We have Urologists on the DRO Health app that can give you a medical perspective and follow-up. Download our app and book a consultation in 30 minutes with #1,500 today.
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