10 Most Common Myths Associated with Vasectomy
“I’ll need to be off a week from work afterwards.”
Vasectomies are not associated with long recovery times. In fact, the norm is to have the procedure done on a Friday, back to work on Monday with no work restrictions.
“It’s extremely painful.”
Nothing could be further from the truth. A mild sedative, combined with a local anesthesia, makes the procedure virtually painless.
“When they numb me up, they jab a huge needle into my testicles.”
No needles are utilized in our vasectomy procedures. A non-invasive device called a Madaject is used to numb the skin and structures of the scrotum by utilizing pressure to allow the local anesthesia to infiltrate the tissues.
“I won’t be able to climax after a vasectomy.”
Because the vasectomy only physically blocks the flow of sperm out of your body, and nothing else, climax (or orgasm) is preserved.
“No more fluid comes out when I do climax.”
The vast majority (>98%) of the fluid that is ejaculated with climax is seminal fluid, not sperm. Seminal fluid is produced by the prostate and stored in the seminal vesicles, and its purpose is to transport the sperm out of the body. So the amount that changes is negligle and not noticeable at all.
“My sex drive goes down because the vasectomy affects my testosterone.”
Again, the only thing that is affected is the flow of sperm out of the body. Testosterone, a sex hormone produced by the testicles and directly secreted into the bloodstream, is not affected. In fact, most men who have undergone a vasectomy say that their sex drive is better after a vasectomy, because they do have anxiety about an unwanted pregnancy.
“I’ll need to be asleep at the hospital or surgicenter to have it done.”
Dr. Bonzani has been performing vasectomies in the office setting since 1994. A vasectomy in a hospital or surgicenter setting not only creates more hassle and time, but it drives up the cost, as now you are paying for the urologist, the facility, and possibly an anesthesiologist. Have a high deductible? Guess who pays for that.
“If I change my mind about kids later, I can easily reverse it.”
Wait! While a vasectomy reversal (“vasovasostomy”) is fairly successful, it is by no means guaranteed or simple. And insurance won’t pay for it. So when you walk into the urologist’s office, make sure you are committed to your decision.
“The quality of my erections will decrease.”
The nerves responsible for both sensation and erection are nowhere near the site of the vasectomy procedure and therefore, are not affected.
“At my consult, I’m surrounded by other men and it’s very awkward and embarrassing.”
We know of one large vasectomy clinic in Chicago that lines up the patients, puts them together in a conference room, and counsels them in this manner. We believe that this scenario creates an environment that makes it very prohibitive to ask the questions that many men interested in a vasectomy want to ask. At Mokena Urology, you are seen privately, one-on-one with the Urologist, not a General Surgeon or a Family Medicine doctor, and given the time and expertise needed to make your vasectomy a painless, seamless, and uncomplicated process. Call for your appointment anytime.
