What you need to know about vasectomies - the male form of birth control
Does this method of birth control have side effects? What are the benefits of it? This article answers these questions and many more.
According to statistics, 45 percent of pregnancies are unplanned.
When it comes to birth control, statistics show that it is mostly women who take charge. From taking pills, injections, using patches, inserting Intrauterine Device (IUD) or wearing the contraceptive ring, women have a lot of options when it comes to preventing pregnancy.
READ: What you need to know about using IUD contraceptives
In recent years, there have been more developments when it comes to male contraceptives, including the recent male contraceptive pill.
One of the most trusted male contraceptive that has existed for many years is a vasectomy, which is also called “male sterilisation".
Vasectomy is a small operation done to men to prevent pregnancy. It is a procedure where small tubes in the man's scrotum that carry sperm are cut or blocked off. This is to ensure that sperm can’t leave the man's body and cause pregnancy.
There are two types of vasectomies - the incision method, and the no-scalpel method which doesn't involve cutting.
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How effective is it?
According to WebMD, a vasectomy is the most effective birth control option for men and only about 15 out of 10,000 couples get pregnant in the year after a man has the surgery.
After performing the surgery, it will take three months for your semen to be free of sperm.
What are the pros of getting a vasectomy?
A vasectomy is a minor surgery which is quick, and you can go home the same day.
A vasectomy won't mess with your hormones, so you don't have to worry about side-effects that usually come with hormonal contraceptives.
The other good thing is that a vasectomy doesn't interfere with your sex drive, so you can still enjoy sex like you used to before. It also doesn't interfere with your orgasms.
Another advantage is that a vasectomy won't change the way your semen looks, feels, or tastes.
What are the cons of getting vasectomy?
After the procedure, you might get an infection, minor bleeding, pain, bruising or swelling. But all these should not be major and should be treatable.
READ: Planning a pregnancy? What you need to know
Image courtesy of iStock/ @Shidlovski