Home Improvement Vasectomy

Unlike some other types of surgery, vasectomies are nearly 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. They’re also less expensive than tubal ligation for women or the long-term cost of birth control pills for men. Vasectomy doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or HIV/AIDS, so you should still use other forms of protection during sex.

However, if you change your mind and decide you want to start a family again, there are ways to reverse the “little snip.” A surgical procedure called a vasectomy reversal reconnects the ends of the tubes. This is usually done using a microscope (“microsurgery”) while you’re asleep under anesthesia in a hospital or surgery center.

Some urologists specialize in microscopic vasectomy reversals. Shop around to find one in your area, then ask about his success rates. Depending on your age and anatomy, some doctors may recommend you be sedated or even put you under general anesthesia for the surgery. This is most often the case if you’re a patient with a condition that makes you especially nervous about having the procedure or if you need other surgery at the same time.

After surgery, you’ll need to avoid sex and wear a jockstrap for 2 to 3 weeks. Your urologist should tell you when it’s safe to return to work and your normal routine. Your pain can be controlled with prescription medicine, and most men say the discomfort is similar to that of having a vasectomy.