Should I Get a Vasectomy?

The Main Benefits of a Vasectomy Over Other Forms of Contraception:

1. It’s a simple and fast procedure.
2. It’s less expensive than most forms of contraception.
3. It’s nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy according to the Mayo Clinic.
4. There’s less pain versus some other forms of contraception.
5. There’s no need for any general anesthesia.
6. There’s faster recovery than seen with other forms.

Vasectomies are performed in an office setting with local anesthesia and the man can usually return to work within 24 – 48 hours after the procedure is finished. I tell most of my patients that they can resume exercising and sexual activity within one week afterwards. There is no effect on erectile and ejaculatory function nor is there any decrease in the pleasurable sensation associated with sex. In fact, some men report an increased enjoyment with sex because they are no longer concerned with the possibility of a pregnancy occurring. It is important to note that it takes about 3 months for a man to clear out all of his remaining sperm, so contraception must be used until sterility is documented by a sperm count. Additionally, there's a small (1 -2%) possibility of what’s know as "recanalization" after any successful vasectomy. This means, unbeknownst to the man, that the Vas reconnected and he is no longer sterile. No method of contraception is ever 100% guaranteed -- a condom can break, woman get pregnant even after a tubal ligation, etc.

Patient Education Is The Key For Decisions

When I counsel men on a vasectomy, I initially describe the procedure (I perform a "no scalpel" vasectomy), as well as discuss any potential side effects. I stress that although some side effects sound intimidating, I rarely see anybody with them after their vasectomy. These side effects include scrotal swelling, prolonged testicular pain, persistent sperm indicating a vasectomy failure (yes, that does happen, but rarely) requiring a repeat vasectomy.  And while a vasectomy is reversible, I don't recommend any man having one that might be considering having more children in the future.

Questions About Getting a Vasectomy?

At Philadelphia Urology Associates, Dr. Bruce Sloane is a nationally renowned specialist in Men's Health issues and Age Management Medicine. Dr. Sloane believe that a vasectomy is an excellent form of contraception and offers it to his patients without hesitation Throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, patients seek his expertise to treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual performance issues. Using state-of-the-art equipment and having extensive specialized education and training, Dr. Sloane will find the treatments and solutions that will work best for you.

Having two separate offices and physical locations in both Philadelphia and Darby allows Dr. Sloan the ability to treat patients throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas like Delaware County. We all understand here at Philadelphia Urology Associates that deciding whether or not to have a vasectomy is a major life choice, and many men find that the decision can be rather intimidating. For more information on the procedure, set up an appointment now by calling us at (215) 563-1199 or contact us online now!