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Advantages & Disadvantages of a Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization, wherein a doctor cuts, clamps or otherwise seals the vas deferens from each testicle (the vas deferens is the duct that transfers sperm from the testicles to the urethra). The procedure prevents sperm from mixing with semen, so during ejaculation there is no way a male can fertilize a female egg. And while vasectomies have their advantages in particular situations, there are also several disadvantages you should be aware of.

  1. Permanent Birth Control

    • A vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control, which means a male who has the procedure done no longer has to worry about impregnating other females during intercourse; and likewise, neither party has to worry about using other forms of birth control, such as spermicidal chemicals, condoms, or birth control patches or pills. According to WebMD, while getting a vasectomy is initially expensive, in the long run you will likely save money, since you will no longer have purchase the types of products mentioned above.

    No STD Protection

    • While vasectomies are an effective form of birth control, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. So, according WebMD, using condoms during intercourse---even after a vasectomy---is still a good idea when it comes to protecting both you and your partner.

    Safer Than Tubal Ligation

    • Tubal ligation is the female equivalent of a vasectomy, and involves the cutting and tying of the fallopian tubes (thus preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs). While this procedure has historically been the more commonplace type of permanent birth control for couples, WebMD states that vasectomies are safer, result in fewer complications, and are less expensive.

    Immediate Side Effects

    • Vasectomies do have some side effects and complications associated with them. According to Mayo Clinic, swelling of the groin and testicles, bruising of the scrotum, blood in the semen, bleeding or blood clots within the scrotum, and infections of the incision site can occur.

    Long Term Complications

    • According to Mayo Clinic, some of the long term complications that can arise after having a vasectomy include a buildup of fluids in the testicles, which can cause aches and pains (that intensify during ejaculation), and testicular inflammation, or granuloma, which is the immune system's response to the fluid buildup. In addition, there may be an increased risk of prostate and testicular cancer associated with vasectomies, however no conclusive evidence proves this yet.

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