If the time has come that you and your partner are done having children, you may be thinking about permanent birth control. If this is your situation then it’s good to know your options. Many of the permanent methods are procedures for women, but what about options for men? It turns out that permanent birth control isn’t just for the better half of the relationship.
Dr. Samuel Otto, Urologist at Ogden Internal Medicine & Urology, has been performing a procedure for men called a vasectomy for several years. Vasectomy gets its name from the vas deferens which is obstructed during the procedure to prevent sperm from getting into the semen, therefore preventing the fertilization of an egg. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically takes about 30 minutes.
Using local anesthesia, Dr. Otto makes a small puncture in the scrotum and isolates the vas deferens, doubly clips the vas, removes a segment and cauterizes both ends. Men who have the procedure might experience some mild aching in the area, but will be able to participate in regular activities within a few days of surgery.
Vasectomies are one of the most successful forms of permanent birth control with a 99.85 percent success rate. When compared with tubal litigation in women, this procedure is both safer and less expensive.
While this procedure is technically reversible, an important thing to re-emphasize is that a vasectomy should only be considered when a couple is sure they are done having children and after ample discussion. The reversal is not 100 percent successful and it isn’t cheap.
When considering a vasectomy, it is important to meet with a urologist to see if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure or if you should pursue a different form of contraception. Dr. Otto is accepting new patients and holds consultations throughout the week. For an appointment to discuss your options, call Ogden Internal Medicine & Urology at 801.475.8600.
