M a l e V a s e c t o m y Will you make the cut? Me n’s hea lth Let’s cut to the chase. Your family is already budding with three spritely children, each as beautiful as the next. You’re reaching the time where you and your partner are settling into school plans and curfew agreements for the coming years, and you’re thinking more about fishing boats than baby cribs. Phase one - family creation: complete. Phase tw o - settling in: initiated. As a result, birth control has entered your, and your partner’s radar, and the dial is set to male vasectomy. As equally as important to the decision to have children, deciding whether to have a vasectomy is best approached with as much information, advice and support as possible. Beginning the Research A vasectomy procedure is considered a permanent method of birth control, although the variation in its effectiveness must be considered. A vasectomy prevents the release of sperm in the male ejaculation. Following surgery, the Leydig cells continue to produce testosterone and other male hormones that are then absorbed into the blood stream. Obviously the first conversation will be with your partner. It is a good idea to sit down together over a few weeks to discuss all other options and the financial and psychological implications of the procedure. Speak to any friends or family members who have had a vasectomy and collect any advice and information you can. Search online vasectomy and parenting forums to explore different reactions to the procedure and to chat with likeminded people. Perhaps most importantly, speak extensively with your doctor and develop a relationship based on what is best for you and your family. Remember, everyone is different and has independent life situations to consider. Ask yourself the following types of questions: • What happens if a death occurs and I want to be able to father more children? • If my partner and I split up, what if I want to have children with another partner? • What if our situation changes and we want more children in the future? Potential Side Effects In some cases, though the procedure is perfectly safe, scrotal pain is regarded a common post-op side effect. Pain can be experienced during and after the procedure, with some patients experiencing chronic pain (over three months) following the vasectomy, caused by inflammation along the vas deferens due to sperm leakage. Contrary to early misconceptions, research shows that vasectomies are not linked to an increased risk of heart disease or prostate cancer. Psychological Side Effects Many men have reported to experience low selfesteem following the operation. Professionals in the area rationalise this as the man’s ceased ability to impregnate a woman, a role often linked to their own manhood and self-worth. There are a high number of vasectomies performed in secret, which is indicative of males’ common notion that without sperm, they no longer hold the ‘dominant’ position in the eyes of society. Hormonal reactions may also result from the surgery, though these have shown to subside within several weeks. Anger, mood swings and depression are common reactions among patients, and are generally linked with the male’s denial or lack of understanding about the procedure. Psychological side effects can also derive from the sexual incompetence that may result after surgery, including premature ejaculation, impotence and sexual dysfunction. Speak to your doctor about the possibility of these side effects, and if they arise, seek support from a psychologist or counsellor as well as online forums and networks. Cost Vasectomies are partly covered by Medicare, meaning that patients may be able to recover up to 85% of the procedure cost. Generally, Medicare will not cover the booking fee for the surgery. Consult your general practitioner, a planned parenthood professional or a local hospital about the general cost of the procedure. Those with private health insurance should also consult their provider about reimbursements. Ask yourself the following types of questions: • What happens if a death occurs and I want to be able to father more children? • If my partner and I split up, what if I want to have children with another partner? • What if our situation changes and we want more children in the future? pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 27
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Four
To see the actual publication please follow the link above