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Topics: Health, News, Sex and Relationships
Niamh Shackleton
A urologist has lifted the lid on the rumors that are true and false about vasectomies.
It's said that around half a million vasectomies are carried out each year in the US, and with women growing increasingly tired of bearing the burden of being the one to ensure that they don't have an unwanted pregnancy, it's likely this number is only going to increase.
Several famous faces have had the snip: from Dax Shepard to dad-of-six James Van Der Beek and Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green.
Austin Green welcomed his youngest child with fiancée Sharna Burgess in June 2022, after which the 51-year-old said he thought was a good time 'close the shop', as per Us Weekly.
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While vasectomies aren't uncommon, there are still some rumors that might put someone off getting one, but urologist Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt has come to rescue to put people's minds at ease and debunk any myths.
Writing for CNN, Dr Jamin described the surgery as 'typically a minor office-based procedure that requires minimal preparation'.
He continued to explain: "After numbing the scrotal skin with a local anesthetic, the urologist makes a small opening in the skin, often so small that no stitches or scalpels are needed. From there, the doctor will find the vas deferens — the tube that carries sperm (made in the testicle) from a tightly coiled duct called the epididymis to the urethra prior to ejaculation. The vas deferens feels a bit like a piece of cooked spaghetti.
"The tube is brought out through the small opening, cut, sealed or blocked, preventing sperm from mixing with semen. The procedure is done on both sides, on both vas deferens, in a similar fashion. The cut ends are placed back into the scrotum, and the openings may be sealed with skin glue. Then you can go home and rest."
Dr Jamin addressed the idea that men who have had a vasectomy have lower testosterone levels, sex drive or sexual function, something he insists is not true.
He further noted that some couples actually have an improved sex life because they no longer have the fear of it resulting in an unwanted pregnancy.
Dr Jamin also said that a man still ejaculates as usual, but he'll just 'shoot blanks' instead as the semen won't contain any sperm.
Cost-wise, some fear that vasectomies aren't covered by insurance — but Dr Jamin says otherwise.
He wrote: "Some men assume vasectomies are expensive or not covered by insurance, but most insurance plans fully or partially cover the procedure.
"Even if you’re paying out-of-pocket, the cost is often less than $1,000, though prices can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on your location and whether you opt for anaesthesia."
In regards to childless men having the snip, Dr Jamin assured people that the procedure is reversible should someone later decide that they do want to become a parent.
He did note, however, that you shouldn't have a vasectomy 'assuming it’s temporary' as reversal surgery is expensive and not always successful.