It is common in hetereosexual couples that the female partner is solely responsible for contraceptive needs. Outside of condom use, which can fluctuate or be used temporarily, women are required to take ownership of pregnancy prevention entirely on their own. This involves taking or using different forms of birth control for year after year, many of which have side effects that negatively impact a person’s quality of life. It is rare for male partners to really consider this in a serious way – the idea that one person can take this role on by themselves for years, sometimes even decades. 

This is why a vasectomy can have such a significant positive impact for a couple. It’s not just the inherit benefit of knowing you will not be at a risk for pregnancy and can also enjoy the spontaneity of intercourse without needing to stop and confirm protection – it’s a degree of freedom that female partners possibly haven’t enjoyed since they first became sexually active. 

Vasectomies help women, here’s how:

  1. There is no further need for birth control – As “convenient” as birth control is typically advertised, it does require upkeep. This means that the female partner will need to schedule further appointments, pay co-pays, pay for birth control means if not covered by insurance, deal with side effects, coordinate with her doctor to test different types if the side effects are impairing her quality of life, test different birth control forms to find one that works best or at least provides the least amount of complications, remember to take a pill at the same time every single day (if applicable), make the trip to the pharmacy whenever required, etc. So, it is very easy to say, “Oh, it’s just one pill…” when you really have no idea of the full scale of responsibility and medical care that is needed. 
    • Also worth noting, the effects associated with birth control are wide ranging. They include: weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, spotting, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, skipped periods, headaches, nausea, vaginal discharge, and in more rare but serious cases you could experience blood clots, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. 
  2. There is no need for women to be solely responsible for contraception – Have you ever heard of “the mental load”? To paraphrase, it is the constant, never-ending mental list of responsibilities women are responsible for on their own in relationships. For many couples, just one item on this long list can include contraception. As noted above, this is not simply taking a pill or attending appointments to have an IUD inserted (can be painful) or to receive an injection. It involves insurance, co-pays, pharmacy visits, doctor visits, side effects, painful procedures, scheduling, organization, etc. With a vasectomy, women can be free of this list of responsibilities that fall on them from one month to the next, and year after year. 

There can be a return to a better sense of ownership of the body – For some, years of birth control is of little concern; they don’t experience side effects and don’t mind the list of responsibilities that come with a prescription that they’ll take from their early 20’s into their 40’s. However, for others, the years of birth control can take a toll. Stopping whatever you’re in the middle of to take a pill, making sure that you time your doctor’s appointment well so your prescription doesn’t run out after a year, dealing with an IUD insertion, remembering that it’s been three months since your last contraceptive injection, etc. When there’s a vasectomy, this can all end. There’s no longer a need to have hormonal or otherwise medication in your body, or to experience the side effects that often accompany these forms of pregnancy prevention.

292022Jul

3 Ways Vasectomies Actually Help Women

3 Ways Vasectomies Actually Help Women

It is common in hetereosexual couples that the female partner is solely responsible for contraceptive needs. Outside of condom use, which can fluctuate or be used temporarily, women are required to take ownership of pregnancy prevention entirely on their own. This involves taking or using different forms of birth control for year after year, many…

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302022Jun

Vasectomy FAQ for Someone Who Is on the Fence about the Procedure

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The idea of a vasectomy can become built up, especially if this is something you have been considering over time. There are questions about pain, what recovery from the procedure will feel like, the potential impact on libido, and if there is any overall risk of complications. These are valid concerns, and we’re always happy…

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272022May

3 Reasons Why a Vasectomy Might Not Be Right for You

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A vasectomy is an excellent option for many men, it is a form of permanent contraception with a high success rate and brief recovery period. The entire procedure is normally around 10-20 minutes, and most men can return to their normal routines within a couple of days. It relieves female partners from the burden of…

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292022Apr

How Is It That I Won’t Feel Pain During or After My Vasectomy?

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We know that even the word “vasectomy” can cause an involuntary wince. Any procedure on a person’s sensitive body part can be a source of stress because how could such a situation not lead to pain when so many everyday bumps and accidental contact can cause pain easily? This is a fair question, but fortunately,…

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292022Mar

Questions to Ask During Your Vasectomy Consultation

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After some thorough deliberation, you’ve finally scheduled your vasectomy consultation. While this is an important first step towards achieving your family planning goals, there is still a little more work that can be done to ensure all your needs are met. Before meeting with your doctor, we like to encourage all of our patients to…

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282022Feb

Risks and Disadvantages of Having a Vasectomy

Risks and Disadvantages of Having a Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a safe, effective, and minimally-invasive procedure that has little to no impact on a man’s general health. However, as with any procedure, there are always potential downsides. If you’re thinking about getting a vasectomy, it’s important to consider any possible risks and disadvantages there might be.  Vasectomies Are Permanent The main reasons…

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272022Jan

Five Reasons To (Finally) Get a Vasectomy

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If you have been searching for an easy and effective form of birth control, it may be time to consider a vasectomy. Understandably, for many men, the idea of surgery may cause hesitation. However, learning more about this procedure and its benefits may help alleviate any fears you may have.  1. Efficacy Rates Vasectomies are…

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162021Dec

Vasectomy Season: Three Times of Year Men Schedule Vasectomies

Vasectomy Season: Three Times of Year Men Schedule Vasectomies

The vasectomy procedure only requires a short recovery period, normally around 2-3 days of rest and then most men can return to daily routines with the exception of manual labor and intercourse (a bit more time is needed before either of those take place). However, even brief, this recovery period is necessary. Even a non-invasive…

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172021Nov

World Vasectomy Day 2021

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This year, World Vasectomy Day takes place on November 16th. The occasion offers an opportunity to promote better education around the vasectomy procedure as well as offer men and their partners a chance to consider the benefits of permanent contraception.  Having a vasectomy can be a genuine turning point for anyone seeking a permanent solution…

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222021Oct

Test Your Vasectomy Knowledge With Our Quiz

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Vasectomies are a commonly misunderstood procedure. For those unfamiliar, the word itself can bring about concerns of pain, complicated feelings about masculinity, and confusion about post-procedure lifestyle. Our practice has discussed vasectomy myths many times (see here, here, and here), but we wanted to give our prospective patients or anyone interested a chance to test…

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