A vasectomy is a form of permanent contraception. If you’re in a relationship with a spouse or partner who might be considering having children someday, it’s a good idea to discuss family planning and contraception options before you make a permanent decision. When it comes to talking about this sensitive topic, consider all your family planning options.

Temporary contraception

If you and your partner are on the fence about building a family, temporary contraception is a smart — if not entirely foolproof — method of preventing pregnancy. You can select one or more of the following options based on your comfort and physical needs.

  • Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponges)
  • Hormonal methods (pill, patch, NuvaRing®, hormone shots, Implanon)
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Emergency contraception (i.e., the morning after pill)

You and your partner can also practice natural family planning by tracking her menstrual cycles, temperature or cervical mucus, in order to avoid sexual intercourse during her ovulation period. However, you should consult with a physician to ensure you that understand these processes.

Permanent contraception

If you and your partner are absolutely sure you do not want to conceive, then permanent contraception via surgery might be right for you. Men can undergo the safe and 99% effective procedure of a no needle no scalpel vasectomy, or women can undergo the more invasive tubal ligation procedure.

Fertility preservation

If you anticipate that you might want to have children one day but are definitely sure you don’t want to have them right now, you can safeguard your fertility by preserving your eggs, sperm or embryos before undergoing vasectomy or tubal ligation surgery. Sperm banking is a fast and easy way to protect your family planning options should you have a change of heart and decide you want children later on.

Getting a vasectomy should not negatively affect your life in any way and does offer a few benefits; though it’s only right for men who have talked about family planning with their partners and are certain they wish to proceed with this permanent solution. Check out our frequently asked questions web page to learn more helpful information to share with your partner.

202018Dec

How to Talk About Family Planning with Your Partner

How to Talk About Family Planning with Your Partner

A vasectomy is a form of permanent contraception. If you’re in a relationship with a spouse or partner who might be considering having children someday, it’s a good idea to discuss family planning and contraception options before you make a permanent decision. When it comes to talking about this sensitive topic, consider all your family…

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262018Nov

How to Support Your Partner After He’s Had a Vasectomy

How to Support Your Partner After He’s Had a Vasectomy

Getting a vasectomy is quick (usually under 30 minutes) and virtually painless these days, thanks to the use of the no-needle no-scalpel approach. However, it never hurts to show your partner a little TLC when the time comes for him to recover from vasectomy surgery. Most men experience mild, if any, discomfort or soreness following…

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292018Oct

Is a Vasectomy Consultation Necessary?

Is a Vasectomy Consultation Necessary?

A vasectomy is a form of permanent birth control and therefore not a procedure chosen without serious consideration. If you believe that getting a vasectomy is right for you, it’s necessary to schedule a vasectomy consultation with an experienced surgeon who will explain the procedure in full. This appointment also provides the opportunity to select…

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212018Sep

Is a Vasectomy the Most Affordable Form of Permanent Contraception?

Is a Vasectomy the Most Affordable Form of Permanent Contraception?

Aside from abstinence, getting a vasectomy is the most affordable form of permanent contraception. In fact, it’s one of the only forms of contraception that’s both affordable and permanent. It’s also minimally invasive, has a brief recovery period, is covered by most health insurance providers and is accompanied by a minimal risk of complications. When…

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282018Aug

How to Talk About a Vasectomy in Four Steps

How to Talk About a Vasectomy in Four Steps

Talking to your partner about getting a vasectomy can feel a little uncomfortable … for both you and your man. It’s no secret that many men derive confidence from their virility, and part of that is knowing (consciously or unconsciously) they possess and can share powerful sperm. However, if you and your partner have decided…

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232018Jul

How a Vasectomy Reversal Works

How a Vasectomy Reversal Works

Patients are strongly encouraged to consider the vasectomy as a permanent procedure. Though a successful vasectomy reversal is certainly possible, the original intention of the vasectomy is permanent contraception. It can be reversed with the help of an experienced, trained microsurgeon, but the potential need for reversal should be weighed when deciding whether to undergo…

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262018Jun

Seven Questions to Ask Your Vasectomy Surgeon

Seven Questions to Ask Your Vasectomy Surgeon

In order to fully take advantage of your vasectomy consultation, we recommend preparing for this particular appointment with questions. All vasectomy patients have questions about the procedure, most specifically about pain they may experience during recovery. However, there are other important questions you should be asking your vasectomy surgeon during the initial consultation. These questions…

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302018May

What Happens After a Vasectomy?

What Happens After a Vasectomy?

The days, weeks and months after a vasectomy may seem like a mystery to those unfamiliar with the procedure. Many men are concerned that they will experience pain as they recover, or they worry that too much time will pass before they can return to normal physical activities like work, exercise and intercourse. Fortunately, many…

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262018Apr

How Does a Vasectomy Work?

How Does a Vasectomy Work?

One of the most basic, essential questions asked by those considering having the vasectomy procedure is: How does it work? Because of the many myths and misconceptions surrounding the procedure, the facts about what it actually is can be tough to discern without some research. At the San Diego Vasectomy Center (SDVC), we understand patients’…

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162018Mar

How Effective Is a Vasectomy?

How Effective Is a Vasectomy?

One of the most important questions patients ask outside of “Will the procedure hurt?” is “How effective is a vasectomy?” Men are clear that if they are going to undergo a procedure that involves a highly sensitive area of their body, they want to feel confident that the desired result will occur. Fortunately, for those…

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