We’ve all heard the saying “quit while you’re ahead” – that advice doesn’t just apply to your blackjack hot streak at the hotel casino. While there’s plenty of joy and pride that comes from the experience of raising kids, there’s also plenty of costs that come with the responsibility of fathering a child. In a recent analysis from the Brookings Institution, the average cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 increased by $26,000 between 2020 and 2022, resulting in a whopping current average of $310,000 – and that’s not including the additional expenses that come with sending that same child to college.

Whether you’re a veteran dad of three or a bachelor looking to prevent any unforeseen surprises, a vasectomy procedure is a safe and efficient method of birth control. Each year, approximately 500,000 American men undergo a vasectomy surgery, which involves surgically sealing off the two vas deferens tubes to prevent sperm from reaching the semen that is released during sexual intercourse. Vasectomies are proven to be up to 99% effective at preventing future pregnancies while maintaining normal sex drive and erectile function. Here’s what you need to know about vasectomies, including the types of vasectomies, recovery, and costs associated with the operation.

Traditional vasectomy vs. no-scalpel vasectomy

UCA offers men the option of a conventional vasectomy or a no-scalpel vasectomy procedure. The vasectomy process takes under half an hour to complete, regardless of which method you select.

With a standard vasectomy procedure, the urologist makes 1 or 2 small incisions in the scrotum, thus blocking off the vas deferens tube. The urologist then proceeds to tie off the vas deferens or seal the tube with heat (known as cauterizing) before stitching up the cut and doing the same to the other side of the scrotum.

No-scalpel vasectomies work a bit differently. Instead of making an incision with a scalpel, the urologist will puncture a tiny hole to reach both vas deferens tubes at the same time. The vas deferens tubes are then tied off, cauterized, or blocked, with the hole healing on its own without the use of stitches. This method is preferred by some patients, as it reduces bleeding and lowers the risk of bruising or infection following the operation.

Recovery

After the vasectomy, patients are released from the clinic to recover in the comfort of their home. There will likely be some temporary numbness in the scrotum area for 1 to 2 hours because of the anesthetic wearing off. Be sure to queue up some streaming shows and college football, as it’s important to rest as much as possible over the next several days to minimize the risk of infection at the site of the cut and to reduce discomfort caused by the congestion of sperm behind the newly blocked vas deferens.

Patients are recommended to ice their scrotum and take OTC anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or extra strength Tylenol. A doctor may also order prescription pain relievers to minimize the pain as much as possible.

Since patients are not considered sterile right after the vasectomy procedure, at least 2 post-vasectomy semen analyses are required at 6 to 8 weeks post-operation, with another several weeks after that to ensure the semen is clear of sperm.

Costs

If you’ve read this far and think that a vasectomy is right for you, then you’re most likely asking yourself how much a procedure like this is going to cost. Urology Centers of Alabama offers vasectomy services for men with or without health insurance. While most major insurance companies will cover in-office vasectomies, it’s recommended to call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card to find out what your insurance plan will cover. Whether you have insurance or not, it’s important to show up for your scheduled appointment and procedure to avoid being billed a no-show fee of $100.

For more information on vasectomies or to schedule a consultation, call 205-930-0920 or visit urologycentersalabama.com.