BS: Vasectomy or not?

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 04:09 PM

More info than we needed or wanted LH. :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: MBSLynne
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 04:00 PM

I've known too many people of both sexes who have been sterilized, had changes of circumstance/partner unforseen at the time, and wished they hadn't because they then wanted children. I've always been a believer in keeping one's options open...you never know what's around the corner.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Mooh
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:39 PM

Cost me a week of sick leave at the time and another week+ of sick leave later when it was discovered that the surgeon left stuff in me. Infection, foreign matter, but worst was the wear and tear on the marriage. Eventually I got well and haven't regretted wanting/needing the operation, just the pain it caused to me and the marriage. Most folks don't seem to have any problems with it, but I sure did!

Longest dry spell of my life!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,satisfied customer
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:31 PM

yeah.. but for every unfortunate scare story about the coil..
how many satisfied users are there..????

A good clinic, good up to date advice and diagnosis for individual requirements..
a slightly uncomfortable insertion..
regular check ups every so often
and a then good 5 years care free marital whoopey..!!!

then depending on individual health condition
the good possibility of a new coil
and another 5 years
to forget about contraception
and just get on with enjoying 'bedroom business'..

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:16 PM

It's up to you, so follow your own heart.

My personal take on this is, "don't mess with the body".

I trust what nature gave me. The only thing I ever had removed (without my conscious consent) was my tonsils, because the idiot doctors had decided back then that it was a wonderful idea to rip out every kid's tonsils!

The result: I was bedeviled by an almost endless series of sore throats and colds all through my teens, 20's, and 30's, because the tonsils were not there to do their job. Eventually, my system adjusted.

Doctors, in their extremely minimal wisdom, have since decided that it ISN'T a good idea to rip out every kid's tonsils! I could've told 'em that back then, if anyone had asked me.

I still have my wisdom teeth, despite the efforts of several dentists to rip them out. They have NEVER caused me one moment of pain or trouble, and they will be there if I should lose another molar, which will be handy. That's why nature put them there, I figure.

Vasectomy? Like I say, it's your call. I am inclined to leave my body to its normal devices. You never know when you may need them.

* (Forgot one thing. My foreskin was, of course, removed, again without my conscious consent. This was due to the weird ideas of a primitive tribal people from 5,000 years ago who used to do other peculiar things like stoning people to death and cutting off their hands, and so on. Pfui! I don't really care all that much about the missing foreskin, though. It's okay. I can live fine without it.)

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,Frug
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:13 PM

Well when I got done I was quite relaxed, did all the little shavey bits, wore the loose underpants for afterwards and then there I was lying on the couch, legs slightly akimbo when I heard the noise and I looked down and there approaching the crown jewels was a 30 stone nurse with a brick in each hand..........then I woke up.

Go Raptor..........no problems other than a bit tender and of course gathering the samples over the next few weeks to prove the job has worked. Yet more hands on experience !!!
Frank

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Jim McLean
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:11 PM

I had mine done in London, a number of years ago as we had two kids and it was either condoms or the pill which wasn't entirely safe for my wife (the pill,I mean)! I was a record producer at the time and the doctor talked to me during the operation obviously trying to relax me. "And who have you recorded?" he asked. "Kenny Ball" I replied. "Anyone else?" "Little and Large" I said ... and honestly this conversation is one hundred percent true!

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 02:07 PM

The procedure, done by a capable surgeon, is almost so simple it can be called "trivial." A few will have some swelling for a bit after, and strenuous activity should be avoided for a while.

It is considered mandatory that follow up checks be done to assure not only that the surgery was successful, but that all "remnant" little swimmers have been expelled or have expired.

In most cases, if the vasectomy is done by a competent surgeon, the vasectomy is reversible if done within a reasonable time; however the reversal is microsurgery (no reflection on the patient, and no pun intended) and is not as simple. Because rather delicate sutures are required and scarring can prevent success, a slightly longer recovery period is needed. I know at least two who have had reversal surgery with successful results. I suspect a couple of others, but they were less open about it.

Most surgeons will caution that you should not count on being able to reverse a vasectomy, but anyone who's situation changes so that reversal is really wanted should certainly get an evaluation of their personal condition to see whether there are any conditions that would prevent it.

The only common complication of vasectomy is that occasionally some of the little critters, still produced and expected to be "resorbed" in the body, may fail to be fully absorbed. The result can be some "nodules" that may be transient or permanent, with transient appearance being much more common than any permanent effect. If this should occur and seem persistent, it should be brought to the attention of your medical consultant, and in some cases examination may be recommended, usually via ultrasound imaging, to rule out the unlikely serious and similar appearing malignancy. The vasectomy doesn't appear to affect the likelihood of the more serious events, and any such unusual happening should be checked regardless of whether you've had the surgery.

Various surgeons have differing customs with respect to pre-counselling and approvals, but the general rule here (US) is that if you are married spousal consent is required. There is no particular reluctance to perform the surgery on single men, so far as I have seen, although young men who have not had a family might encounter some caution on the part of the physician.

I would probably recommend that anyone considering a vasectomy should consult a "specialist" who has experience with the procedure. Although it's simple enough that almost any surgeon should be able to do it, "practice makes perfect" and it is sort of personal. A specialist who does it often is likely to be more "up front" about it, simply from being accustomed to dealing with patients' questions.
Perhaps more importantly, the whole staff at the specialist's facility will have used up all their bad jokes and will be less likely to react embarassingly.

John

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,j
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 01:44 PM

I'm afaid I disagree about there being safe / easy barrier methods for both sexes.

Coils don't always stay in place ( you DON'T want to know the details), the diaphragm has limitations of use, & the failure rate for diaphragms and condoms is worrying.

A 28 year old male friend and his wife have 4 children, 2 from his wife's previous marriage. He is considering, understandably, a vasectomy; but at 28, how can he know how his life will go ? & sadly most people who know him think the marriage will fail.

The method a couple/ person chooses has to reflect a whole range of factors. No method of contraception is perfect or risk free.
... and one major factor is how seriously do you NOT want children.


Good luck Raptor

j

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 01:33 PM

the last urologist I spoke to said that ANY snipping in that area 'could' cause tenderness & swelling, and it just depended on nerve structure and the individual...it can go, (as we have just read), from barely noticable to damned uncomfortable. A vasectomy is fairly minor, as these things go. I have a condition one step up - "spermatocele"..whick means a blocked duct is causing gradual swelling. I was advised 7-8 years ago to wait and see if it causes me enough discomfort to be willing to risk more discomfort with a procedure a bit beyond a vasectomy. I suspect in a year or two I will consider it. *grump*

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,Den
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 01:06 PM

Had mine done a number of years ago. My wife and I had three wonderful boys and felt that our family was complete. When I went to have it done I had a simillar experience to Johnny. The specialist met with my wife and I and sounded like he was trying to talk me out of having the procedure. I've never regretted it for a minute. I felt a little uncomfortable afterward but it was a Friday afternoon and the eight cans of Double Diamond helped to take my mind of things.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:56 PM

I was "done" in 1986. Friday at Bishop Auckland General, shaved meself got "put under" Woke up, fish and chips for dinner. Ambulance home. Next day had to walk 2 bloody miles due to financial emergency. All in all no complaints.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:37 PM

Back in the 60s I was asked by a young Norwegian lady of my aquaintance if there was a birth control pill for men, when I told her that as far as I knew not yet, her response was "Oh shit" It appears that this guy had told her that he was on the pill and all was safe, so she gave in. She did admit eventually that she would probably have slept with him anyway so what the heck. So the 'I've had a vasectomy' ploy will work, but only if the girl wants to believe it; she could always check for a scar!
Giok

Snip snip; it will make a vas deferens to your life!

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:27 PM

With all due respect to Amos, LL, it is possible that the guy did actually have the surgery. Doctors know that such operations are not without the possibility of error or anomalities. It is because of this that they usually request that the patient return in six months to have their ejaculate checked out for "swimmers".

On the other hand, I have personally known at least one guy who falsely claimed to have had the operation because he somehow thought it improved his odds of getting into somebody's pants. I have no idea whether it had the desired effect. (I secretly warned the women I knew with whom he developed relationships. Some believed me; some believed him.)

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:18 PM

When I had it done, it wasn't available to 'single, footloose and fancy-free' guys at all (at least not on the NHS) - only married men whose families were judged to be 'complete'. You, and your wife, had to have counselling, and she had to sign that she agreed to the vasectomy or it didn't happen. 'Course things might have changed since the mid-eighties, but shagging around was absolutely the last reason I considered it. It was economic necessity that drove me to it.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,nowaynotmine
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:11 PM

no way would I ever consider having this done to me..
or suggest to any woman that they should consider
equally 'irreversible' equivalent surgery..

except only in the remotest need for health reasons..

there are easily available safe, reliable and convenient
forms of barrier contraception for both sexes..

and these days any single footloose and fancy free guy
who only wants the operation so he can shag around
WITHOUT USING condoms
is an irresponsible dangerous dick.!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:04 PM

Correct, Kim C. I did it, got divorced, remarried, and now can't procreate with the new Mrs. Johnny. Not too major for me as I already have 2 sprogs from the first disaster, but it's a bit tough on my new lady. On reflection, I wouldn't recommend it if your marriage isn't 110% solid, otherwise it's OK.

BTW, for the wimps on here - I had it done at 4pm, and went to work as normal next morning. No General Anaesthetics, no wheelchairs, no ice bags. Ibuprofen's a wonderful thing, and cheap too. No fear necessary. :0)

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: bbc
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 11:59 AM

I had a tubal ligation at/around the age of 40 when I wasn't in a relationship where I wanted children & expected that, after that age, I wouldn't. Now, at almost 52, I have never regretted the decision. The procedure was quick, easy, & without any unpleasant side effects that I recall. I've never had unwanted pregnancies & that's good news.

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Kim C
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 11:51 AM

Having a vasectomy, or a tube-tying, to me, is like having a person's name tattooed on your body. It's very hard to undo, and circumstances have a way of changing.

Unless you are absolutely certain that you don't want any children EVER, find an alternate method of birth control.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Amos
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 01:00 AM

LL:

No he did not. He was lying to you. Sorry.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:20 AM

Shanghaiceltic,

There have been signs around Texas for years about vasectomy reversal at a place in Houston. You want me to keep an eye out for one of the signs and get that number for you?

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 05 - 12:17 AM

I would never suggest that a Vasectomy requires gneral anesthesia, not unless your surgeon is a total idiot.
A little pre-op valium and local anestetic makes it painless.
Mine took about 10 minutes, max. I had it done on a Friday, went home, sat on an ice bag for 24 hours and felt ready for work by Monday.
Now, maybe if your occupation is Cowboy, (Midnight or otherwise), Tour de France Rider,Pogo Stick Tester, Porn Star or something along those lines, you might need a few extra days off.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Peace
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:55 PM

One of the fellows I know got the procedure done. His testes swelled up to about twice their normal size--according to him. Kept him from firefighting for a week. The orbs returned to normal size--which according to him was like a pair of grapefruit, and he's been doing well since.

Complications can occur but they are rare.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: GUEST,Seaking
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:50 PM

Some advice I would offer to any potential vasectomee(?) is to go for the general anaesthetic, never a local. I found out the hard way that it is indeed possible to touch your heel with the toe of the same foot under certain circumstances. I think I was supposed to walk out of the hospital immediately afterwards - and one wheelchair ride and a two hour lie-down later I did !

- And keep small children and dogs at a distance for a day or two..!

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:34 PM

I had a vasectomy back in 1995. We had one son aged 10 by then and decided we did not want other children. My wife at that time was on the pill but there were potential hazards.

The only problem was that I was told to shave myself, not easy with a razor and mirror held between the legs, luckily the razor was not a cut throat!

The procedure was simple and done in a day care unit and I was in and out (pardon the expression) in about 4-5 hours.

Post op the down side was the company dance two days later as one was feeling a tad sore and had to wear baggy trousers. I dont think I managed too many dances!

Any other down side, yes. I divorced 6 years ago and remarried. Jade and I want children and we cannot have them.

Any other 'down' sides no.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:14 PM

Good question.and one I'd like to know the answer to!!
My ex husband told me that he had had a vasectomy years previous. I got pregnant, ( Noooooo...there was not anyone hiding in the woodshed !!!!) Eventually,he took off and so ya I'd really like to know.... did he have the vasectomy or not?
True story!!

LL

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Bobert
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:10 PM

Not so good...

The day I went down to get cut the bomb squad showed up with bomb sniffin' dogs...

Yeah, apparently the joint was one of them family plannin ceters that gets bomb threats every day...

But, the worst part is when they stick yer butt in that cold room and you got some serious "shrinkage" issues and the doctor brings in a couple of nurses to assist....

Now that's downright embaressin...

Then, down comes the machetti and yer done and gotta drive 70 miles home... This is the worst part.... You learn every little dip in the road that you never knew was there...

BUT....

Hey, a week later and yer good to go....

Good luck...

Bobert

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Peace
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:09 PM

It means never having to say you're sorry.

Subject: RE: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 11:06 PM

To me, it seems like the easiest and safest method of birth control. I had mine in 1978 - no problems.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: BS: Vasectomy or not?
From: Raptor
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 10:55 PM

How do you feel about the procedure?

Any stories?

Raptor