1. Community
  2. Contraception and sexual health
  3. Vasectomy

Vasectomy booked for June - Feeling Scared - Advice?

Posted , 9 users are following.

martymcfly
martymcfly

Hi,

I'm 34 and my wife is 36, we have 2 Children who are very healthy, my wife fell ill after our first child (10 years ago) our 2nd child was through emergency c-section nearly 4 years ago now, from my own point of view I'd love just one more child however my Wife at 36 definitely does not and I respect her wishes completely.

On top of this my wife has come off the birth control pill as it's messing with her hormones/sex drive plus it may have future health risks if she keeps on taking it.

We would like to resume a more normal sex life and eliminate the risks, I don't like having to use condoms (like having a bath with your socks on) it's just not the same.

We felt the best option would be that I have a Vasectomy, that way we can have no more children, no birth control pills involved and hopefully we can get back to 'normal'

I've recently had my consultation appointment and I'm booked in for the snip in early June.

My expectations were pain & discomfort to start with but that will soon go after a couple of weeks, after reading some post's on here I'm now in a panic, worried I’ll get horrible infections, Erectile dysfunction and other complications it may cause years down the line.

Some people are saying it's the worst thing they've ever done.

I'm totally aware that these type of things don’t come without risk but it appears this is more risky than I first feared, the doctor explained its 1/1000 thing.

Guess I'm just seeking some more positive experiences in general.

Thanks in Advance

 

0 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

Prev
  • martymcfly
    martymcfly

    Posted

    I'm really in two minds about getting this done now after hearing mixed experiences, I'd be absolutely gutted if ended up with long term problems and I'll be looking back here on comments regretting I had it done.

    I feel like it's something I 'need' to have it done yet the possible consequences are putting me off. I think I feel even more worried now than I did the day I posted this thread.

    • archemedes
      archemedes martymcfly

      Posted

      I am 71 now and the vasectomy when I was 50 and I had no problems other than the mildest (and I mean mildest of infections) which cleared-up within days of them giving me antibiotics.

      There is always the risk of an infection (or worse) when there is intrusive surgery, but here we are talking about keyhole surgery which carries a much lower risk anyway.

      There is a risk of getting knocked over by a bus, or falling down a manhole or a sinkhole, or many other things that can (but not often do) go unexpectedly wrong in the course of our daily lives.

      I would therefore encourage you to get it done because believe me the advantages far outweigh any possible disadvantages.

    • archemedes
      archemedes

      Posted

      These are the options as I see them.

      1) Do not have the operation and start using some form of contraception, for example the pill for your wife.

      2) Get it done in the full knowledge that over 90% of vasectomies work out fine and only a small percentage cause problems.

      3) Ask your wife if she will consider having a Tubal Ligation, which is much more serious procedure with an infinitely higher risk of complications.

      At the end of the day only you can decide.

  • PVP-ouch
    PVP-ouch martymcfly

    Posted

    I somehow suspect the odds of being knocked down by a bus or falling down a man hole are somewhat considerably higher than 1 in 10

    Yes keyhole does really minimise risk of infection but it doesn't minimise risk of PvP.

    If the risks were less severe than life long pain, lack of sex life and loss of testicles I'd be inclined to agree the risks outweigh the benefits bit when faced with such devastating risks it is to simplistic to use that scenario.

    As I have already said up to 90% are successful and that must be remembered bit so must the lesser but more devastating outcome. But even Dr's admit it can occur any time within ten years bit they don't results, usually, beyond 72 months.

    It's a choice that no-one can really make other than the person themselves as views will be polarised between those in pain and those who are pain free.

  • Ouchy
    Ouchy martymcfly

    Posted

    Had two letters today. One from my pain specialist. We are out of options for pain relief other than occasional tramadol.  No further surgery is recommended due to ongoing pain, ie removing testes won't work.

    also had letter from solicitors following independent review. I can't sue as the disclaimer says there is a risk of chronic pain. Tough luck. It also recognises the problem is common. 

    Why hey did my GP and he GP that operated on my never tell me ? I even asked them directly and they denied any problems.  

    I can't even get an apology. This GP is carrying on chopping testes and fellas aren't aware of the risks.

    Had I known what I know now, I would never have had the snip. I've had over three months off sick with this, would your employer be so accomodating.  We both regret the decision.

    make sure you discuss this with your wife, and make sure she is aware of how common these issues are. PVPS is incurable. 

    Thats frightening how a small operation can cause this. It's apparently well documented but nobody tells you. You are effectively making a decision based upon false information and lies.

  • blackrivers5
    blackrivers5 martymcfly

    Posted

    Well said Ouchy,

    And thanks for your reply Martymcfly, I can give you four reasons for not getting snipped, first the incidence of PVPS is at least 1 in 10 ( there are other problems as well), even if the op had been OK I found it unacceptable that  my testicles seamingly were hanging in my scrotrum half way down my legs!!! I also felt badly let down by my climax, which was about 33% of pleasure than before,for me I also found great pleasure getting my wife pregnant as well as the thrill of using contraceptives not getting her preggers, but after the snip that thrill was just not the same. I am only giving my experience in the hope that others do`nt suffer with a vasectomy, because of misinformed info given by the medics, like happened to me.

  • martymcfly
    martymcfly

    Posted

    All done, had the op yesterday afternoon, was quite intense especially as it's my first ever op to be performed on my body, however apart from the initial injections and spray afterwards it was painless, op went as well as this op can go, I've seen the wounds and they are only 4mm each side, the surgeon & nurse were both very experienced and the nurse in particular was quite brilliant in how she helped me as a patient.

    So currently I'm having today & tomorrow off work and hopefully back for Monday, As thing's stand I'm not feeling any pain apart from that 'after feeling of being kicked in the balls' so a dull ache as many have described, I feel a little delicate and have a modified walk lol, it's a little painful if bending down or forward but other than that I think I'm good, time to rest on my ps4.

    • archemedes
      archemedes martymcfly

      Posted

      There you go, as I said - it's  easy.

      Just make sure that you avoid any heavy lifting for 1 - 2 weeks.

      You could always keep the natty little 'bag' as a posing pouch.

      Have a great life........

  • alex88587
    alex88587 martymcfly

    Posted

    Be patient in your recovery.  I was not pain free until a month passed, and feared the worst.  But all is well now, and I'm glad I had it done.
    • martymcfly
      martymcfly alex88587

      Posted

      Cheers mate, to be honest I'm in no pain what so ever right now (touch wood) I'm well aware this may not always be the case but so far so good, I can only feel where my stitches are so in that respect I'm taking it easy to not put too much stress on that area, I've also managed to ejaculate 3 times and everything feels normal, same sensations, not seen any blood as yet.
    • Ouchy
      Ouchy martymcfly

      Posted

      Glad you are ok.

      I'm off sick again with pain. Off to GP for pain meds and anti depressants as I can't carry on like this anymore. Testosterone injections aren't helping much and my wife is bending my ear about lack of sex.

      Sex is the last thing I want. Easy op. Yep. Life destroying though. I so wish that my balls could be chopped off.

Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.