On Thursday I underwent a procedure that eliminates my ability to have anymore children, called a vasectomy.
Sexual health and responsibility is something that is often placed on women, entirely. I know that throughout my entire life, it has been that way. My mother had a tubal ligation after the birth of my sister, and I’ve always relied on the women in my life for that responsibility. I didn’t actively refuse, it just happened that way.
Children are often called a blessing in life, and I totally agree. They however were never an “active” thought for me. They just happened. I never “wanted” children in my mind, I did welcome them into my life however. Some may not like to hear that opinion from a father, but it’s how I’ve always felt. Over the years I’ve had to, or have been asked to censor myself, but no more.
I have 2 daughters, and I’m almost 35. I don’t want anymore children, and it’s only fair and proper that I take a stance on that. I’m also never getting married again, but that’s another tale for another post.
I was quite nervous for the procedure. I’ve had numerous surgeries and procedures done on me over the years, but nothing in the general vicinity. I was prescribed a pain pill and xanax to take 30 minutes before the procedure to calm me and help. They certainly did. I knew a needle would be entering my scrotum to dispense a general anesthetic. This was the part that concerned me the most, I’m not sure why because I didn’t even feel it. The urologist then cut a small hole into my scrotum and pulled my vasa deferentia out, one at a time. He then clamped each one individually, cleared some nerve endings off them. He then cut them in 2 places and cauterized both of them and placed them back. He then placed a couple of disovable stitches on the hole. Procedure done.
I asked if I could keep the 2 inch long piece of each of my vas deferens that he had snipped, but unfortunately he had to keep them for “legal reasons.” It would have been nice to keep that piece of myself for some interesting reason.
While I technically can no longer deliver fresh sperm to an egg, I can cause a pregnancy for 3 months, as the sperm like to hang on for dear life. So I have to give a sample in 3 months to ensure infertility. I have also read in some parts of the internet that a yearly test is a good idea as well.
It was literally easier as far as pain goes than getting blood drawn. I’m surprised every man doesn’t have this done at some point their life. With the Affordable Healthcare Act, this procedure is paid for 100% by insurance, making it even more of a no brainer.
For the first 36 hours or so, I became close friends with 3 bags of frozen peas. As of today, I still have a little pain, but have given the peas a break. I’ve been a bump on a log and stayed on my couch.
I look forward to not worrying about the potential of becoming a father, because I did something about it.