Although vasectomy is one of the safest and most effective forms of male contraception, many men shy away from the procedure due to misinformation and stigma.
Some of the common myths are that the procedure reduces sex drive and affects a man’s ability to get or maintain an erection.
However, according to a medical doctor at the Maries Stopes International ,Ghana, Dr (med) Akua Gyenimaa Mills Danso, these purported side effects of vasectomy are untrue as there was very little evidence of any significant long-term side effects.
In an interview with The Mirror in Accra last Wednesday, she described the procedure as “very easy, simple and effective”.
She said vasectomy does not cause cancer or impotency as some people believed.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure for men that blocks or cuts the vas deferens — the tubes that carry sperm from the testes.
This prevents sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation, making pregnancy impossible. It is a type of birth control that prevents the penis from releasing sperm in fluid called semen during sex.
During this minor surgery, a surgeon cuts and seals the tubes that carry sperm.
Sex after vasectomy
Dr Mills Danso explained that vasectomy did not decrease sexual drive, sexual strength or enjoyment in any way saying “You can enjoy sex the same way you used to even after the procedure.”
She said the procedure usually lasts for about 30 minutes with doctors offering pain medications or scrotal support to help with pain management.
After the procedure, she said men can return to physical activity including sex by the first week.
She added that since vasectomy was a permanent form of contraception, it was only recommended for men who are sure of not wanting children or who have completed their families.
She ,however, warned that “A vasectomy does not protect you against HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). It only prevents pregnancy so be sure to use condoms to prevent and protect against the spread of STIs.”
Post procedure
Dr Mills Danso explained that although healing speed could vary from person to person, recovery is quick because the incision is very small.
“By the third day, you can visibly see that the wound is healing. During the follow-up visit for dressing, we also assess the wound and let the client know the state.”
She said doctors also advised that couples continue using condoms after the first three months’ post procedure.
“After that period, we ask you to do a semen analysis test so we can confirm that there are no active sperm in the semen. Once the results show that you are completely cleared, you can continue having sex without worrying about pregnancy,” she explained.
Fears
This reporter spoke to three men — all of whom requested anonymity — who shared differing opinions.
The first man, a father of one in his mid-30s said he thought about it briefly when he was considering various family planning methods but changed his mind later.
“I believed that if I went through with it, I might regret later in case I changed my mind and wanted to have more children in future. Vasectomy is permanent and the uncertainty about my future plans made it a difficult choice,” he said.
The second, a father of three in his early 40s said, “After three children and with my last child being five years, I can even accept to be castrated but you know that being a man, we have our sexual needs so I wouldn’t mind undergoing a procedure that will prevent pregnancy.
My only concern is, the procedure should not affect my sexual drive or potency.”
The third man, in his 70s and with teenage grandchildren said it was not an option he would ever consider even in his 90s.
“Men are strong and we “never say die until the bones are rotten”, he said jokingly.
World Vasectomy Day
World Vasectomy Day is observed annually on the third Friday of November and this year’s event was marked yesterday, November 21.
The global initiative encourages men to take an active role in family planning and raises awareness of vasectomy as a safe, simple and effective method of contraception.
It also seeks to challenge long-held perceptions that contraception is solely a woman’s responsibility, promoting shared decision-making and responsibility in reproductive health.
Writer’s email: efiaamoakoa2@gmail.com
