Sterilization is an available option, offering an almost completely safe and reliable form of permanent birth control. Because it is safer and less complicated, most physicians recommend male rather than female sterilization to couples. The vasectomy is a simple office procedure in which a segment of the tubes carrying the sperm from the testicles is removed, and the ends are sealed off. The procedure takes about ten minutes and is performed under a local anesthetic. Check to see if you can have a scalpeless vasectomy, which uses a technique in which an incision is not made.
Most men readily admit that the procedure is less painful than a visit to the dentist's office.
Additionally, the only medication necessary afterward for the discomfort is a mild anti-inflammatory such as Advil or Tylenol. In order to minimize the discomfort and complications, it is important to stay off your feet for one to two days after the procedure. Most instances of complications from vasectomies occur because of too much activity following the procedure. A study has shown that men who have had a vasectomy have an increased incidence of prostate cancer after 20 years. Since that report, other studies have noted that there is no increased incidence of prostate cancer.