Very simply, a vasectomy is a medical procedure in which a man is permanently rendered unable to impregnate a woman by cutting and sealing the vas deferens which is responsible for transporting the sperm to the semen. Typically vasectomies are performed on men who are married, in long term committed relationships that have children and are 100% positive that they do not want to have any more kids. It is a decision that should not be entered into lightly and if there is even the slightest bit of doubt, you should not have this procedure.

A vasectomy is a fairly simple procedure that is usually performed within half an hour right in your doctor's office. There is no need for anesthesia and most men are given a local anesthetic to numb the scrotum. Most men report a feeling of tugging and pulling during the procedure but no pain.

Once you are good and numb a small incision will be made on one side of the scrotum. The vas deferens will be pulled out of the opening, a small portion will be removed, and the ends of them will be sealed via stitches, or sealing them shut with heat.  The same process will be done on the other side of the scrotum.  After both sides have been done, the doctor will close the two opening with stitches, which usually disappear on their own after 3 - 5 days.

 As with any type of surgical procedure there are a few simple things that you must do before you have this done.

• Thoroughly wash your scrotum prior to the surgery.
• It is recommended that you shave from the base of your penis along the front of the scrotum.  It helps with the doctor's visibility.
• Wear athletic support to the appointment.
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting pants that you don't mind getting iodine on. 
• Don't take any aspirin for atleast 10 days prior to the surgery as they will thin your blood and increase your chances of having excessive bleeding during and after the vasectomy.

The risks associated with having a vasectomy are few and very mild.  Some of the risks include:

• Fever
• Trouble urinating
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Increased swelling
• A lump that forms in the scrotum

Again, these risks rarely occur but if they should, you need to contact your doctor immediately.  

Many people associate a vasectomy with birth control--it is the single most effective method of permanent birth control on the market. However, this is not the only benefit of having a vasectomy. Some other benefits include:

1. Freedom -- Many men report feeling a lot more freedom to enjoy sexual activity because they are not concerned about accidental pregnancies.
2. Improved Sex Life -- 30% of couples have reported an increase in the frequency and quality of their sex lives after having had a vasectomy.
3. Positive Effects on Marriage -- 30% of couples have reported that their marriage is stronger, healthier, more relaxed, and happier after having this procedure.
4. Improved Physical Health -- Men have reported feeling an improvement in their overall physical and mental health.
5. Improved Health of your Female Partner -- The single most common form of contraceptive used by women is the birth control pill. The pill can have many negative side effects when taken for prolonged periods of time so choosing to have a vasectomy can actually improve the health of your wife/girlfriend. Additionally, a vasectomy is a much easier procedure than those available for women like a tubal ligation or the new Essure procedure.

Now that you know what a vasectomy is, what the procedure entails, the risks, and all the amazing benefits, you might be asking "How much does it cost?"  You might be surprised at how affordable it really is.

In the USA a man can have a vasectomy for only $500 - $1,000 compared to a the cost of $1,200 - $6,000 for a woman to have a tubal ligation.  Many insurance companies will cover most or all of a vasectomy leaving little to no out-of-pocket cost for you.