As couples seek to limit their family size and embrace family planning, women are often the focus for birth control procedures, while men usually resist vasectomy as a permanent method of contraception. Unfortunately, the reasons behind this rejection are often rooted in deeply ingrained myths, superstition, and ignorance. We’ll be examining some of those myths and aiming to convince men and their partners to consider vasectomy as a safe and effective long-term birth control solution that is faster and more straightforward than female sterilisation.
One of the most common fears men have is that the procedure will negatively impact their hormone levels and cause impotence or erectile dysfunction. However, this fear is unfounded. Vasectomy involves cutting or sealing the tubes responsible for carrying sperm into the seminal fluid, and thus, the seminal fluid will no longer contain sperm cells, but the surgery won’t affect the hormone system that controls sex drive and penile function. The procedure changes the plumbing that allows pregnancy to happen when semen enters the vagina. In Nigeria, vasectomy is not widely practised and is often seen as a threat, leading men to worry about their testosterone levels and libido.
Contrary to some myths, vasectomy doesn’t increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, testicular or prostate cancer, or dementia. It’s also not associated with sex-related problems such as erectile dysfunction, but rather, sexual function could improve. Vasectomy has been shown to increase the frequency of sexual intercourse, the strength of erections, and self-confidence in sexual activity, leading to an overall improvement in sexual satisfaction. The production of testosterone and its effect on sex drive is not reduced. However, as an operation, vasectomy has its risks, like the possibility of an infection at the operation site. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthesia, takes a short time, and patients can return to work in two to three days while avoiding heavy lifting or sporting activities within two weeks. Sexual activity can resume after a week of the surgery.
For complete recovery, psychological support is necessary to allay fears and anxieties that come with it within the waiting period of several months when sperm will have completely cleared from semen. Though vasectomy can be reversed in some cases, it isn’t guaranteed to succeed. Vasectomy is a suitable option for men who are confident they don’t want more children.
In conclusion, vasectomy as a form of family planning is a safe and effective option that should be embraced by men and their partners. It offers benefits such as increased sexual satisfaction and can be done quickly. As Nigeria’s population continues to grow at an alarming rate with socio-political and economic implications, men and their partners should consider vasectomy as a long-term solution to manage population growth.
