Sweetest Day Flowers or Vasectomy – Which Snip Will She Prefer? 

Fresh cut flowers make for a nice Sweetest Day (October 19) gift. But a “snip” that lasts forever is a vasectomy.

The Urology Group’s “Snip for Your Sweetie” program might be just the right time to schedule a vasectomy if you are committed to not having children or if you’ve had the number you want. It’s among the most thoughtful ways of showing you care because it removes the responsibility of birth control from your partner, forever.  

And the timing is good. Each year, more than 500,000 U.S. men undergo vasectomies, many around World Vasectomy Day (Nov. 15) or before March Madness when “Vas Madness” vasectomy campaigns drum up a lot of interest. In October, you can beat the crowds.

How a Vasectomy Works 

A vasectomy is an outpatient procedure that prevents sperm from leaving your body. This makes it a permanent form of sterilization.

It’s done by cutting off the sperm’s passage to the penis. Through two small incisions in the scrotum, your urologist snips off short sections of vas deferens, seals the ends, and closes the incisions with two or three stiches. (In some cases, the surgeon uses a no-scalpel, puncture approach.)

Some sperm will remain in your system for a few months, however, so you should use birth control until a semen analysis kit and your doctor confirm you’re in the clear. 

Isn’t It Romantic? 6 Ways a Vasectomy Shows You Care

We think a vasectomy makes a great Sweetest Day gift for some couples for these six reasons. 

1. A vasectomy provides constant protection. A vasectomy is 99% successful at preventing pregnancy, a better rate than many other birth control methods. Condoms, for example, are just 85% effective if not used perfectly (98% if they are). Protection from birth control pills dips to 91% if they are not taken on a precise daily schedule.
2. It removes the responsibility from your partner. Once all viable sperm has left you’re body – typically 15 to 20 ejaculations – neither your partner nor you will have to fuss with birth control again. This relieves the stress of an unplanned pregnancy.
3. You won’t have to “hit pause” on romance. Even if you’re a pro at applying a condom, doing so can slow the moment. In fact, nearly one in four men lose their erections before or while putting on a condom. A vasectomy permits you to eliminate a mood-disrupting birth control method and enjoy spontaneity. 
4. Long-term, it’s price effective. Many methods of birth control can range from $150 to more than $2,000 a year depending on health insurance, while a vasectomy requires just one payment and might be covered by your plan. Read more about vasectomy costs and insurance here. 
5. It does not carry sexual side effects. Many men ask if a vasectomy will affect their libido, sexual stimulation, or erections. It does not, because it does not alter hormone levels. You’ll even ejaculate like before, but without sperm. Your partner, meanwhile, no longer has to experience birth control side effects and neither of you will have the stress factor. 
6. You should get over “the snip” in a snap. The Urology Group offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help relax you before the procedure. As for post-procedure, most men experience mild discomfort including swollen, achy testicles and bruising for a week or so. An ice pack, Tylenol, and couch rest should provide relief. Avoid having lifting, exercise, and intercourse for at least five days. And remember, until your sperm has been checked, continue with birth control. 

Ready to Smell the Roses? 

If the above benefits make sense for your lifestyle, it might be time to call a urologist about a vasectomy and your next steps. 

What’s it like to get a vasectomy? Watch this short video (just under 8 minutes) in which I outline the procedure.