This is an article that my DP wrote about his vasectomy experience which he has allowed me to share with you all in the hope that it demystifies some aspects for other men. It is in 3 parts as it is quite long. Enjoy!

Part 1

Road to Sterility - Part 1 of a 3 part vasectomy journey
So, do I really wanna do this?

Even before having kids, I thought the better option for any couple wanting a permanent means of preventing (more) children was for the bloke to have the snip. I had always intended that, at some point after having a kid, or two, it would be my turn.

We now have two wonderful daughters. We also tried, but didn?t quite succeed, in having natural births. In fact, with the second one, it could have been quite horrific if things had been a little different. So, suffice it to say, we?re happy with our brood, and don?t want to risk having a third (even if we wanted one).

So, it was time to get ?done?. (Notice I?m three paragraphs in, and I still haven?t used the word vasectomy?)

There are a few methods out there (notwithstanding the rubber-band around the whole lot which my mate suggested). Check the internet for yourself, but, some firewalls may block some sites, because they use words like 'penis' (well, der!) One of the more modern is the so-called scalpel-free method, which uses a sharp pair of forceps to do the work. This reduces healing time and reduces the risk of infection. The next level up also cauterises things ? again, to reduce infection and for a quick heal. Finally, the latest also adds the ?open-ended? method. This leaves the end joining the testicle to the vas deferens open, to reduce the possibility of pressure buildup, only sealing the other end. (Are your legs crossed now boys?)

As you can imagine, it was only the latest and greatest for me. (Actually, it?s mainly that it?s also the easiest, and cheapest, fastest and most effective). I also decided to go with a local anaesthetic, instead of being knocked out by a general. Less risk, less cost, and less time. After all, it should only take thirty minutes or less.

You know that your life as a commuting cyclist has completed its transition when you realise that one of the major driving factors in where you make your booking is whether it is easy to ride there. It was only as I was dialling the number did I think that I wouldn?t actually be able to cycle home again. However, it only took me a few seconds to realise I could ride the folding bike, and then get picked up by my wonderful partner afterward the procedure. The mate who suggested the rubber band also suggested the local vet, but did agree I'd look funny with the big bucket/collar around my neck.

The clinic I picked is part of a worldwide women?s health organisation. I was happy that my money was going there, and not paying for new tyres on some guy?s Maserati. Tuesdays is their vasectomy day, so they offered me my choice of three coming up in the next few weeks. There was the Tuesday before my big birthday party. Hmmm? I might want to be 100% for that, so perhaps not. Then let?s see, there was my ACTUAL birthday. Ah?. No. Finally, there was the Tuesday following. So that was it. All booked in, and deposit paid.

I know that quite a few friends had previously expressed their apprehension about getting it done. (Coz a real bloke would never say ?fear? now would he?) And my Mother even shared that my Father would not have approved, as I wouldn?t be a ?real? man any more. That had never really factored in for me. It was far easier/cheaper/safer for me to get done, than her. Sorted.

Next time, I?ll let you in on the day of the procedure - it seemed like a long way away when I booked it, but it came up mighty quick.