Thread by @blackdogdylan

so, in light of the unprecedented assault on women’s #ReproductiveRights across the country, I thought I’d share a little bit of my experience in hopes of improving education out there & to normalize something that isn’t being talked about much.

men, we’re a critical part of this discussion. not only must we stand up for the women in our lives, as their lives can literally depend upon it, we must also acknowledge & address a part we can play in it (outside of advocacy.)

last year, I had a vasectomy. we have 2 kids. we’re happy with 2. we’re done. for us, this decision seemed simple.

but the more I’ve spoken with men (& women) about it, the more I’ve come to realize that what little they know about the procedure is often terribly wrong.

heads-up, some of this might be gross or too candid for some of you. so be it.

so, first off, it’s an outpatient procedure. whole thing takes about 20 minutes. my doctor did it all himself.

my insurance (Motion Picture) covered it almost 100%.

the surgery consists of the following:
some shots of lidocaine (yes, that stings) followed by a single incision of about 1/4”.

then the doctor roots around a bit, pulling your vas deferens out of said incision, one at a time, snipping out a short length of it, & applying titanium surgical clips to the remaining tubes (yes, this is uncomfortable.)

then, the doc works everything back in & tapes you up. no sutures or staples are necessary. a small bandage & some extremely supportive underwear is all you need to leave (sorry guys, no pictures.)

Ibuprofen & ice packs (or frozen peas) for the pain. limits to lifting & sexual activity for a week or so. & then you know what? that’s it.

now, I know you have questions, because I’ve already gotten them, so here are my answers:

yes, boys, it hurts afterwards. what do you expect, it’s your balls? I would liken the sensation to that deep-belly quease you feel after a kick to the jewels. I promise you, women have had worse THEIR WHOLE LIVES.

yes, apparently stuff can sometimes (very rarely) go wrong. what do you expect, it’s surgery? on your balls. do yourself the favor of not Googling too many side effects.

yes, regular sexual activity can resume once you’re up to it. after around 20 ejaculations or 4-6 weeks (whichever comes first) you’re in the clear.

that last part is contingent on some tests (the only part my insurance didn’t cover) where you must provide a couple of fresh samples.
make it fun!

the whole process has a good amount of bureaucratic regulation around it, & that part IS strange. you get paperwork that reads “Consent For Encounter with Sterilization”.
an ENCOUNTER?!

when you read up on the history (even recent history) of forced sterilization & how diabolical some of that has been, you understand why the state wants you to super extra consent to it in writing before they declare you sterile.

as to the question that seems to be in the fore of everyone’s mind, yes, sexual function is normal. imperceptibly different. when you ejaculate, seminal fluid comes out. not saw dust or smoke monsters. just the usual stuff (minus the sperm.)

but here’s the thing- that last part IS the thing. your contraception is covered. your partner doesn’t have to use the pill, patch, ring, or some other insane prophylactic (I mean seriously guys, do you even understand what women go through?)

the process is reversible (though, full disclosure, you’re viability can be reduced.)

anyway, that’s it. if the freedoms of those we love are being taken, the least we can do is play a role in their safety. no one is screaming that our sperm is an unborn child (yet) so take advantage of that.

these two tiny pieces of tissue can save a whole lot of stress, money, drama, & even lives. anyway, that’s my “encounter.”
I am #TeamVasectomy.