Chances are you and the kiddos spent a lot more time together during lockdowns. Despite all the angst and havoc inflicted by the pandemic, there was one silver lining—families had time to grow closer. There was time for unhurried conversations and family meals, playing games and watching movies together. You probably even found yourself suddenly thrust into your child’s daily school work like never before—keeping a close eye on Zoom classes and online assignments.

Sure, all that forced togetherness wasn’t always ideal. There may have even been times when you thought your kids were driving you a little bit crazy. Still, it was a rare opportunity to really see and appreciate the amazing, individual people your kids really are. 

As our lives begin to return to normal, you may be struck by just how complete your family is—just the way it is right now. Whether you have a matching set or can field an entire swim team, you may realize you have everything you want in the way of a tight-knit family. So how do you hold onto this perfection? 

Birth control: the imperfect control of perfection.  

It’s no secret that women have traditionally carried the greatest responsibility for birth control. Today, modern medicine gives women lots of options. Spermicide foams and jellies, non-hormonal gels, diaphragms, the cervical cap, sponges, pills, patches, vaginal rings, shots, implants, IUDs—even surgery (tubal ligation). They all reduce the risk for pregnancy and can help couples plan their families. Still, they can be complicated, expensive, inconvenient or come with health risks and side effects. Although many of them do a good job of preventing pregnancy, none of them are 100 percent effective. 

There’s another option, though.

Let your man man up.  

When it comes to male birth control, there are two options: condoms and the “v” word—vasectomy. Many men don’t like using condoms. And just as many will wince when they think about a surgical knife coming anywhere near their manhood. They are very protective of the family jewels. 

While the thought of a little snip-snip in that area makes some guys cringe, nearly 500,000 men in the United States have a vasectomy every year because it’s a simple procedure. With just one or two small incisions, the vas deferens (the two tubes that move sperm) are cut or sealed off so sperm can’t reach the semen ejaculated from the penis. Because sperm is cut off, vasectomies are 99 percent effective against pregnancy.

Here’s the bonus good news!

Along with being so effective in preventing pregnancy, vasectomy doesn't affect a man's libido, sexual function or semen production. Men still experience normal orgasms! A vasectomy simply prevents sperm from mixing with other seminal fluids. After a vasectomy, a man still ejaculates normally, but sperm will no longer be present in his ejaculatory fluid.

Let our “V” team help.

With more than 20 experienced and compassionate urologists—including skilled micro surgeons who specialize in vasectomy—Urology Partners of North Texas (UPNT) is honored to help couples with their family planning.    

"Not only is vasectomy a quick and inexpensive procedure, but other than abstinence it is the most effective form of birth control,” says Dr. Adam Hollander.

Routinely performed since the end of World War II, studies show that only one or two women out of 1,000 get pregnant every year after their partners have a vasectomy. The minor procedure usually takes about 20 minutes and is often performed right in our urology clinic under local anesthesia. Given its efficacy and relative simplicity, men have good reasons to feel very comfortable with their decision to have a vasectomy. 

Many men consider vasectomy a loving gift.

After years of watching the mother of their children cope with months of pregnancy and the pain of childbirth, they view it as a chance to do their part. “I’ve had many men tell me, ‘It’s only fair that I do this for my wife. She’s been through a lot.’” says Dr. Jason Poteet. 

Following the procedure, some men have a small risk for bleeding, bruising and infection. Strenuous activity is restricted for five to seven days during recovery. Many men schedule their vasectomy for a Thursday or Friday so they can rest on Saturday and Sunday (a terrific excuse to binge watch sports all weekend).

It is also extremely important for men to check with their UPNT physician before having unprotected sex following their vasectomy. A semen analysis a few months post-vasectomy can confirm that sperm is no longer present in semen.  

What if you change your mind?

“Most vasectomies can be reversed—even if several years have passed since the procedure,” Dr. Weber Chuang explains. “Although a reversal doesn’t guarantee success in conceiving a child, studies show that men have a 40 to 90 percent success rate of sperm returning to the semen. “We want to make sure men know about all their options so they can make informed decisions about vasectomy and vasectomy reversal.”

So, is your family ready to take the plunge?

Urology Partners of North Texas is a Diamond Level Sponsor for FWMoM. They have a compassionate group of doctors offering many services including assistance with infertility, male and female incontinence, and  the ultimate long-term birth control—precision vasectomy. They are conveniently located throughout the metroplex with locations in Fort Worth, Grapevine, Arlington, Mansfield, Grapevine, Irving and Weatherford. 

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To learn more about their doctors, services or to schedule a consultation,  please visit their website at www.upnt.com or  call 866-367-8768.