vasectomy verses tubal

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2003
vasectomy verses tubal
1
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 1:11pm
I don't know what I am looking for here .... maybe just venting.

I have been on Depo for 3 shots and hate the way my mid-section is turning into a spare tire. I have told my dh that I would be willing to get a tubal if he does not want to have a vasectomy.... although I would perfer if he got the vasectomy. I don't think he will and I would never force him to. You see he had a groin injury 2 yrs ago and I know he shutters at the prospect of feeling pain there again, so I think this maybe why he is hesitating, because he agreed to the vasectomy before his injury.

I am torn as to what to do.... we agree that the likelyhood of having any more children is not going to happen.... I am 35 and he is 44. We knew that we were done when I turned 35 and was forced off the pill (I'm a smoker) but went on Depo until we were able to decide how was doing what.... well 9 months later and he will not talk about it at all.

I guess I am just looking for anyone who feels the same way

Di

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Wed, 09-29-2004 - 10:12pm
A vasectomy is more simple than a tubal, but it is still surgery, and there are things that can go wrong. If he's previously had an injury, that can increase the chances of him having complications. While most men are just fine after a vasectomy, a small percentage have pain that may never go away. He really should know the risks ahead of time and be willing to take those risks rather than being talked into it. Men who didn't really want a vasectomy tend to have a higher chance of regretting it later.

You do have other options though. There's a new method of sterilization called Essure that is non-surgical. There is none of the risks of surgery, no scars or cutting, and better yet, no recovery time needed.

http://www.essure.com/

Alternatively, you could consider an IUD. They last either 5 or 10 years and are extremely hassle-free.