[Toj]

My wife is 45 and I’m 43, we have two kids and we’re done having kids specially at this age. My wife had used IUD in the past and had side effects from it and had taken it out a few years ago and we’ve been using condoms as birth control. She’s been wanting me to get a vasectomy for a while now after her friend told her the sex was much better after her husband got it. I finally decided to man up and get it done. I’m scheduled for it soon.
I’ve been really nervous but I don’t want my wife to suffer any side effects from other birth control methods.
Is it still worth it for me to get it if she’s 45 and almost reaching menopause?
does it really make sex better?

[EmpyNester]

Toj - at 45yrs old, your wife could still be 10yrs away from menopause. So I say, yes get the V. Sex w/o condom is much more enjoyable than with. Plus, with 2 young kids it makes those quickies even more likely.

BTW - my wife had her tubes done after our 2nd child was born (planned C-section). We have been birth control free for~ 20yrs. Although I was spared having to get the V, I would have done it back then for sure after we decided that 2 kids was out sweet spot.

[Alison H.]

Even at 45 and reaching menopause soon, she could still get pregnant. Even while going through perimenopause (the part that comes before full menopause), she could get pregnant. Like EmpyNester mentioned, she could be a decade away (or even longer) from full-on menopause — so in my opinion, the vasectomy is still definitely worth it at this point.

I can't speak to whether or not it makes sex better, however; I had a hysterectomy years ago so a vasectomy was never something my husband had to consider at any point. But it could make sex better even from just knowing that BC is no longer needed and pregnancy isn't a possibility. When you can have all the sex you want and NEVER have to worry about that... it IS very freeing, in a lot of ways.

[Rayn]

Even at 45 and reaching menopause soon, she could still get pregnant. Even while going through perimenopause (the part that comes before full menopause), she could get pregnant. Like EmpyNester mentioned, she could be a decade away (or even longer) from full-on menopause — so in my opinion, the vasectomy is still definitely worth it at this point.

I can't speak to whether or not it makes sex better, however; I had a hysterectomy years ago so a vasectomy was never something my husband had to consider at any point. But it could make sex better even from just knowing that BC is no longer needed and pregnancy isn't a possibility. When you can have all the sex you want and NEVER have to worry about that... it IS very freeing, in a lot of ways.

Toj alison H., i got a vasectomy shortly after my wife and i had our third child nearly 13 years ago. And i got the triple service... snipped, clamped, and singed. So i can say that sex without the worry of pregnancy is so much better in that regard.

[Eeshan]

If you are looking for a long-term contraceptive option and have completed your family or do not wish to have children in the future, a vasectomy could be a consideration. A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles. This procedure prevents sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated during sexual intercourse.

Here are a few key points to consider about vasectomy:

1. Permanent contraception: A vasectomy is intended to be a permanent form of contraception. While it is possible to reverse a vasectomy through surgery, the success rates of reversal vary, and it may not always result in restored fertility. Therefore, it's important to carefully consider your decision and ensure it aligns with your long-term family planning goals.
2. Consultation and procedure: To undergo a vasectomy, you will need to consult with a healthcare professional, typically a urologist or a specialized surgeon. They will discuss the procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and the post-operative care required. The procedure itself is usually performed under local anesthesia, and it generally takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
3. Recovery and effectiveness: After a vasectomy, it takes some time and ejaculations (around 20 to 25) to clear any remaining sperm from the reproductive system. During this period, it's essential to use alternative contraception. Afterward, a vasectomy is highly effective, with a low failure rate. However, it's important to note that it does not provide immediate contraception, and you should continue using other forms of birth control until confirmed by your healthcare provider.
4. Reversal options: If you change your mind about having children in the future, a vasectomy reversal or other assisted reproductive techniques like sperm retrieval and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. These options can be discussed with a specialist, but it's important to understand that they are not guaranteed to result in pregnancy.

Before deciding on a vasectomy, it's recommended to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and answer any questions you may have.