Permanent Birth Control

Vasectomy is discussed. Although most men having vasectomies are over 30 and have 2 or more children more younger men and men without children are becoming interested in the operation. There may be no good legal basis for refusing teenagers the right to choose sterilization but there are laws which do so. Physicians are reluctant to do vasectomies for men who are under 21. It is noted that the risks of vasectomy are low while the satisfaction rate is high. Over 95% of patients report being pleased with the results. Questions and answers on vasectomy are presented. Some of the facts which arise include: 1) a man ejaculates virtually the same amount of semen after vasectomy as before; 2) the operation may fail but very rarely; 3) although vasectomy may be reversible the patient must not count on it; 4) approximately the same proportion of Catholics choose vasectomy as are Catholics in the U.S. population; and 5) generally vasectomy costs from $90 to $150.