Deciding to have children is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. But so can the decision to stop having children, or to take extra precautions to avoid getting pregnant. Permanent birth control can be a sensitive subject for partners to discuss, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s also an important option to talk about with your health care provider. With the topic of permanent birth control being so important, why are some reluctant to talk about it? Here are some things to consider when speaking with your partner about permanent birth control.
Temporary vs. Permanent Birth Control
Many American couples that use birth control rely on condoms, pills, IUD, injections and foam to prevent an egg from meeting up with sperm. However, these measures are temporary or removed. For permanent birth control, there are many options – from having the woman’s tubes tied to a vasectomy for a male. If you visit with a professional healthcare practitioner, they can provide you with a highly effective, safe, and non-hormonal option that is permanent and irreversible. Because of this, it’s important to be absolutely sure that this is the right decision and time for you.
Female Sterilization
During a surgical sterilization, the doctor will make an incision in the skin of the belly and put a clip, band or ring on your tubes; some doctors may remove a section. These procedures are called laparoscopy and mini-laparotomy. All surgical sterilization techniques are effective immediately. A less invasive sterilization technique known as a transcervical procedure, by which the tubes are blocked by your doctor placing something inside them from the vagina. Somewhat similar to a pelvic exam, the doctor uses a small tube and pushes it through the cervix, into the uterus, to the spot where the Fallopian tubes start. The doctor then will place a small metal wire inside the Fallopian tube, where scar tissue will eventually grow to block off the Fallopian tube. If you opt for this procedure you will need to use other forms of contraceptives for three months after the procedure. That’s because it can take a few months for the scar tissue to grow and the procedure to become effective.
Male Sterilization
Vasectomies are considered the easiest, safest method of sterilization. The short procedure takes only about five minutes and can be performed in a doctor’s office. It will take a few weeks for all the healthy sperm to be eradicated out of your system; your doctor will advise when you are “clear” to have intercourse without worry of getting pregnant. And don’t go into having a vasectomy thinking it can be reversed at whim – not all vasectomies can be successfully reversed so if you are considering one, commit to it being permanent.
Great sexual health for yourself and your partner also includes the assurance that you can have free will and control what happens with doing so. If you’re in a committed relationship, it’s important to talk to your partner about why you want to look into permanent birth controls and your options. With the help of professionals at Advanced Psychology Partners, you and your partner can discuss your options in a therapeutic and safe environment. We have therapists you can confide in and that will treat your issue with discretion, compassion, and respect. Request an appointment today. Call (973) 534-5333 or complete our online appointment request form now.
