Is Vasectomy My Only Option???

[papakalkal]

I would appreciate it so much if someone can please address my question.

I am a 25 year old male.  Me & my girlfriend are pretty confident that we don't want children, but "pretty" confident doesn't really cut it when you're talking about a permanent procedure like vasectomy.  We are both tested for STD's & have a very loving relationship.  Her vagina is very sensitive to condoms & I am seriously thinking about freezing my sperm at a sperm bank & getting a vasectomy.

However, I was reading online on the "male contraception information project", http://newmalecontraception.org/index.htm, that there is a procedure named RISUG.  I do not think that the procedure can be used on humans yet but it promises a form of long term non permanent contraception using a gel like material in the vas deferens.

I need medical advise regarding my options & opinions on the best one for me.

I am taking no medications & am perfectly healthy in every regard.

Thanks a bunch for your time.

[megochick101]

Instead of condoms, you could try birth control pills, or diaphragms, there are many types of birth controls out there which are effective and not permanent. You could even try something like mirena, which lasts for 5 years. It is an IUD that your girlfriend would have inserted  and is over 99% effective. That way just encase you to do decide in the future to have children you still can. And you wouldn't have to worry about the possibility of forgetting to takes pills or anything like that.

There are many forms of birth control out there. You can find them just by searching on the internet and get anl idea of what you and your girlfriend would feel is best for you.

[papakalkal]

I was wondering if you can address one more concern for me for informational curiosity.

The 2015'ish RISUG method aside, if a vasectomy is indeed performed, what is the name, cost, & overall reliability of the procedure that extracts sperm directly from the testes & end results in fertilization with your significant other?

And also with the existence of such a method of birth, would it still be recommended to freeze one's sperm @ a sperm bank?

Thanks in advance to Dr. J or whoever else is kind enough to addresses this question.
P.L

[papakalkal]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice.

Have a good one,
P.L

[Janice M Epp, PhD]

Hello.

Thanks for your thoughtful question. It's great that you're examining your options and taking responsibility for contraception.

As you saw from the site regarding RISUG, it's not expected to be approved until at least 2015, so in the meantime, you and your girlfriend need to decide on the most effective form of birth control for you.

You two are the only ones who can decide the best option for you. I would suggest you consider the pros and cons of each option, including cost, ease of use, potential side effects and likelihood of success. Why don't the two of you go to your local Planned Parenthood or other reproductive clinic and discuss this with a counselor? Most of these clinics provide excellent guidance, usually either free of charge or low-cost, depending on income. Best of luck to you. Dr. J