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CNN
16 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
What a urologist wants men to know about vasectomies
As a urologist, I've performed countless vasectomies. They are my profession's bread and butter. When I'm not doing the procedure, I'm seeing men either alone or with their partners to discuss its safety, simplicity and effectiveness. Like many men, I've found myself contemplating whether it's time to get one, too. Maybe it's the recent US Supreme Court decisions on reproduction prompting more men to actively consider their role in birth control. Or perhaps it's part of a larger cultural shift toward shared family-planning responsibility. Then again, as a urologist who sees a growing number of men seeking vasectomy consultations, I'm more attuned to how common this conversation has become. An estimated 500,000 men in the US choose vasectomies as a form of contraception every year. And if you are like me and considering a vasectomy — or if you're just curious about this procedure as a form of birth control — here are the top things you should know. A vasectomy is typically a minor office-based procedure that requires minimal preparation. You can eat the day of the procedure, wear your T-shirt and shorts, and try to be relaxed. (If you choose to have the vasectomy done in an operating room, more preparation may be needed.) Once you're in the doctor's office, it takes 10 to 20 minutes to perform. After numbing the scrotal skin with a local anesthetic, the urologist makes a small opening in the skin, often so small that no stitches or scalpels are needed. From there, the doctor will find the vas deferens — the tube that carries sperm (made in the testicle) from a tightly coiled duct called the epididymis to the urethra prior to ejaculation. The vas deferens feels a bit like a piece of cooked spaghetti. The tube is brought out through the small opening, cut, sealed or blocked, preventing sperm from mixing with semen. The procedure is done on both sides, on both vas deferens, in a similar fashion. The cut ends are placed back into the scrotum, and the openings may be sealed with skin glue. Then you can go home and rest. Expect some soreness in the scrotum and surrounding areas. I advise patients to rest for one or two days, wear supportive underwear, and apply an ice pack to the scrotum for about 20 minutes every hour. For pain or discomfort, I suggest taking over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about one to two weeks, or however long your doctor recommends. Post-vasectomy complications are rare but possible and include minor bruising, swelling and temporary discomfort around the area where the procedure was done. Though uncommon, infections can occur and are typically resolved quickly with antibiotics if caught early. Around 1% to 2% of men can experience chronic post-vasectomy pain, which usually improves over time but in rare cases may persist and require further treatment. An important point to remember is that you won't be sterile immediately. It typically takes several weeks — and around 30 ejaculations — to clear out your remaining sperm. Your urologist will confirm your sterility with a semen analysis, which can be done at a lab or using new at-home testing kits. Until you're officially cleared, though, continue to use another form of contraception — it takes only one sperm to achieve pregnancy, so making sure you are sterile is vital. I've heard all the myths about vasectomies, so I want to share the answers to some of the most common questions men ask me during our consultations. Many men worry that after a vasectomy they will have lower testosterone levels, sex drive or sexual function. Not true. In fact, many couples report increased sexual activity and satisfaction after a vasectomy since they no longer have to worry about pregnancy. You will still have an ejaculate — almost the same volume and sensation — but now you'll be 'shooting blanks,' since your semen no longer contains sperm. Despite what you've heard, March Madness isn't the only good time for a vasectomy. Many men choose to recover while binge-watching football or even their favorite show. The truth is, you can safely book the procedure whenever it fits your schedule. Some men assume vasectomies are expensive or not covered by insurance, but most insurance plans fully or partially cover the procedure. Even if you're paying out-of-pocket, the cost is often less than $1,000, though prices can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on your location and whether you opt for anesthesia. It's worth shopping around, but always choose a qualified urologist who is board-certified and experienced in performing vasectomies — your safety is never worth compromising just to save a few dollars. But let's face it: Compared with the monthly cost of diapers alone (about $100 per month until your child is potty-trained), a vasectomy is a financial win. Though it's less common, I'm seeing more men without children choosing to get a vasectomy. Why? Often it's a firm lifestyle decision, because of concerns over passing certain genetic conditions, or simply being absolutely sure that fatherhood is not in their future. During our consultation, we openly discuss the motivations for making this decision, and I review the pros and cons. One big con is the permanent nature of the procedure. Yes, vasectomy reversals exist — and I do them myself for patients — but I don't advise undergoing a vasectomy assuming it's temporary. Reversal procedures are expensive and not always successful. If you're not sure whether you want children, pause and seriously reconsider the decision. Ultimately, it remains your personal choice. Men who need birth control can use condoms or avoid sex altogether. There is also research on male birth-control pills, injections and 'switches,' which could be a long time away from being offered to men. For women, there are birth-control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, injections, patches, vaginal rings and tubal ligation. Each of these methods has its own pros, cons and effectiveness rates, so a detailed discussion with your health care provider and partner can help you make the best choice. Deciding on a vasectomy isn't easy. I should know, because I'm right there with you. My advice is don't rush it. Talk with your partner, ask your doctor all the questions you have during your consultation and think through what this means for your future. Whatever decision you make, though, make sure it feels right for you. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN's Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Big beautiful bill' threatens family planning services in West Virginia
FAIRMONT — President Donald Trump's budget may defund women's health care in some areas should the bill passed by the House of Representatives move through the US Senate unchanged. The bill, H.R. 1, prohibits federal funds from reaching agencies that provide family planning services, reproductive health and related care. However, family planning encompasses more than just reproductive or abortion-related services. 'There's so much more involved than just planning for contraceptives,' Marion County Health Department Director David Whittaker said. 'There's many components. There is breast and cervical cancer screenings, there is sexually transmitted disease testing and pregnancy tests. They get to see a doctor, a physician they may not normally get.' The Marion County Health Department doesn't currently offer family planning, but is working on bringing it back. The service was discontinued during the pandemic. Whittaker said the Health Department is targeting July 1 as the return date for family planning services. Whittaker said broadly, family planning can be considered as women's health care. Family planning provides women with checkups for the underlining symptoms of breast and cervical cancer, which help reduce the risk of cancer. He said the teen pregnancy rate can also be lower in areas that provide a comprehensive family planning program. The rate of sexually transmitted diseases is also lower in communities where family planning programs are utilized. Brian Huggins, health officer at the Monongalia County Health Department, said abortion tends to get mixed into family planning because of Planned Parenthood. In states that haven't banned abortion, Planned Parenthood offers the service. However, abortion is banned in West Virginia, meaning health departments like Monongalia and Marion do not offer the service. Family planning, however, can prevent abortion in the first place by providing people with resources that prevent unintended pregnancies. Children born from unwanted conceptions face higher risks in life. 'A lot of the research has show that children that were unwanted conceptions are at greater risk of being born at low birth weight, of dying in the first year of life, of being abused and not receiving sufficient nutrition for healthy development,' Huggins said. Huggins said funding for family planning is handed down by the federal government to the states, and the state distributes the funds. Funding for family planning programs is paid through Title X grants, handled by the Office of Population of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. According to the office's website, Title X family planning clinics have ensured access to a broad range of services for more than 50 years. According to a locator tool on the website, Fairmont Statue University Student Health receives Title X funds, as does the Harrison-Clarksburg Health Department and Community Care of Clarksburg. Whittaker said the Marion County Health Department has received a notice of award for its family planning clinic from the state government. Huggins said family planning does not fall under basic public health services, meaning it can't use state funds which are reserved for things like immunization. Family planning is considered an enhanced service, so the program either has to make money on its own or the funding has to come from an outside source. The federal government covers the funding for a lot of these services, but few Title X programs exist in the state. If H.R. 1 cuts funding for family planning, Huggins said realistically, family planning wouldn't be available in the state. 'It's just another way that people that are already struggling are probably now potentially going to lose access to birth control they need and may end up with unwanted pregnancies, which comes with additional costs,' Huggins said. 'And I talked about the risks to the babies in those situations. 'And our foster care system in West Virginia is also overwhelmed. To lose family planning services could put more kids into that system.' The teen pregnancy rate in West Virginia is 22.5 births per 1,000 girls. Overall, the teen birth rate declined by 50% from 2007 through 2020. According to Mission WV, a community welfare organization, only 50% of teen mothers receive a high school diploma by 22 years of age. Ninety percent of women who do not give birth as teens graduate high school. With funding for family planning being cut, public health experts like Whittaker and Huggins worry the drop in teen pregnancy might reverse. 'A lot of the people that come in are between the ages of 16 into their late 20s, and that's when you're trying to get your life off the ground,' Huggins said. 'So really being able to give them their choice in this, is really critical and important.'
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kenya: Principal Secretary (PS) Oluga Calls for Increased Funding to Strengthen Family Planning Programme
Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has called on the Parliamentary Committee on Health to prioritise increased resource allocation to the national family planning programme. Speaking in Mombasa during a high-level stakeholder meeting on family planning commodity financing advocacy, Dr. Oluga underscored the critical need for sustained investment to ensure equitable access to family planning services across the country. 'To continue offering equitable and reliable access to family planning, the programme requires approximately USD 25 million—equivalent to Ksh. 3.2 billion—annually for the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of commodities,' he said. He noted that public education remains a key component of the programme's success, emphasizing that access alone is not enough without corresponding awareness. 'There is clear and compelling evidence that investing in family planning pays off. A 2018 cost-benefit analysis revealed that for every one shilling invested in family planning, Kenya saves up to four shillings in health care, education, and social services,' he added. Dr. Oluga identified low public awareness and limited access to commodities as major challenges hindering the effectiveness of the programme. He urged for deliberate efforts to address these barriers. 'We must help the population understand the value of family planning. As the Ministry of Health, our role is to implement what society needs and supports,' he said. The Principal Secretary affirmed that family planning is not only a health intervention but a national investment with long-term social and economic returns. 'It is a social equalizer, a means of promoting education, and a powerful lever for economic development. It is about saving lives, enhancing resilience, and securing a prosperous future for generations to come,' he stated. He further emphasized that children born into planned families are more likely to thrive—receiving adequate nutrition, accessing education, and reaching their full potential. Dr. Oluga described family planning as a cornerstone for public health, a pathway to unlock the demographic dividend, and a hallmark of a progressive, forward-looking nation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Ferne McCann ‘lets slip' THIRD pregnancy news saying ‘I'm not done yet' with having kids
FERNE McCann wants even more kids as she reveals she might have a third baby. The mum-of-two was asked about her family plans after opening up on experiencing some postnatal depression during an appearance on the Dr Louise Newson podcast. 4 4 4 "You said you've got two children and you're stopping, I said that when I was 35 and on my 40th birthday I found out I was pregnant," Dr Louise began in her question to Ferne. "So what's your focus? What are you up to?" she asked Ferne. The reality TV star said: "My sensible head is like 'no more babies,' but I don't feel done. "I've got my two girlies, [and] am I done? I don't know." Ferne, 34, revealed she was starting her own podcast called, Every Cloud, after ending her reality show last year so she could focus on "other passions." The TV star rose to fame on The Only Way Is Essex in 2013 and quit the show in 2016. Ferne is a mother to two daughters: Sunday, who was born in 2017 with her ex-boyfriend, Arthur Collins, and Finty, who was born in 2023 with her fiancé, Lorri Haines. Lorri also has a son with a former partner. She was recently mum-shamed after sharing a photo of feeding her 20-month old daughter to Instagram. In the picture, Finty is feeding while Ferne kissing her child lovingly on the top of her head as they sit on the sofa. Ferne McCann twirls around in green bikini on holiday and tells fans she has 'sagging boobs and cellulite' Alongside the snap, the star wrote: 'Haven't posted about my breastfeeding journey in a while, but I still get a lot of people asking if I'm still doing it. 'In complete honesty, I've been a bit nervous to share about it lately. Even though I'm such a big advocate for breastfeeding, the truth is, I've been afraid of what people might think or say now that Finty is 20 months old.' 'I'm sharing this because if you're like me and still feeding, and you're feeling pressure to stop or wondering if it's 'not the norm' to breastfeed past one, I just want you to know…there are plenty of mums still doing it. Keep going, mamma,' she added. What is postnatal depression? Postnatal depression is a type of depression that affects parents after they have a baby. The major depression is triggered by childbirth but is much more severe than just the "baby blues". It can also occur following a miscarriage or stillbirth of a baby. Many women can feel emotional and anxious after the birth of their child, commonly referred to as the 'baby blues', this will only last for a few weeks after giving birth. If these symptoms start to last longer the NHS advises that you could be suffering with postnatal depression. The symptoms include but are not limited to: a persistent feeling of sadness, lack of enjoyment and loss of interest in the outside world, as well as your baby, and a lack of energy. These signs can build up gradually so a lot of people don't immediately identify that they have postnatal depression. A number of celebrity mums have opened up about suffering from postnatal depression following giving birth. Singer Adele has said that after the birth of her son Angelo she felt 'inadequate' and embarrassed to talk about how she was feeling. John Legend's wife and model Chrissy Teigen revealed she was diagnosed with postnatal depression in December after going into a downward spiral following the birth of her daughter Luna. Gwyneth Paltrow explained she was dogged by postnatal depression after son Moses was born in 2006. Loose Woman Stacey Solomon said she suffered from depression after the birth of her first son Zachary when she was just 18 years old. While her co-host Andrea McLean has also talked about the condition on the programme. Another famous face to talk about her experience is WAG Rebekah Vardy after she gave birth to son Finley with footballer husband Jamie Vardy. Kate Middleton visited Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at King's College London to discuss postpartum depression with experts. After speaking to scientists, the Duchess reflected on the day; although she has never explicitly claimed to have suffered with it, she said: "There's an expectation you're going to be super happy all the time, and one in four of us aren't." Melanie Hughes, former Miss Wales and Corrie actress tragically passed away in October 2017 due to her heavy drinking, linked to her post natal depression. While she was praised for her open and honest discussion about motherhood, with some calling her a 'rockstar' and others praising her for 'going at her child's pace'. However, others were quick to criticise her, stating her daughter was 'too old' to still be latched on. The NHS says the amount of time a baby is breastfed relies entirely on the it and the mother. It recommends exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only) for around the first six months of a baby's life, at which point it is ideal to start introducing solid foods. "You and your baby can carry on enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding for as long as you like," the NHS recommends. "Breastfeeding into your baby's 2nd year or beyond, alongside other foods, is ideal." 4
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Frankie Bridge reveals why she doesn't ever want her husband Wayne to get a vasectomy
Frankie Bridge has revealed that she doesn't want her husband Wayne to ever get a vasectomy. The Saturdays singer, 36, has said that she wouldn't want the former footballer, 44, to get the procedure in case they don't end up together and he decides he wants kids with a future partner. The pair share children sons Parker, 11, and Carter, nine, while Wayne has son Jayden, 18, with his ex Vanessa Perroncel. And Frankie has now told The Sun: 'I'll be honest, I don't want him to have one. You just never know what's going to happen. 'Having a vasectomy is a door shut for me, it's also a door shut for him. You know, we might not end up together and he might want another baby. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The Saturdays singer, 36, said she wouldn't want the ex footballer, 44, to get the procedure in case they don't end up together and he decides he wants kids with a future partner 'Or something might happen to me, and he might still want another child, because men can do it for as long as they want.' Frankie added that she decided a while ago she doesn't want a third child as she suffered with severe sickness (Hyperemesis gravidarum). She explained that after two kids she was ready to get her life and her body back and when the conversation about a third child came about the gap between her youngest and a new baby would be too big. Frankie and Wayne wed in 2014 at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire surrounded by their celebrity pals. It comes after earlier this month Frankie revealed that she has been suffering from an 'awful' illness that has left her 'completely wiped out' as she opened up about her secret health battle. The Loose Women star took to Instagram to open up to her 1.5million followers as she explained that she has been suffering from gastroenteritis. In the candid video, Frankie revealed that her 'immunity has been so bad' after suffering from gastroenteritis - an inflammation of the stomach - back-to-back. The singer, who was dressed beige T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, said she has been having other 'tests done' and has also been on 'antibiotics for a bad tooth'. Speaking from her kitchen, Frankie shared: 'Hi guys it's been a little while and I've said a couple of time that I've been ill a lot lately so I thought I would give you an update. 'I've basically had gastroenteritis twice back to back. Which I very rarely get to be honest and it has completely wiped me out and been awful. I feel like my gut has massively suffered and it feels still really fragile.' According to the NHS, gastroenteritis is a common inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It typically manifests with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps, but can also include fever, fatigue, and headache. Frankie continued: 'My immunity has been so bad and all while that has been going on I've been having tests done and I couldn't take my daily Symprove. 'On top of all of this I've been on antibiotics because I've had a bad tooth and I feel like I've noticed a massive difference in my immunity.' The Saturday's star concluded by telling fans she has since been 'given the all clear' by doctors. She added: 'I'm finally over it and I'm hoping it's the last time because I've been given the all clear to get back into my daily routine. I'm happy to be back and it's nice to be back in a routine.' Elsewhere, Frankie recently confessed some of her biggest regrets during her height of fame as part of The Saturdays girl band. She rose to fame alongside Rochelle Humes, Una Healy, Mollie King and Vanessa White in 2007. The band was formed after they were chosen from thousands of hopefuls on the television series S Club Search to appear as a support act for the pop band. But she told The Savoy Originals podcast that she 'didn't like' all the singles they produced during their height of success. She said: 'It wouldn't matter if you didn't like a single, that single was coming out whether you liked it or not. 'There's a few singles that don't exist in my head because I didn't like them, and you have to still go on TV and say, 'Buy this single, it's the greatest song ever, and perform it, whether you like it or not. 'And that's fine because some of them you like and some of them you don't.' The singer-turned-TV star also revealed she did not earn enough money to retire despite all the group's success. The mother of two previously explained she began to feel like 'two different people' during her time in the group and would have to switch on her public persona while out with the band. Speaking on Olivia Attwood 's S o Wrong, It's Right podcast, Frankie spoke about suffering from anxiety since she shot to stardom at a young age in S Club Juniors. Frankie said: 'I didn't go to school. We were home-schooled while we're on the road. I get really confused and lost in the time, I think I was like 15, 15 when S Club Juniors finished and then the Saturdays started when I was 17. 'So, it was a little gap and I had a couple of like normal jobs in between.' She said: 'I think pop music and TV and that kind of thing in the public eye, no matter how successful you are, the minute you stop doing it, everyone sees you as a failure. 'I always had stomach aches. Can you remember Pepto Bismol, the medicine, the pink horrible stuff? 'That would be in my bag every day because I always had a funny tummy, like nervous stomach. 'At bedtime I couldn't breathe properly and things like that. So I think the anxiety was there but I didn't know what it was.' She continued: 'I'd have blood tests all the time and things like that and obviously nothing ever came back and then it wasn't what it is now, do you know what I mean? 'But I for me, the first time I realized that it was a proper issue was actually in the Saturdays. 'And I think for a while I'd been coming home from work, going straight to bed, not wanting dinner, just wanting to go to bed, cry, go to sleep. 'Bed was a safe space. But I didn't realize that that was not okay. And it wasn't until we were on tour and we used to do meet and greets before the show and I remember gathering myself outside the door.
