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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.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Chris Hughes reveals worrying health scare after finding a 'small lump' on testicles as he urges men to get checked
has opened up about his worrying health scare on Friday after finding a 'small lump' on his testicles. The former Love Island star, 30, urged men to get checked after he confirmed the lump got the all clear. wrote: 'Boys just had a check up on the balls, small lump, thankfully all clear and nothing to worry about. 'Yes because of what my family have been through, the documentary we made, I prioritise this, but keep em checked and get them looked at it be sure :) [sic]'
Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Ben Shephard's got ripped at 50. At 46 I almost managed it too
A topless Ben Shephard, TV presenter, looks in amazing nick on the cover of this month's Men's Health. He looks good for any age, but considering he's 50, major congratulations are in order. The guy is jacked! His physique is especially admirable because, unlike the usual cover stars, he doesn't look overly sculpted, defined to a degree no one could maintain for longer than the length of the photo shoot. Rather, he looks functional, more Daniel Craig emerging from the surf in Casino Royale, less Brad Pitt with his 5 per cent body fat in Fight Club. Although to be fair, Brad looked pretty amazing too, just not Potentially Ordinary Guy amazing. Like Ben, I too have featured on a magazine cover without
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
2 in 3 Malaysian men at risk of erectile dysfunction, says deputy minister
Deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said nearly 70% of ED cases are believed to be a contributing factor in divorces. (Bernama pic) PUTRAJAYA : Two out of three Malaysian men are at risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), deputy health minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said today. He said that based on the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 31.6% of Malaysian men aged 18 and above were found to have moderate to severe levels of ED. 'Erectile dysfunction is a condition that is rarely discussed, but it is becoming a serious issue among Malaysian men. 'Data shows that 69.5% of men aged 40 and above are currently experiencing or have experienced ED,' he told reporters after launching the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the Management of Erectile Dysfunction here today. ED is defined as the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. Lukanisman said the CPG was developed to ensure that ED patients receive the best possible care from healthcare practitioners equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills, in line with the recommendations provided in the guidelines. 'This CPG was developed over the course of several years and has now been shared with clinical professionals, universities and associations as a reference for delivering comprehensive treatment for ED,' he said. Lukanisman also encouraged individuals suffering from ED to seek treatment at health ministry facilities, noting that nearly 70% of ED cases are believed to be a contributing factor in divorces. 'Men should not feel ashamed, and women also play an important role in learning about ED and supporting their partners in seeking help,' he said. Lukanisman also said the ministry, through the pharmaceutical services division, is working with e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok to monitor and restrict the sale of ED-related medications. 'I want to emphasise that ED is a medical condition that should be treated just like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Don't treat medications (sold online) as tools to enhance sexual performance or stamina,' he said.
Fox News
18-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Biden's prostate cancer described as 'aggressive' — what to know about the disease's prognosis
Prostate cancer cases have been on the rise in recent years, increasing 3% annually since 2014 – and now former President Joe Biden is one of the more than 300,000 men to be diagnosed this year. Biden's office released the announcement on Sunday, days after news that a "small nodule" had been found in the former president's prostate during a routine exam. "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," his office said. "The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians." Treatment is usually more effective when prostate cancer is hormone-sensitive, as that means the disease will likely respond better to hormone therapy, according to Mayo Clinic. Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of the hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. "Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone to help them grow. Cutting off the supply of testosterone may cause cancer cells to die or to grow more slowly," the above source stated. In addition to hormone therapy, common treatment options for prostate cancer include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and radiopharmaceutical treatments. Prostate cancer is a disease found in men that develops in the prostate gland. About 313,780 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in 2025, and 35,770 men will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Hormone therapy is used to block the effects of the hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, the same source stated. Older men are at a higher risk of the disease, with six in 10 cases diagnosed in patients 65 and older. The average age at diagnosis is 67, with men under 40 rarely affected. Biden is 82. Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men, behind only skin cancer, the ACS noted. Among men who undergo routine prostate cancer screening, the disease is usually caught early before symptoms emerge, per the ACS. Typical early symptoms include problems urinating, a weak or slow urinary stream or an increased need to urinate. Some men may also notice blood in the urine or bodily fluids. More advanced symptoms may occur after the disease has spread. Those may include pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs) or other areas, the ACS stated. Men may also suffer from erectile dysfunction, weight loss, extreme fatigue, weakness in the legs or feet, or loss of bladder or bowel control. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force states that men aged 55 to 69 years should have the option to undergo periodic prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening to monitor for prostate cancer. "Before deciding whether to be screened, men should have an opportunity to discuss the potential benefits and harms of screening with their clinician and to incorporate their values and preferences in the decision," the USPSTF states. While screening offers a "small potential benefit" of reducing the chances of dying from the disease, the agency noted that some men may experience negative effects, including false-positive results, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and treatment complications. Alternative prostate cancer screening methods are currently being researched, including one that uses a non-invasive urine test, as Fox News Digital recently reported. For localized prostate cancers, where the disease is contained within the prostate, the five-year survival rate is at least 99%, according to the ACS. For regional cases, where the disease has spread only to "nearby structures or lymph nodes," the five-year survival rate is also 99% or greater. For more Health articles, visit If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to 37%. Actual survival rates may vary based on the patient's age, overall health, how the cancer has progressed post-diagnosis, the disease's response to treatment, and other factors, the ACS noted.
