Latest news with #vasectomy
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What a urologist wants men to know about vasectomies
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine. 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.
CNN
01-06-2025
- 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.
CNN
01-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Thinking about a vasectomy? What you need to know before and after
EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt is a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health and an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine. 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
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.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I don't want Wayne to get snip – we might not end up together & he may want another baby, says TV star Frankie Bridge
THE thought of your husband moving on with another woman should be the stuff of nightmares, let alone him starting a new family. But Frankie Bridge takes a pragmatic approach to the possibility of partner Wayne having children with someone else in the future. 3 While 22,000 men have vasectomies each year in the UK, with many undoubtedly encouraged by their partners, the Loose Women panellist admits she would not want the former footie ace to have the procedure, in case they were to split. Also known as 'the snip', it cuts or blocks the tubes that carry sperm, to stop a man from being able to have children. 'I'll be honest, I don't want him to have one,' Frankie, 36, said. '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. 'Or something might happen to me, and he might still want another child, because men can do it for as long as they want.' Her shock admission came after a recent rise in the amount of men opting to have the snip, with MSI Reproductive Choices UK reporting a 29.5 per cent increase between 2021 and 2023. Experts believe this is due to financial pressures amid the cost-of-living crisis, limited access to alternative contraceptives for women, and environmental concerns. While having the snip isn't on the cards for Wayne, 44, the pair are adamant their family is complete for now. 'Felt an awful parent' The couple, who married in 2014, already have sons Parker, 11, and nine- year-old Carter. And Wayne shares 18-year-old son, Jaydon, with his ex Vanessa Perroncel. Frankie had once envisaged having an even larger family, but says the difficulties she had during her pregnancies have put her off having more children. 'I always wanted more than two and then once I had one, I knew I wanted a second one. But I hated being pregnant,' she said. 'I was always sick and I put on loads of weight, it just wasn't for me. I just didn't feel like myself. 'For me, it was like a means to an end — I got a lovely baby at the end of it. So the thought of doing it a third time . . . ' Frankie suffered from Hyperemesis gravidarum, a debilitating complication that affects between one and three per cent of pregnancies. The Princess of Wales also struggled with it through all three of her pregnancies. 'It's constant sickness,' Frankie recalled. 'You feel that you're supposed to be giving your baby all these nutrients but you literally can't eat. 'I already had a two-year-old at the time, so I felt like I was an awful parent. I couldn't bear the smell of another human — it would make me sick.' After Carter came along in 2015, the couple decided to put the brakes on babymaking. 'I have a stepson, so Wayne's already got three,' Frankie continued. 'He said, 'If we're going to have another one, I would rather do it sooner rather than later'. 'But I was just ready to get my body back and get my life back. 'And I think then the gap just grew too big.' But Frankie does not blame Wayne for his ultimatum. 'A lot of people say, 'Well, it's not really up to him, is it? You're the one that's going to be pregnant'. But I never saw it like that. I would hate to bring a child into the world — and obviously he would have loved it — but what if he resented it, or me, and then I've made him do it? 'It's a big thing to start all over again. It wasn't until I figured out the timing — I figured out that the child would be starting primary school the same year that Parker would be starting secondary school. 'I was just like, 'No'. Meanwhile, Wayne was just thinking about the nappies, the financial burden of another child.' Their lives now are vastly different from when Frankie was in pop group The Saturdays. The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2014, a year after Parker was born, and while Frankie had assumed she would be a stay-at-home mum, she found herself taking on TV roles. She appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, game shows and worked on documentaries before joining Loose Women as a panellist in 2020 — though it is thought she could be culled as a result of ITV's recent decision to axe up to 70 per cent of its daytime TV staff. Former Chelsea player Wayne retired from football in 2014, after being plagued by injury. He went on to have success as a TV personality with stints on I'm A Celeb and SAS: Who Dares Wins. Frankie said their change in circumstance took some getting used to. A lot of people say, 'Well, it's not really up to him, is it? You're the one that's going to be pregnant'. But I never saw it like that Frankie Bridge 'I grew up with Wayne,' she explained. 'I met him when I was 21, and at that time, I was at the height of my career and he was still playing football. 'Our lives were so different to what they are now. It took me a really long time, when he retired, to accept that it was our new life. 'As well as the fact I wasn't a pop star any more — I was no longer in The Saturdays. I was now a mum of two. 'We still like each other' 'He was able to be at home with the boys more, and I thought I'd want to be a stay-at-home mum and then I didn't. 'I think I had all these ideas of what we thought it was going to be. And I would say my biggest learning over the years is that it changes.' Frankie says there is one thing they would do differently if they had their time over — their wedding. She and Wayne got hitched in a stunning ceremony at Woburn Abbey, in Bedfordshire, attended by stars including boyband JLS and Frankie's bandmates from The Saturdays, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King, and Vanessa White. But she admits they succumbed to the pressure of pleasing other people. 'I think our wedding kind of ended up being what I thought a wedding should be,' she said. 'I was the first out of my friends to get married, I was 25, and I think if we got married now, our wedding would probably be very different. 'I think it would just be smaller, because originally, that's what we wanted. We wanted to get married abroad. 'And, this sounds awful, but it was so you could weed out the people that you're not really bothered about having there. 'The ones you have to invite. We all do it. You look back at pictures and you're like, 'I'm not even friends with them'.' Frankie only stayed in the country because of her beloved grandad. 'My granddad didn't have a passport, so we got married in the UK. Then the wedding just grew and grew. 'It was amazing, but I just think it was a lot more for everyone else maybe than it was for us.' Although Wayne had expressed interest in renewing their vows on their tenth anniversary last year, perhaps as a means of redoing the wedding, they instead opted for a private date night to celebrate. 'Now we're ten years in, it's like, 'Oh, what's the point?'' Frankie laughed. 'We just wanted some time on our own. 'So we went away for the night, just us two, and there was no big song and dance about it. 'But it is nice to reflect on how far we've come as a couple. 'We're still together and we still like each other.' Now Frankie and Wayne are doing things on their terms — and even her beloved boys will have to tow the line if and when she becomes a granny. While it is a long way off, Frankie is already panicking about the prospect of being a 'selfish' grandparent. On the official Loose Women podcast with pal Nadia Sawalha, Frankie said: 'I'm worried I'll be a terrible grandmother. I think I'll be really selfish about (babysitting) and I'll be like, 'No, I had you young so that I could now go and do what I want to do'. 'You know, when people assume that their mum and dad are going to look after their kids? I hope that my kids don't. 'Although I'm a boy mum, so I might be raging that I don't even get a look in.' What is a vasectomy and what is the success rate? VASECTOMY is the name given to a minor operation that works to blocks sperm from being ejaculated during sex. During the surgery, the tubes that carry the fluid from a man's testicles to the penis are cut, blocked or sealed. The NHS explains: 'This prevents sperm from reaching the seminal fluid (semen), which is ejaculated from the penis during sex. 'There will be no sperm in the semen, so a woman's egg can't be fertilised.' Surprisingly, the life-changing operation can be carried out in just 15 minutes. The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic, so is often relatively painless. People that undertake a vasectomy are urged to keep using alternative forms of contraception to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases. The NHS website reveals that the vasectomy is more than 99 per cent effective. They estimate: 'Out of 2,000 men who are sterilised, one will get a woman pregnant during the rest of his lifetime.' But just like all forms of contraception, there is still a small chance of fertility after the procedure.
