Planned Parenthood is providing a unique opportunity for uninsured young men by offering free vasectomies. However, it is important to note that the procedure may not be as reversible as commonly believed. In honor of World Vasectomy Day, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri (PPSLR) will be performing 100 free vasectomies in October at three of their locations.
The procedure, which typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, involves blocking the vas deferens, small tubes in the scrotum that carry sperm, preventing it from leaving the body and causing pregnancy. The Central West End Health Center in St. Louis will have 40 available appointments on October 19, followed by 30 in Rolla on October 20, and 30 in Springfield on October 21.
Dr. Esgar Guarin, a reproductive health doctor, will be returning to the area with his mobile vasectomy trailer affectionately known as “The Nutcracker.” The physicians from PPSLR will be utilizing a minimally invasive technique called a no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, which eliminates the need for cuts or stitches, allowing patients to go home the same day.
While there is another type of vasectomy that involves a scalpel, the no-scalpel procedure offers a simpler process. In this procedure, the doctor numbs the scrotum with local anesthesia and makes two small cuts to reach the vas deferens. A small section of each tube is removed, and the ends are closed either by tying or sealing them with heat. Dissolvable stitches are used to close the cuts, which typically disappear within a week.
According to Dr. Guarin, the procedure is often less daunting than a trip to the dentist. One patient, Nils Seubold, shared his positive experience, stating that it is a worthwhile choice for those who have made up their minds about their future plans.
Vasectomy is a low-risk procedure, with most men recovering within a few days. It is over 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, surpassing the effectiveness of contraceptive pills, which are approximately 91 percent effective.
Following the overturning of federal abortion protections in June 2022, demand for vasectomies in the US surged. Clinics reported up to four times the usual number of patients seeking the procedure compared to before the ruling. Planned Parenthood witnessed a 53 percent increase in website traffic related to vasectomy information after the Roe v Wade reversal.
In response to the growing demand, lawmakers are taking action. A new California law, effective 2024, will make vasectomies more affordable for individuals with private insurance plans, who will have the procedure covered as part of their monthly premiums.
While many men undergo vasectomies to postpone having children, some may seek a reversal when they are ready to start a family. It’s important to note that while the procedure can be reversed, it is considered a permanent method of birth control. Around 90 percent of men can successfully reverse their vasectomy; however, approximately 10 percent may face challenges in restoring their fertility, as indicated by research published in 2021.
Approximately 300,000 men undergo vasectomies annually, and studies suggest that between three and ten percent of them seek to reverse the procedure at some point.
Uninsured or underinsured individuals interested in scheduling an appointment for October 2023 on The Nutcracker can call 314-531-7526 or visit ppslr.org/vasectomy. Planned Parenthood’s commitment to providing free vasectomies highlights their dedication to reproductive healthcare and supporting individuals in making informed choices about their reproductive futures.
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