The History of a Vasectomy

The vasectomy is a medical procedure that has been around since the 1800′s. Yet, the female equivalent (tubal ligation) consistently outranks the vasectomy in terms of the number of procedures performed, despite its lower cost, reversibility, faster recovery time and lower risk of complications. However, the vasectomy has a long, documented history, and much has changed since the days of the early vasectomy programs. Today’s vasectomy offers a faster, smarter and easier procedure than ever before.

The very first attempt at a vasectomy ever recorded was performed on a dog in 1822. A doctor by the name of Sir Ashley Cooper completed the procedure, and observed the dog for six years before dissecting it. Cooper concluded that closing off the ducts in the testicles did not stop the actual production of sperm, and had no ill effects on the dog’s sex life. Shortly after this, a London doctor named R. Harrison performed the first vasectomy on a human, in an attempt to shrink the prostate of a patient. Though it did not provide the desired cure, it brought the vasectomy one step closer to its current usage.

It was not until World War II that the vasectomy was used specifically for the purpose of sterilization. During this time, vasectomies were performed on a mass scale, mostly without consent. After the war, in the 1970′s, the procedure gained popularity as a preferred form of birth control, and countries with overpopulation encouraged citizens to get vasectomies. For example, in 1976 India launched a massive campaign offering cash rewards to men undergoing a vasectomy procedure. In more recent times, doctors specializing in the reversal of vasectomy procedures have gained prevalence, especially in the United States.

Today, a vasectomy is a personal choice that offers numerous benefits to those seeking a long-term birth control solution. Though the procedure is reversible, that is not to say that it does not come with a degree of commitment. For this reason, your Las Vegas urologist would usually recommend getting a stock of sperm cryogenically frozen, as life is unpredictable. Using modern methods, an ED doctor Las Vegas can perform a vasectomy with no needles, no scalpel and no stitches in a matter of 15 minutes for a virtually stress free experience.