In the vast world of family planning, many avenues can help people properly plan for their future. There are oral contraceptive pills, injectables, intrauterine devices (or IUDs), and more, each offering individuals the power to make informed choices about their reproductive journey. Among these options, condoms and vasectomy stand as the prominent choices for men, each bearing its own set of benefits.
While condoms are affordable and great for preventing unwanted pregnancies, a vasectomy offers a more permanent approach. It’s a simple outpatient procedure in which the vas deferens—the tube that carries sperm cells from the testicles—is cut. This procedure ensures that sperm cells are prevented from mixing with a man’s ejaculate, ensuring that he won’t impregnate a woman anymore after two to three months.
In essence, a vasectomy provides a lifelong form of contraception, allowing men and their partners to enjoy an active and fulfilling sexual life without the constant worry of unintended pregnancies. It’s a decision that reflects responsibility, commitment, and a profound concern for one’s family and their future. And it’s a journey that our friends Cris, Ian, at Reginald have been gracious enough to discuss with us, all having undergone vasectomy.
Why did they do it?
Cris’ wife, Rachel, took injectables for many years. They aimed to have children only when they were sure they had enough resources to raise one. After having a second child, they realized they were happy with the family they already had, so Cris decided to get snipped.
He says: “Eh medyo maliit na sacrifice lang naman para sa amin, so why not tulungan naman natin si misis?” (It’s just a small sacrifice for us, so why don’t I help my wife?)
Similarly, Ian and his wife decided to look for a permanent family planning method after having a second child. They decided that two kids were already enough.”Naging choice siya after na ng pandemic.” (It became a choice after the pandemic.) “Nag-isip kami na if mag-aanak kami ng isa pa, ‘di namin mabibigyan yung dalawa ng sapat na attention because of the time and money involved.” (We thought if we had another child, we wouldn’t be able to give our two kids enough attention because of the time and money involved.)
The story of Reginald and his wife Joan takes a different turn, one that involves a plot twist. Joan was supposed to get a ligation. However, her high blood pressure and fear of blood made it challenging for her to proceed. In a twist of fate, Reginald stepped up and made a move for their family planning.
“Nagdesisyon ako na magpa-vasectomy sa kadahilanang ang aking asawa’y nate-tense at naha-high blood,” says Reginald. (I decided to get a vasectomy because my wife feels tense and has high blood pressure.) It was a move that his wife extremely appreciated.
“Wala po akong masabi sa kanya,” says Joan. (I’m speechless.) “Napakabait niyang asawa. Sa kalagitnaan ng aking sakit, nandiyan siya. Suportado po sa akin, kaya nagpapasalamat ako sa asawa ko na nauunawaan at naiintindihan po ako.” (He’s a very generous husband. Through my condition, he’s constantly there. He supports me, so I’m very thankful that he understands me.)
Though Joan’s extremely grateful for what her husband has done, Reginald seems to think that a vasectomy was not a bother at all. “Malaking opportunity ‘to para sa lahat ng nagfa-family planning. Ito’y hindi sakripisyo. Ito’y kusang-loob kong ginawa para sa aming pamilya.” (This is a big opportunity for anyone who’s into family planning. This isn’t a sacrifice for me. I did it for the benefit of my family.)
Family planning holds a significant place in the lives of many couples. It’s not just about controlling the size of one’s family, but also about ensuring that each child receives the love, care, and opportunities they deserve. In this unique act of selflessness, these men are not only supporting their wives but also making a choice that profoundly impacts the harmony and happiness of their families.
How did they find the experience?
For Cris, getting a vasectomy does not reduce one’s manhood. If anything, he thinks it can enhance a man’s masculinity. “Sa tingin ko, may madadagdag pa. Mas lalo pa kayong ia-adore ng mga misis niyo.” (I think it adds to your manhood. Your wives will adore you more.)
Similarly, Ian thinks that getting a vasectomy does not diminish a guy’s masculinity. “No, not at all,” he says. “Mas macho if you’re responsible enough to do it.” (It’s more macho if you’re responsible enough to do it.) In addition, he found the entire process organized and that it wasn’t a painful experience.
“Hindi siya painful. Hindi siya discouraging. Kung may mga natatakot sa pain, hindi siya worth it para hindi magpa-vasectomy.” (It’s not painful. It’s not discouraging. If there’s anyone worried about the pain, it’s not a big enough reason to not get a vasectomy.)
Reginald wasn’t fazed or in pain at all. Joan thinks her husband did it out of compassion, which is most likely why the man was totally fine with getting snipped. Joan says: “Kalakip po ito ng pagmamahal ng asawa ko, na siya ang nag-decide na magpa-vasectomy, dahil nauunawaan niya po ang kalagayan ko.” (He did it as part of his love for me. He decided to get a vasectomy because he understands my condition and health.)
What’s next for them?
For Cris and Rachel, a vasectomy guarantees that they can devote all their time and resources to the kids they already have. “Focus na kami sa pag-aaral ng mga bata.” says Rachel. (We’ll now just focus on the education of our kids.) “And mas okay na yung marami kaming time para dun sa dalawang anak namin.” (And it’s really nice to know that we’ll have a lot of time for both of them.)
For Ian, his vasectomy ensures that he and his family can continue being happy. “It all comes down to our future and long-term commitments,” he says. “Through vasectomy, you’re sure na you can pursue different things as an individual with kids.”
Reginald states that he and his wife Joan will now dedicate all their time and resources to the kids they already have. He also adds that as parents, he and Joan play a big part in planning for their future.
“Kami ang magde-decide kung ilan dapat ang anak namin. Sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, mahal ang mga bilihin. Mahal din ang pagpapaaral.” (We have to decide how many children we want. Life nowadays is hard. Necessities are expensive. Education is also expensive.)
In the stories of Cris, Ian, and Reginald, we see responsible men, loving husbands, and overall awesome fathers. For them, getting a vasectomy was an act of responsibility and compassion towards their families.
Their journey has a clear message: that through family planning, especially through vasectomy, a family can become stronger. It’s an opportunity to prepare for your future and give your loved ones the care and attention they deserve.
So if you’re thinking of preparing for your family’s tomorrow, why not get a vasectomy? It’s a great avenue towards an amazing life.
