Can my husband get a vasectomy at the age of 30 if we don't have children?

Question

My doctor won't allow me to have my tubes tied because I haven't had children. I'm 28. Neither my husband or myself want children and we've been together for over 10 years and our views haven't changed. Can my husband get a vasectomy or will the doctors use the same excuse not to perform it?

Answer 1

you can get your tubes tied if you want. something is wrong there. yes, he can get a vasectomy. those are personal choices. maybe your insurance won't cover it and that is what your doctor means? i dont know.

Answer 2

Hi
Change doctors. Your body is your own and your husband's is his. Reproductive health should be the decision of the parties involved NOT the medical establishment. Hormones are not an issue with tying. It is only a hysterectomy and the complete removal of the womb and tues etc causes those changes. The tubaligation is fairly simple and hormones are not compromised. Menses still occur and all other aspects of the woman's cycle continue. The only thing that changes is that the eggs disolve (theory) before they can be impregnated.

The doctor may be thinking of the divorce rate and be concerned that in you late 30s or his mid 40s children might be wanted. It has frequently happened. This is not to say that you might be exactly right and that is why you should have the final say not the doctor. He/she is making a moral and relational decision that should be yours and yours alone. If you cannot change doctors then have him refer you if he cannot follow your wishes. As well challenge him/her. Remember doctors may be professionals but they are not living your life. I would suggest that you wait til you are 32 and your husband wait until he is 34 and then do it.

He/she cannot then say well you are in your 20s. Most doctors will not tie tubes until the 30s unless health is an issue. Mine were tied at age 39 due to health issues. Please assert your rights. Far too many people do not. Also please, consider you are only at the first third of your productive cycle.

If you wait til the second stage (32 and on) you should have a better idea and more experience. 10 years is a long time but you are still young. I would imagine this was the doctors argument. Again having said that, make your OWN decision and weigh your choices carefully. Then, if you both still very much want it, approach the doctor. Perhaps there is a reverseble operation that can be done so that both your needs and the doctors concerns can be addressed.

Answer 3

There is a lot of contradicting information out there about this topic. Some say that it doesn't matter, a man can have one whenever he wants. Other places say there are restrictions.

Where I live (CANADA), a man usually cannot have one unless he is over 25 years old, or has at least two children (either sex).

Here are some websites for you to look at:
http://www.bpas.org/images/pdfs/Vasectomy%20Apr06%20FINAL.pdf
http://www.engenderhealth.org/wh/fp/cperm-m.html

This one (http://www.plannedparenthood.org/birth-control-pregnancy/birth-control/vasectomy.htm) says:

"Mentally competent adults can legally choose sterilization in all 50 states. No one who is mentally competent can be forced to have the operation. You cannot be denied welfare benefits if you do not want to have a vasectomy. Even threats to do so are against federal law.

Policies and practices vary with individual doctors, hospitals, and health centers. Sterilization may be difficult to arrange under some circumstances — for instance, if a person is single or childless."

I would, however, just ask the doctor about this -- hope that helps.

Answer 4

I am pretty sure your husband can get a vasectomy without this problem. And it is less evasive for him to have one than for you to have your tubes tied. But I would go back to your OB/GYN and push for it and say it's your decision and your body. I think that's pretty crappy for a doctor to decide what's in your best interests unless it's a life or death situation. It's your life and your body and you are probably not wanting to have to use birth control and your doc should let you make the decision since if you don't want kids you still won't want one if you accidentally got pregnant which isn't good for you or the baby. Get a new OB/GYN if you have to.

Answer 5

My husband was in having his vasectomy done and next to him was a younger couple and they haven't any children but he was getting a vasectomy done. He didn't ask why maybe it was because of a medical reason he was having i tdone but they also froze some of his sperm. Maybe thats what you could say when you see the doctor.
Explain that you want no children but you will freeze some of his sperm incase you ever change your minds.

Answer 6

My husband was that age when he had the procedure done. Although we have kids, he never informed the doctor of that. The procedure is very safe and usually works. Your husband will have to go back to the doctor later to make sure it "takes". The reason your doctor refused to do the procedure on you is probably because he was worried that it would mess your hormones up. And he's right. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Plus, in a woman, the procedure is more "permanent". For example, a guy could have it reversed through another surgery if that was his choice, although it doesn't always work. If the doctor for some weirdo reson refused to do the procedure for your husband, go to a different doc. Afterall, it is your decision, not the doctor's.

Answer 7

Your husband can get a vasectomy whenever he feels. But you must find a doctor that will do the procedure.

Answer 8

Get a new doctor, and Yes a man can get it done at the age of 18 and up.

Answer 9

The purpose of vasectomy and ligation is to prohibit pregnancy. Why undergo such operations if you, as you have said, could not have babies. Be practical... don't waste your money...

Answer 10

They probably won't because they believe you still want to get settled in your life, home, and job before even thinking about children. If they don't do it, just stay on birth control.