A Vas Deferens

Most men aspire to become fathers. Fatherhood is a time for celebration and goodwill. In an age of modernity there are gender reveal parties where the sex of the unborn child is announced to family and friends. Fatherhood or pending fatherhood is a time of joy and happiness. There are no manuals on fatherhood or parenting; usually parents use the model derived from their own childhood with some amount of tweeting to grow up their children. Having children around makes a vast difference in one’s life. In Jamaica, men who are not biological fathers are often ridiculed. The stigma associated with male childlessness is rooted in a homophobic culture which adds negative labels to others. In some inner-city communities the verbal abuse against men in that category can become intolerable. The Jamaican society is a rough and tough space and only the strong willed among us survives. Interestingly, the label makers rarely find the time to label themselves or their close associates. The label of gelding is among the names used in an attempt to hurt the feelings of those who are not biological fathers. Unfortunately, we live in a society which perpetuates this negativity through popular culture. We should never anyone to define us regardless of our educational levels, religious affiliation, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, social class or any other social indicator. On the other hand, there are some men who have made the decision along with their spouse not to father any more children. There are some men who chose to store their sperms at a sperm bank in the event they begin a new relationship where children are desired. Other men elect to have a vasectomy to prevent their wives from having a tubal ligation. Of course there will always be those men who are cheaters and do not wish to father outside children. A Medical Procedure The American Urological Association states a vasectomy is a minor surgery to block sperm from reaching the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. Semen still exists, but it has no sperm in it. After a vasectomy the testes still make sperm, but they are soaked up by the body. Each year, more than 500,000 men in the United States of America choose vasectomy for birth control. A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other method of birth control, except abstinence. Sperm and male sex hormones are made in the testicles. Sperm is the male reproductive cells made in the testicles that can fertilize a female partner’s eggs, which may result in a child. The testes are in the scrotum at the base of the penis. Sperm leave the testes through a coiled tube (the "epididymis"), where they stay until they're ready for use. Each epididymis is linked to the ejaculatory duct by a long tube called the vas deferens (or "vas"). The vas runs from the lower part of the scrotum into the inguinal canal (groin area). It then goes into the pelvis and behind the bladder. This is where the vas deferens joins with the seminal vesicle and forms the ejaculatory duct. Whenever the male ejaculates seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles is mixed with sperm to form semen. The semen flows through the urethra and comes out the end of the penis. Vasectomy Parties It makes sense given we have a party for when we are having a baby (either a baby shower or gender reveal party), so why not celebrate being done with having children too? The newest trend actually celebrates not having any more children at all, and it’s known as the vasectomy party. Have you ever attended a vasectomy party? Like any other party invited guests are expected to take along a gift. Vasectomy parties are still the domain of a certain social class, yes, the upper middle or upper class. These unique festivities are also more likely to be held in developed societies, such as in North America and in Europe as against underdeveloped and developing nations. Among the more humour filled gifts which are appropriate for vasectomy parties are cards; for example, may your surgeon have steady hands. One could also get some underwear for the guy who is about to have a vasectomy. Anyone with a firm sense of humour is sure to get a laugh out of these boxer-briefs. The made-to-order underwear comes inscribed with a pistol sign and “Shooting Blanks” inscribed across the front. What about a thermal cup with the inscription, “A Vas Deferens in My Life”? As you are aware the vas deferens is the tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Those with a sweet tooth might be more inclined for vasectomy-themed sugar cookies. Each handmade delectable can feature a variety of creative images and signs for a colorful assortment of eggplant emojis, to “no sperm” signage, and snipping scissors. There can be no party without a cake. In some instances one can get very creative in what to write on the cake. One of more popular inscriptions is 100 percent juice, no seeds. Of course there is always liquor at parties; one can easily see some Bud Light beers. What better way to have a vasectomy than to take along your best buddy. There is also what is called a brosectomoy; this is an arrangement in which guys get vasectomies together. According to Business Insider, the brosectomy package can costs US$3,250 and includes a consultation before the procedures, transportation to and from the doctor's office, as well as food and alcohol while they recover. We need to be mindful that not everyone has a sense of humour and this should always guide our actions Vasectomies can be costly. A colleague who disclosed that he considered having the procedure said his medical insurance did not approve payment and that out of pocket would have cost a few hundred US dollars. According to WedMD, an online source on human health and well-being a vasectomy done privately begins at US $1,200 for the in-patient vasectomy procedure, which takes all of 10 minutes, including local anesthetic. Planned Parenthood charges about $100. Under Canada’s nationalized healthcare system, the procedure is free and the state pays the doctor $55. Men are advised to wait three months before having unprotected sex after having a vasectomy. Men can also check their fertility status by using an over-the-counter test kit. Having a vasectomy is an important decision; especially since in most cases the procedure is irreversible. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo #vasectomyparties ©