Second marriages bring men in to reverse vasectomies
Photo 
Dr. Nicholas Gianitsos
JANESVILLE — When Todd had a vasectomy eight years ago, he was sure it was the right decision.
“Try as I might, there was just no way I could envision myself when I would want to have any more children,” the Milton man said. “I think that’s really common in our society.”
What’s becoming more common, one local doctor says, is reverse the vasectomy, a procedure Todd had after remarrying.
Technology is changing the procedure, too.
Todd was the first patient in Wisconsin to have a reverse vasectomy using a robot. Dr. Nicholas Gianitsos, urologist and medical director of Mercy’s Men’s Health Center, performed the surgery earlier this month.
More men in their second marriages want vasectomies reversed, he said, but the number of surgeries in a year is often tied to the economy. Insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the $10,000 procedure, Gianitsos said.
The economy appears to have the opposite affect on the number of vasectomies, he said.
Since the economy started sliding in fall of 2008, doctors have been flooded with men seeking vasectomies, he said. It could be that men don’t want children they can’t afford, or they want the procedure done before losing their job and their health insurance, he said.
Todd’s story
Todd, 42, remarried nearly two years ago, and his new wife was excited to start a family together.
“It took me two years to get used to the idea,” he joked.
Todd asked that his full name not be published because he doesn’t want to spoil the surprise for his family of a possible pregnancy.
He and his wife both have children from previous marriages, and at first he couldn’t imagine getting into a routine after combining two households, putting half the kids into new schools and working out schedules.
Like a lot of second-marriage couples, Todd said, he and his wife entered the marriage with the benefit of experience.
“(We) know things could go badly, we’re not naive or blind to the difficulty or challenges of marriage,” he said. “That’s one of the best things, too. (You) go in taking everything seriously.”
Now that the idea of having another child has set in, Todd said he might be more excited than his wife.
How it works
Reversing a vasectomy using the da Vinci Si HD dual-console robot is less invasive and about an hour quicker. It also allows for two to three layers of sutures instead of just one, Gianitsos said. It is an outpatient procedure.
Doctors use their fingers to control robot arms and hands. The robot removes scar tissue and reattaches the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles into the semen.
Without the robot, surgeons look through microscopes and use their hands to reattach tubes about the size of a pencil lead. The microscopes reveal tremors in even the steadiest hands, said Gianitsos, who is chairman of robotic surgery at Mercy.
“It’s very, very difficult to make up for that natural tremor when you magnify it,” he said. “The robot takes that into account, and the computer in the robot negates your tremor.”
Small studies have shown the robotic procedure leads to an earlier return of normal sperm counts, he said.
Todd had his surgery on a Friday and was back to work by Monday. He said initially the procedure was a little tougher to get through than a vasectomy, but the discomfort in the following days was better.
Mercy charges the same price—around $10,000—for a reverse vasectomy whether it’s done by hand or by robot.
Economy
A busy year means about 20 reverse vasectomy surgeries for Gianitsos, although that number can dip to fewer than five.
“It depends on how much people are willing to spend,” he said.
A lot of the men are in their second marriage, he said, and many seem to marry younger women who have no children.
“Eventually, the men will give in to the pressure, come in and (get it) reversed,” he said.
He guesses more couples would choose the option if a pregnancy could be guaranteed.
In the best situation, pregnancy rates are about 75 percent, but the rate drops depending on how long ago the vasectomy was done, Gianitsos said.
He said he tries to discourage men from having the reversal if it’s been 12 or more years since their vasectomies.
A lot of people are reluctant to spend out-of-pocket cash with the chance that it could be for nothing, he said. But the surgery can be more attractive than other options such as in vitro fertilization, which can run up to $25,000, he said.
When the economy goes down, the number of vasectomies seems to increase, he said. He personally does 100 to 150 a year, depending on trends.
Lately, they’ve been more popular, and Fridays can bring up to four surgeries in a day, he said.
“We don’t know if people are worried about losing insurance, or they don’t want bigger families,” he said. “We just saw this rash of vasectomies coming in.”
Apr 23, 2010 at 8:03 p.m.
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I would not have guessed that this article would turn into battle of the sexes! Is it reasonable to assume that a woman has as much right to ask her partner to get a vasectomy as a man has to ask his wife to get her tubes tied? Can we at least agree that each party should have an equal part in that discussion?
Apr 23, 2010 at 9:58 a.m.
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Robots and testicles does not sound like a good mix. I know a few guys that have had the big V with mixed results. Some have very short recovery times, others over a month. I don't know anyone that has had a reversal.
Apr 22, 2010 at 4:23 p.m.
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Yes, justme46, I agree that evansvillehousewife is bitter, regardless. And maybe, being single and bitter, she does indeed see herself as married to her home. Or maybe she was a housewife when she created her account but, as in your case, circumstances changed - only evansvillehousewife can comment. Given her posts here, though, I think we can all agree we'd rather she not bother.
Apr 22, 2010 at 1:23 p.m.
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Happy Birthday justme46(47)
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:34 p.m.
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inconvenient, maybe she is married to her house. That would make her a housewife. Should change the name if not one, I guess. Mine will have to change to justme47 as I just turned 47! She does sound like a bitter woman. And by the way, thank you for all the FACTS.
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:23 p.m.
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JoeSchmo, I'm glad I'm not married to you either if you think that the natural complications that can arise with advanced age pregnancies are birth control related, or that all women "go through pregnancy and child birth," or that men somehow owe women castration for their natural biology.
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"There is no jock strap wearing, ice pack carrying, trust me."
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For a majority of men there is "ice pack carrying," and jock straps or other form of support are recommended for a few days post-op.
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"How about you get some 'testicular fortitude', man-up and realize a vasectomy is not a big deal compared to 30 years of pills and periods."
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Forms of women's birth control, without use of pills, can reduce or stop menstruation entirely.
Even when being on the pill (which "is not a big deal") or having periods (which are also not a big deal, as they occur NATURALLY - and how are they often treated? With things like Midol. Which is taken as? A PILL), permanent and costly surgery is not required and men don't owe it to women to have one. A man should have one only if it is for himself.
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:18 p.m.
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"Hold on sugar- those risks are less than 1% in ALL aspects."
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I’ll get to this in a second.
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"The risk of self- healing is laughable."
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Paying thousands of dollars to avoid pregnancy only to then having that procedure fail isn't "laughable."
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"BUt, for the record, one in 5 women have SOME sort of side effect on the pill."
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Source of this claim?
There are also numerous forms of women's birth control aside from the pill, as I've previously pointed out.
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"One in 10,000 men have a side effect with the vasectomy."
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And between 5-600,000 men have a vasectomy every year in the U.S. I'm not the greatest with math, but I'm pretty sure that means your "less than 1% in ALL aspects" claim about vasectomy side effects contradicts your claim that 1 in 10,000 vasectomies result in side effects. So, which is it?
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"One is YOU, and the other is the woman you are currently nailing, who must do as you want, otherwise you feel emasculated.
OK. Carry on."
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How very bitter you are. People really don't find that attractive.
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:15 p.m.
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"To dissent or claim dominion over her own body is viewed as bitter."
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Again, I'll remind you that I support women's reproductive rights, so no.
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"for a man to tell me that it has no side effects, well, frankly, you can go eff yourself."
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Yes, how dare a MAN say such a thing to you!
Oh, wait...no one at all said such a thing. "Your references to low-risk and even outright speculative side effects of women's birth control don't warrant your bombast, evansvillehousewife."
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"I have MANY female friends who swear the pill causes depression"
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How "MANY"? Numerous statistical studies involve hundreds of thousands.
Regarding depression, menstruation also causes this.
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"weight gain"
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Also caused by menstruation.
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"and irregular bleeding."
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Also caused by menstruation.
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"For a man to try to tell a woman that a form of birth control is wonderful..."
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What man here has told a woman here that "a form of birth control is wonderful"?
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"Also, this bizarre little query you have as to whether or not i am a *housewife*"
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It's not a query, but a fact you admitted openly to me. What's bizarre is that you would title yourself as something you don't represent.
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"perhaps you should examine as to why you pay attention to this"
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Why I pay attention to... deception?
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:13 p.m.
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"It doesn't surprise me, IT, that you think you are progressive for supporting women's reproductive rights"
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"Progressive" is your word choice. I've simply pointed out your folly in calling me a "caveman," as I support women's reproductive rights.
"what you neglect to see is that you want women to do as YOU think, not what is best for them."
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I do?
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"Your objective view of women is clear when you stated that men should have the 'testicular fortitude' to demand women go on the pill."
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I think you meant "objectified"?
Also, "demand"? You're grasping.
In reality, my statement was: "the husbands should've had the... testicular fortitude... to tell their wives to get on the pill if they didn't want more children. The forms of women's birth control are numerous, don't involve surgery, and are flexible to the desires of changed minds/marriages."
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"'Telling' the wife to take a drug rather than get a vasectomy is clearly a one sided decision."
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So then "telling" the husband to undergo painful surgery that is costly, permanent (without further costly surgery) and potentially risky would also be a one-sided decision, right? Thank you for arguing against yourself.
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"you said nothing about it being the couple's decision, but rather a lack of testicular fortitude on the man's part."
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Correct. Clearly these men had vasectomies for their wives' sakes (who were welcome to have their tubes tied, gone on any numerous form of women's birth control, or used spermicide and/or condoms), otherwise they wouldn't have been so quick to reverse them. These men apparently weren't positive they didn't want more children. Their wives clearly were. And yet it's the man undergoing surgery. Hmm.
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"Furthermore, my statement that this is a delicate decision to be decided between husband and wife- led you to think I am single, bitter, and my husband, imaginary or not, is henpecked."
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You never made that statement, so no, that is not what led to my suggestion (shared by others) that you're bitter and single. Also, since I suggested you were such, I'd have no reason to guess that your husband (remember, I stated your comments indicated you're single) is "henpecked," as you falsely claim I did.
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:04 p.m.
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Please don't assume to put words in my mouth, Wifezilla. Your claim was that "'low-risk and even outright speculative side effects of women's birth control' are a lot more common than a lot of people know." I refuted this opinion by referring to multiple statistical studies that support the reality that blood clots are a low-risk side effect experienced by a small percentage of women taking the pill, are most likely to occur in unhealthy women, and are not fatal in all cases. I made no judgement of the importance of those side effects experienced by that small percentage of women. I do thank you again, though, for supplying more anecdotal evidence.
Apr 22, 2010 at 12:01 p.m.
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"truth: WOW! Really? I think a man having a vasectomy is nature's form of a payback."
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There's nothing natural about it. "Payback"? You seem a bit vengeful.
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"The woman goes through the pain and joy and PAIN of pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum"
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If she chooses to become pregnant. With birth control, that choice is the woman's.
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"it seems only fitting for the man to 'snuggle' with some frozen peas for a day or two :)"
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"Fitting"? Again, you appear vengeful and even...bitter. Do you regret your gender?
Apr 22, 2010 at 10:15 a.m.
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I agree. Adopt a pet. MUCH easier to take care of. :)
Apr 22, 2010 at 9:28 a.m.
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I am proud to state that at 48 I have had ZERO CHILDREN. And I'm still well and able to have them. (Okay, so maybe the women more my age aren't LOL) And I definately don't wanna start now. I agree, the populace is limitless in it's climb of numbers. Forget the babies, GET A PET! ;)
Apr 22, 2010 at 7:09 a.m.
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While people should be careful about procreation, the reason is not the environment, the reason is that they are spreading the knucklehead gene.
Apr 22, 2010 at 6:55 a.m.
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Keep cranking out the babies folks.
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The world population has nearly quadrupled, (383%) in only 100 years.
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We can all take pride in being the only organism on the planet to reproduce to extinction, yet have the supposed intelligence to prevent it.
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More people means less for everyone. Less clean air, food, water, and especially non-renewable resources.
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When the gas and oil are gone, we will no longer be able to live here in the winter.
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World population 1910: 1.75 billion
World population 1950: 2.5 billion
World population 2010: 6.7 billion
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How dense can we get?
Apr 21, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
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"Stupid men" is not sexist. "Men are stupid" is sexist.
Apr 21, 2010 at 5:40 p.m.
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It's strange that after someone offers a sincere apology, decides to forget it and move on to better things, people continue beating dead horses. Odd... Best wishes to Todd and to all my new friends in Evansville!
Apr 21, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.
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Wheaties, this is more than PRICELESS!!! "I had mine cut three years ago; if for some reason I found myself single again; I would not let tiny robots in there. I bet that is just another way for big brother to spy on us" :) That should be put on a bumper sticker! It could say....."No tiny robots for my vasectomy, just another way for big brother to spy on me!"
Apr 21, 2010 at 2:49 p.m.
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Good thing credibility has no role here. You have shown time and time again that you have none, EHW. Please enlighten me, though. What kind of -ism or -ist would be attributed to "stupid people?" So quick to judge, you are.
Apr 21, 2010 at 2:44 p.m.
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Wifezilla- saying "stupid men" IS sexist.
If you are scared of your words being attributed to you, may I recommend you not write them in public?
Remember, this is all anonymous. Credibility really has no role here.
Apr 21, 2010 at 2:31 p.m.
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"Todd asked that his full name not be published because he doesn’t want to spoil the surprise for his family of a possible pregnancy"
I hope he doesn't mean his new wife YIKES.
Apr 21, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.
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I agree have some more kids you may not be able to support!!???
I do agree it is none of our business.
Apr 21, 2010 at 12:56 p.m.
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There's no way I'm gunna let that guy in the photo get anywhere near littlegazettefan!!!
Apr 21, 2010 at 8:57 a.m.
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1924Grant since my tubal I have experienced many of the same symptoms as your wife, and yes they are bad, however, after quite a while of just sucking it up and taking the antidepressents it was found the I am peri-menopausal. Good luck to your wife.
Apr 21, 2010 at 8:06 a.m.
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If it were only paranoia....
Apr 21, 2010 at 7:54 a.m.
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Sounds like EHW has a paranoia issue.
Apr 21, 2010 at 7:40 a.m.
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my husband had a reversal and we are now the parents of a beautiful girl. We couldn't imagine our lives without her. Good luck to the family in the article!!
Apr 21, 2010 at 1:29 a.m.
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Careful everyone! Don't send a message to EHW! Even if your intent is a "cyber high five" because you mistakenly thought you were in agreement about a topic. He or she will call you a sock puppet and then accuse you of being sexist for uttering the words "stupid men." My most sincere apologies, EHW. I hope I never accidently upset you again!
Apr 21, 2010 at 12:55 a.m.
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My brother got snipped and had a miserable time of it but a friend didn't have any problems. I guess you take your chances when you reverse also. If people change their minds what else is new but I think its great that some men take charge of their own reproductive decisions. Kudos!
Apr 20, 2010 at 11:40 p.m.
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re: wifezilla and your PM: I don't know if you're for real- I actually think you're a sock puppet trying to find out my identity. It's happened before. Either way, in case you aren't:
I don't know if IT is an... well, what you referred to him as. He's a bunch of anonymous words on a news comment blog, nothing more.
Saying "stupid men" is just as bad as a man saying "stupid women." Sexism goes both ways.
Peace!
Apr 20, 2010 at 11:04 p.m.
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It crows:Speaking of risks, let's discuss the risks posed by vasectomies and their reversals. Aside from the guaranteed bruising and swelling in the groin area for one to two weeks (requiring a jock strap be worn post-op), there's the risk of congestive epididymitis that in some cases becomes chronic; hematoma in the scrotum; infection; spermatoceles; sperm granulomas, or even leakage/self-healing, meaning $10,000 was paid just so the procedure could fail and potentially result in a pregnancy. There are even studies that suggest a small risk of dementia and cancer in vasectomy patients. Interesting you forgot to mention any of those things.
Hold on sugar- those risks are less than 1% in ALL aspects. The risk of self- healing is laughable.
BUt, for the record, one in 5 women have SOME sort of side effect on the pill. One in 10,000 men have a side effect with the vasectomy.
So... explain your cost/risk analysis... oh right, one is YOU, and the other is the WOMAN.
One is YOU, and the other is the woman you are currently nailing, who must do as you want, otherwise you feel emasculated.
OK. Carry on.
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:59 p.m.
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1924grant... sounds like post tubal syndrome to me. Check it out... there is a population of women that undergo early menopause following tubal ligation.
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:40 p.m.
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1924grant: Your wife called and she has a bone to pick with you. Actually, she said you can pick your own bone from now on. (I hope you get to read this before it is deleted.)
Apr 20, 2010 at 9:02 p.m.
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Sandman, my Russian wife has old saying "AвтоИ нтернет-магаз ьных обил иншин!!!" which roughly translates to "look at younger pooshka with firm bottom and I give you vasectomy with dull axe!!!" I understand the surgery is irreversable.
Apr 20, 2010 at 8:40 p.m.
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MIDOL and KOTEX are the cure. The men are the ones who really suffer.
Apr 20, 2010 at 8:14 p.m.
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IT- I am so glad that I am not married to you. Some women cannot tolerate the pill, and don't want to put artificial hormones in their body. Why do you think there are so many issues with infertility these days? Maybe because all of these 40 year old women trying to get pregnant have been on the pill since they were 15??? Listen, a woman goes through pregnancy and childbirth, and a fun-filled week once a month. What is a 30 minute in the clinic procedure to make up for what a woman has to go through? There is no jock strap wearing, ice pack carrying, trust me. How about you get some "testicular fortitude", man-up and realize a vasectomy is not a big deal compared to 30 years of pills and periods.
Apr 20, 2010 at 6:25 p.m.
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Everyone is different. The pill made me queezy and moody. I couldn't tolerate it.
Everyone's decision about birth control is their decision based on what they think is best in their situation. Todd and his wife are doing what's best for them. You do what's best for you.
Apr 20, 2010 at 5:52 p.m.
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NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Apr 20, 2010 at 5:38 p.m.
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When I told my wife we were done having kids, she went and had a tubal ligation. No need for the pill anymore so she went off it. Ever since she went off it, her moods swings are terrible, bleeding is extremely heavy, and her cycle is never regular. She now has to take an anti depressant for errant fits of crying during PMS. The pill was a godsend when we needed it, and all the negative effects came after she went off it. I think EVHW has a one sided view as well. The men suffer just as bad if not more than the women. You can take pamprin, midol, etc for your minor inconveinence, there's nothing we as men can do to be more tolerant of a crying, nagging ragging woman, except ignore her for 5 to 7 days.
Apr 20, 2010 at 4:48 p.m.
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Also, this bizarre little query you have as to whether or not i am a *housewife*- perhaps you should examine as to why you pay attention to this... and examine your narrow little views when applied to American contemporary society's role of women. Ask yourself, "Why do I care whether this person is a housewife? Why do I focus so much on status and try to see my points as superior based on my imaginary personality profile of this person?"
Apr 20, 2010 at 4:43 p.m.
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It doesn't surprise me, IT, that you think you are progressive for supporting women's reproductive rights- what you neglect to see is that you want women to do as YOU think, not what is best for them. I tell YOU what is best for ME- get it?
Your objective view of women is clear when you stated that men should have the "testicular fortitude" to demand women go on the pill.
"Telling" the wife to take a drug rather than get a vasectomy is clearly a one sided decision.. you said nothing about it being the couple's decision, but rather a lack of testicular fortitude on the man's part.
Furthermore, my statement that this is a delicate decision to be decided between husband and wife- led you to think I am single, bitter, and my husband, imaginary or not, is henpecked. So that is what I cite as obvious evidence that you view women to be in a submissive, obedient position. To dissent or claim dominion over her own body is viewed as bitter.
I know YOU think the pill is great- after all, you get to have sex with no problems... but for a man to tell me that it has no side effects, well, frankly, you can go eff yourself. I have MANY female friends who swear the pill causes depression, weight gain, and irregular bleeding.
For a man to try to tell a woman that a form of birth control is wonderful, when she outright says it sucks, is sexist and oppressing. It also shows a lack of character, that you actually think you *know* something about an experience you'll never have.
As far as child welfare... if you can't commit to a marriage, you can't commit to a child. So why save your balls?
Apr 20, 2010 at 4:30 p.m.
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You may think a "low-risk side effect experienced by a small percentage of women" isn't a big deal, but it is to that small percentage. I'm reading so many positive things about the pill here that I wonder if there are a few pharmaceutical drug reps posting comments. Kickbacks, anyone? Regardless of how many points of view there are, some people have to always be right and try to prove everyone else wrong. Instead of getting frustrated, I read this. Now I can empathize with the know-it-alls. I feel better!
http://thinksimplenow.com/happiness/deal...
http://www.management-issues.com/2008/10...
Apr 20, 2010 at 4:11 p.m.
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Evansville-- you are right on! Well, I mean on most of it. I am not going to pick apart "Todd`s" words, and certainly this is his business. However, it is so funny the "cave man" attitude still being sported out there by men..lol
Apr 20, 2010 at 3:46 p.m.
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If you are dumb enough to get married a second time; maybe you should stay sterile. I had mine cut three years ago; if for some reason I found myself single again; I would not let tiny robots in there. I bet that is just another way for big brother to spy on us :)
Apr 20, 2010 at 3:28 p.m.
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you crack me up gfan;)
Apr 20, 2010 at 3:23 p.m.
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truth: WOW! Really? I think a man having a vasectomy is nature's form of a payback. The woman goes through the pain and joy and PAIN of pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum: it seems only fitting for the man to "snuggle" with some frozen peas for a day or two :)
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My husband doesn't care for our form of birth control: as most men don't. But, I tell him, I did my part...it is time for you to do yours. Until then, don't leave home without your rain coat :)
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ewife: I don't see you as bitter at all. More like a realist.
Apr 20, 2010 at 1:34 p.m.
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I am a woman and I say, leave the vasectomy, at our age, we don't need kids! As for the pill and other contraceptives, yes it can cause cancer and such, but it is very rare. I don't need facts, I have lived 47 years as a female and just know! Evansville, you need to calm down, being so uptight is going to kill you before the pill ever would! KAMAKI, that was "priceless". I started laughing last night when I read this article in the paper and haven't quit through all the posts!! LOL
Apr 20, 2010 at 1:21 p.m.
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I don't want that guy in photo anywhere near little gazettefan.
Apr 20, 2010 at 1:13 p.m.
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As compelling as your anecdotal evidence is, Wifezilla, multiple statistical studies support the reality that blood clots are a low-risk side effect experienced by a small percentage of women taking the pill, are most likely to occur in unhealthy women, and are not fatal in all cases.
I'm pretty sure your husband would rather you drive your automobile instead of walk everywhere, even though you could die in a head on collision the next time you get behind the wheel. I guess he's just not as considerate as you thought... Or, could it be that we all take calculated risks in the pursuit of a more convenient life every day?
Apr 20, 2010 at 12:56 p.m.
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This is from someone with a relative who has to put out 50% of all wages for child Support. Think hard before you do this. And be sure the woman will not divorce you and then you pay out loads of money for only every other weekend!
Apr 20, 2010 at 12:27 p.m.
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I godda agree with Evansvillehousewife on this one... "low-risk and even outright speculative side effects of women's birth control" are a lot more common than a lot of people know. You don't have to be an unhealthy woman "(sedentary/overweight/diabetic/smoker/high blood pressure/etc)" You certainly don't have to be over age 35 to experience side effects either. At age 19, I started the pill with the hope of easing bad cramps. I was a young, very healthy, active non-smoker. After being on the pill for a mere 6 WEEKS I was hospitalized with a blood clot that went from my knee to my pelvis. A friend of mine had a STROKE in her early 20s from the pill. This happens a lot more than people realize. I know that tons of women are on the pill without any issues, but some women can not be on hormonal BC. When it comes to birth control, I'm pretty sure my hubby would rather experience guaranteed bruising and swelling in the groin versus a wife who died from a heart attack.
Apr 20, 2010 at 11:24 a.m.
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They way I look at it, is it really any of our business what Todd does. If him and his new wife want a baby together I am happy for them. It may not be for all what Todd is doing, but it is his life and his choice, who are we to say it is wrong. Good Luck Todd I hope everything works out for you and your wife.
Apr 20, 2010 at 11:01 a.m.
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Your references to low-risk and even outright speculative side effects of women's birth control don't warrant your bombast, evansvillehousewife. No birth control causes cancer (in fact, studies show some even reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer), and clots very rarely result - far more so in already unhealthy women (sedentary/overweight/diabetic/smoker/high blood pressure/etc). Regardless, risks of medication are always discussed before they're prescribed.
Speaking of risks, let's discuss the risks posed by vasectomies and their reversals. Aside from the guaranteed bruising and swelling in the groin area for one to two weeks (requiring a jock strap be worn post-op), there's the risk of congestive epididymitis that in some cases becomes chronic; hematoma in the scrotum; infection; spermatoceles; sperm granulomas, or even leakage/self-healing, meaning $10,000 was paid just so the procedure could fail and potentially result in a pregnancy. There are even studies that suggest a small risk of dementia and cancer in vasectomy patients. Interesting you forgot to mention any of those things.
It's also interesting that men must "take responsibility for their sperm," but you suggest no similar responsibility on the part of women for their eggs.
Hmm.
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"Obviously, you view your wife/partner as little more than a tool for your pleasure."
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Obviously you can cite nothing to substantiate this delusional claim other than your own overblown sense of righteousness. Nothing I wrote even remotely supports your theory.
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"How charmingly caveman of you!"
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Yes, how "charmingly caveman" of me to...support women's reproductive rights...uh, yeah.
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"A vasectomy and reversal combined is cheesecake compared to one nasty menstrual period..."
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Combined? Not only is that false, several forms of women’s birth control can actually limit those "nasty" menstrual periods, or even end them entirely. No surgeries required. Talk about "cheesecake."
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"...and a friggen Caribbean getaway compared to a pregnancy and childbirth."
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Which are prevented by *GASP* birth control!
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"Any man that is so inconsiderate to his wife to do as you say..."
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"Do as I say"? You mean, suggest she go on temporary, cheap, surgery-free birth control if she doesn't want to get pregnant for the time being? How awful of me!
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"...is a man of low character indeed."
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You're quite lovely yourself.
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"How sad indeed that you would put your balls over the well being of your own child."
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This doesn't even make sense, in regards to this article or me...
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:46 a.m.
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I agree, frusion. What's more, evansvillehousewife's (she's made it clear to me previously that, despite the moniker, she's not actually a housewife, so it's fair to believe she may not even be a wife at all...possibly not even a 'she' for that matter!) posts scream 'single' to me. I'd imagine it's a big factor in her mood regarding marriage and babies. That, and her seeming advocacy for having menstrual periods.
Apr 20, 2010 at 10:34 a.m.
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I have had my tubes tied and my husband has had a vasectomy, nothing like being sure there are no more children in our future, except grandchildren (4 of those so far). I agree with evansvillehousewife on the issue of birth control pills and their long term effects on women, especially those of us over 35. Surgical sterilization is a good option. In my situation it makes for a happier marriage because there is no stress about possible pregnancy, we both went through procedures and both know it is for the best for us. My husband and I have both been married before and both of our previous spouses had procedures too. Just a little snip snip and we're good to go. Besides I am too old to worry about a baby but not old enough that it could not happen. Yikes, what a thought. As for reversal, Todd at 42 are you nuts or just a glutton for punishment, I sure like to sleep through the night.
Apr 20, 2010 at 9:01 a.m.
Apr 20, 2010 at 9 a.m.
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I was just thinking the same thing frusion. Quite bitter indeed.
Apr 20, 2010 at 8:39 a.m.
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evansvillehousewife, wow you're an angry woman. I'll bet your husband knows where he stands in the household pecking order.
Apr 19, 2010 at 11:06 p.m.
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Kamaki... I like your way of thinking. There are so many women who have their sex drives flattened by childbearing or artificial hormones. Many men don't know the "benefits" of having a wife with an unhindered sex drive. If they did, I guarantee this doc would have a LOT more business.
Apr 19, 2010 at 11:02 p.m.
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The doctor states: "A lot of the men are in their second marriage, he said, and many seem to marry younger women who have no children."
REALLY? NO WAY? Men leaving their wives for a childfree young thing? Shocking!
The only slight redeemer to this story is the fact that the doctor is performing up to four vasectomies a day. Way to go gentlemen! May your new worryfree sex lives bring you many repeat rounds of carefree fun!
Personally, I think responsible men that respect women are MUCH hotter.
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:56 p.m.
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Todd the second marriage genius states(We) know things could go badly, we’re not naive or blind to the difficulty or challenges of marriage,”
How NICE. He outright admits he is just as likely to bail on this marriage as he was the first one. Yep, I'd sure be lining up to have kids with this winner. There would be nothing more exciting and fin than having two child support cases and TWO visitation schedules to line up! And just think, if we DO get divorced, i can make kids with a THIRD husband!
Why is it when a woman has kids by different men, she should get sterilized, but when a man decides to knock up a series of women, it's a cool thing?
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:53 p.m.
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$15,000 to $20,000 to adopt Russian/Korean/Chinese baby with questionable past medical history.
$20,000 to $30,000 for invitro fertilization using an aspiration specimen from husbands testicle.
Buying a vasectomy reversal for your new wife so that she has to beg you for sex for at least 3 to 4 days around the time of ovulation......PRICELESS!!
Apr 19, 2010 at 10:52 p.m.
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Oh YES, inconvenienttruth, women should just put themselves on cancer causing and potentially fatal blood clotting drugs rather than expect men to take responsibility for their sperm. Obviously, you view your wife/partner as little more than a tool for your pleasure. How charmingly caveman of you!
A vasectomy and reversal combined is cheesecake compared to one nasty menstrual period, and a friggen Caribbean getaway compared to a pregnancy and childbirth.
Any man that is so inconsiderate to his wife to do as you say is a man of low character indeed= a male who does not care about his wife's health or needs. Furthermore, any woman that gets proposed to by a creature that would only consider her his "current wife" should RUN, not walk, away.
How sad indeed that you would put your balls over the well being of your own child. If you can't see yourself committing to a marriage, how the hell can you commit to raising the next generation?
Apr 19, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
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10k for the surgery, how much to adopt a baby in need?
Apr 19, 2010 at 9:08 p.m.
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Sandman, I thought in Mother Russia vasectomy has YOU.
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I have a feeling that either the first wives had a large part in the decisions to have a vasectomy, or the second wives had a large part in the decisions to undo those vasectomies, but either way the husbands should've had the... testicular fortitude... to tell their wives to get on the pill if they didn't want more children. The forms of women's birth control are numerous, don't involve surgery, and are flexible to the desires of changed minds/marriages.
Apr 19, 2010 at 8:17 p.m.
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Concentrate on blending your families. A new baby is all the work your first ones were. Seems a bit sad to me.
Apr 19, 2010 at 8:09 p.m.
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sandman... "tire store"? This is Russian right?
Apr 19, 2010 at 7:21 p.m.
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In my country we have saying, "Интернет-магазин автомобильных шин", which translate rough mean: "never let robot touch your testicles for to make second wife happy." Do not have saying for third wife or more, but probably much same with some of words underlined.
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:54 p.m.
Apr 19, 2010 at 6:35 p.m.
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I'm thinking he likes child support.. good luck Todd
Apr 19, 2010 at 5:55 p.m.
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Todd, You might want to hold off on the vasectomy for a bit.
* US divorce rate after second marriage is from 60% to 67%
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