Viva La Vasectomy

Cheers to a job well done!

It would be so easy for us to make jokes about ‘having the balls’ to make such a big decision here, but we’re above that. Well, perhaps not, but despite all the puns we know that making the decision to have a vasectomy is big.

It seems simple, but like nearly all of the Thresholds that we encounter, it’s bittersweet.

While the reality of not having any unplanned children might be appealing, there is often a sadness about the finality of that decision.

“I walked out of the Doctor’s surgery feeling excited about this new stage of my life, but when I saw my wife and children walking towards me, a lump formed in my throat, and I realised something very special was coming to an end”

Despite the fact that Australia has one of the highest rates of vasectomies in the world, it’s still not widely discussed. Even within an intimate relationship it can be difficult to bring up.

At Threshold, we have created a card game that prompts couples to have discussions about this big life moment. And yes. We’ve called it Snip Snap. We have heard from couples that: “Snip Snap helped us navigate a touchy emotional subject while having fun!”

If you’d like to read a little more about how other Men have managed their vasectomy, and the emotions that it brought up for them, here’s a couple of our favourite articles.

COMEDIAN W KAMAU BELL SHARES HIS VASECTOMY JOURNEY
He also lets a camera in on his operation, so, you know, it get’s real!

BEING PRESENT TO FATHERHOOD, AT THE END OF FATHERING
Ben Katt reflects on the loss associated with the decision to have a vasectomy in this article for OnBeing.

THE SNIP
In this article from the Monthly explores coins the new term "Vasectomemories" and provides an introduction into World Vasectomy Day.

“the end of my capacity to father children is an opportunity to fully embrace what it means to father.”

— Ben Katt