In the Future Every Man Will Get a Reversible Vasectomy

What Happens When Vasectomies Aren't Permanent, anymore?

The problem with vasectomies is is that they're really hard to undo. Doctors recommend that men should only go for the snip if they are completely sure that the never want to have any more children. So they're a pretty bad option for anyone who isn't sure, or just wants to have kids later in life. But what would happen if men could turn their fertility on and off with just a 15 minute, pretty much painless, procedure? 

This week's video is all about a promising new technology called Vasalgel that I think will revolutionize family planning. What makes vasalgel different that a traditional vasectomy is that instead of cutting the vas deferens (the tube that connects the testicles to the prostate), a doctor instead injects a small amount of water-based hydrogel into the tubing that acts as a sort of colander for sperm.  

Instead of sperm shooting out for a discrete rendezvous with a lady's egg, the gel blocks them before they have a chance to escape. A few hours later the body reabsorbs the frustrated little guys and no one has to have any babies. 

The gel will stay secure in the vas deferens for at least ten years, unless the man decides that it's time to have kids. When that happens all a doctor needs to do is inject a tiny bit of solvent into the vas deferens and -- presto! -- he's fertile again. 

If you ask me, this is the sort of technology that every boy should get at the onset of adolescence.  

Considering that many Americans no longer have safe access to abortions after the supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, Vasalgel offers at least a tiny ray of hope where men can do their part to participate in family planning.  

Want to learn more about Vasalgel? Check out this week's video.