Convincing Husband to Have a Vasectomy

Men sometimes hesitate because they fear the procedure will affect their potency. Here's where getting solid information can be extremely reassuring. I suggest you and your husband become more educated about vasectomy: how it's performed and what kinds of actual risks exist.

Talk with other men who have had vasectomies and take their feedback to heart. If your husband still resists, invite him to share his emotional considerations and try to listen without jumping down his throat. Perhaps he's thinking of all the "what ifs," like, what if you get divorced, or even, what if you die? Maybe he thinks he'd like another child then and doesn't want to snip off his options or admit his fears. Does he realize that some vasectomies can be reversed? If he collects all the facts and his answer is still no, I recommend checking in with a couples' therapist. Other relationship issues could be affecting both his decision and your reactions—and you need to address them.