Winnipeg doctor 'snips' his way into World Vasectomy Day
Dr. Errol Billinkoff performed 20 vasectomies Friday as part of international event
A Winnipeg doctor is adding to his work load Friday, joining forces with doctors from around the world.
Doctor Errol Billinkoff of Billinkoff Vasectomy Centre in Winnipeg performed 20 himself Friday.
"I think it's an important cause," said Billinkoff. "I think they are trying to raise awareness about vasectomy and about getting the conversation started about what is the best method of birth control for couples."
The calm before the 'snip'
A surprisingly calm Serge Lachance was one of the last appointments Friday morning. He was ushered into one of the surgery rooms in the Vasectomy Centre building in Winnipeg's Exchange District.
"You know what? It was actually quite surprising how many guys have already done it, and it didn't seem to be a big deal," said Lachance.
Maybe not a big deal for Lachance and his wife, who already have one child and decided that, at this point, they don't want to have another. But Billinkoff said it can have a big impact in other parts of the world.
"In Canada I think that conversation probably takes place already, but this is a worldwide event so it's really more underdeveloped countries where either it's not known about or there are misconceptions about it, or it's just not available.
"This leads to unwanted pregnancies and people who are unable to afford large families end up with seven, eight, nine, 10 kids," Billinkoff said.
Back in the recovery room, Lachance, who is now restricted to light duties and no heavy lifting for a week after a procedure that lasts less than 20-minutes, said it's all about joking and putting on a smile.
"Going to the dentist was worse," said Lachance.
He does, however, plan on taking it easy this weekend, and reminding his wife that after a few years of "it" being mentioned, he has finally crossed it off his "to do" list.