Why I Had A Vasectomy...10 Years Later

It has been 10 years since I had a vasectomy at the age of 25, and after a decade of life and self reflection, I can say that it has been the right choice for me. In this video I share why I chose to have a vasectomy, why I choose not to have children and my choice to live independently of the pharmaceutical industry.
robingreenfield.org/vasectomy
Robin Greenfield is a truth-seeker, activist, social reformer and servant to Earth, humanity and our plant and animal relatives. He lives simply and sustainably to be the change he wishes to see in the world. Through living closely connected to Earth, he rejects the status quo of consumerism and demonstrates a way of being in gratitude, mindfulness and presence. His life is an experiment with truth and integrity.
Robin’s public activism involves dramatic actions designed to provoke critical thought, self-reflection and positive change. His activism creates nuanced conversations on the critical issues of our time, with a focus on solutions for living in harmony.
His life’s work has been covered by media worldwide and he has been named “The Robin Hood of Modern Times” by France 2 TV and “The Forrest Gump of Ecology”.
Robin has committed to earning below the federal poverty threshold for life and donates 100% of his media earnings to grassroots nonprofits, with a focus on supporting Black and Indigenous women-led organizations.
This channel is a resource for all who seek to liberate themselves, to live in truth and integrity, and to live in harmony with Earth, humanity and the plants and animals we share this home with.
Robin Greenfield and Dear Friends share means of achieving liberation and harmony through sustainable living, simple living, tiny house living, foraging, growing food and medicine, minimalism, zero waste, earth-skills, food sovereignty, community resilience, compassionate communication, activism, Black Liberation, Indigenous Sovereignty and living in service.
Find Robin Greenfield on:
Website: www.robingreenfield.org
KZbin: / @robin.greenfield
Instagram: / robin.greenfield @Robin.Greenfield
Facebook: / robingreenfieldpage
Robin Greenfield’s work is offered as a gift to the public domain. This content is Creative Commons and is free to be copied, republished and redistributed. Learn about Creative Commons and follow the guidelines here: www.robingreenfield.org/creat...

[@eydiegarcelon8889]

Ahhh, what a great video!!! From a teen.... I knew that the world had SO many children that needed homes.... when I started dating... I talked to boyfriends about the subject of adoption. My now husband and I have no biological children, but we adopted 2, a boy and a girl, now 22 and 23 and they are our Dear children, that needed homes when they were babies! The best ever!!! Very proud of you. If the time comes, you decide it is right in your life.... you can always adopt a child that needs a home

[@sonoranlight]

As a woman, I have had a great deal of psychic pressure for many years, from relatives, friends, co-workers, strangers, etc. about not having kids. When I am asked, 'why don't you have kids?' I answer, look around you, do you see a shortage of children in this world? Yes, I have chosen service to humanity and the other kingdoms of Earth-plant, animal and mineral and am happy with that. Thank you for your vlog.

[@bobmarker6812]

Had one at 22 after knowing since I was 17 that I didn't want kids. Now I'm 61 and even more glad I had the snip!!

[@EDBLOSSOM]

I grew up watching you. I am inspired by your work. I am modeling my life after yours. you have successfully affected and inspired the next generation 🙏

[@fruitascension5089]

I think you're one of the most honorable, intelligent, thinking, conscious, brave, considerate and wise men on this earth. Thank you for sharing your viewpoints on a very personal decision! I am in agreement with all you said here.

[@FrozenHonors]

wow such c____s__king on a youtube comment

[@coffeeseven]

Im twice divorced and that was hard. 30 years of child support and that was hard but It's harder for me to imagine my life without my kids. I agree with your thinking Rob. I just went a different way.

[@DC-ef8op]

As a female, I never wanted children like them but they are not for me. Nature and animals is my peace I don’t need children to be fulfilled I think the Earth needs a break.

[@marlenen6130]

I could have been totally fine not having had children, but I have 3 (a single and twins). That isn’t to say I haven’t enjoyed them, just I would have been just as happy. Children are overrated. My second husband had 2 kids the same age as mine and stepparented them for over 15 years. My new partner has 3 kids (a pair and a spare also) and I’ve been doing this for over 5 years. He’s right that other children come into your life & that anyone can have a positive influence on kids.

[@aprilalice04]

Totally agree!

[@noahg4677]

This is absolutely 100% backwards. Earth wouldn’t be here without children. Without US. There WOULD NOT BE an earth without us. What we need to do is stop taking videos like this as FACTS, when it is 100% opinion based. We are life. We don’t just give life. We create it. Why would we ever give that gift away intentionally in the first place ? Those are my opinions. Thank you.

[@noahg4677]

@@marlenen6130 show this comment to your kids. Then come back and talk. That is disgusting and so is the act of birth control, vasectomy, or whatever else you want to do to CONTROL your natural God given gift. Or just outright give it away because you think or feel a certain way IN THE MOMENT.

[@chameleontwist2551]

@@noahg4677 You should get a vasectomy

[@AShroudOfTruth]

I agree with you, that it should be as much a mans decision as a woman's and I have even said as much. If a man doesn't want to have a child, then he should take the step to insure it doesn't happen rather than expecting the partner to take full responsibility. And it's such a simple procedure. But with that said, I think you would be a fantastically wonderful dad, and yes, adoption is a great choice too.

[@stephensebastin]

In case anyone whats it Tubectomy can be reversed and it has been very successful but recanalization after vasectomy not soo much. Yes Tubectomy is an invasive procedure and it has more complications and vasectomy is a very simply procedure but what if you cheated ur husband or broke up with him or ur children died and he wants a new relationship with another women after u broke ur trust and he wants children of his own (after they died soon) How many men and women choose to start a relationship with the other knowing that they are completely infertile? Very few to be honest

[@juliettailor1616]

He would be a fantastic dad😢

[@mareepeters5717]

You are such a wonderful wise person Rob, I believe everybody should think deeply before deciding to have a child.

[@VladOnEarth]

100% agree about pharma, I wish everyone understood this just as clearly

[@ohkay2090]

Thanks so much for sharing this option, it isn't discussed enough! I'd like to add, in addition to communicating with your partner, testing for stds before entering into a sexual relationship is important.

[@gabrielasaenz-seitz6593]

Bravo! Thank you for sharing all your reasons! Beautiful that you took responsibility for your path in life!🙏❤

[@veronicabullard2694]

I have the best form of birth control available to human kind. Abstinence. By my own choice.

[@treesagreen4191]

I had two children by caesarian section by the time I was 22. I didn't want to go through that again and so when I went back for my post natal check up I mentioned sterilisation to my doctor. He said that I was very young for such a procedure but I put my reasons together - not wanting more children, not wanting another C-section, the fact they'd recommend it if I had another child anyway, the loss of one of my children wouldn't make me want to go through it again, if anything happened between me and my husband any new partner would have to accept I couldn't have his children - he agreed and the deed was done. It was the best decision I have ever made to be honest. Knowing what I know now and the twists and turns in my life, I am glad that I put myself first. I know women who absolutely do not want children at all and whom the medical profession will not consider for sterilisation "in case they change their mind". I am nearly 63 and have not once regretted my decision. We should be allowed to have autonomy over our own bodies

[@AShroudOfTruth]

Use condoms. It's much more simpler.

[@givemorephilosophy]

Amazing clarity and conviction

[@seshagriffin7025]

I appreciate you and your message verbalized so eloquently. I always wanted children and never thought I would have any. I eventually was able to have one child in my late 30’s. I am so grateful to have had a child. I love being a parent because I feel it has given me a purpose and has given meaning to my life that I didn’t have before. I appreciate that you want to be a positive impact in children’s lives and that you care about children. They are the future.

[@claudiamolinaro1010]

I admire you even more! You are such an inspiration!!! Thank you for your service to the Planet!!! Thank you!

[@DC-ef8op]

Well said!!!!

[@bhofreit]

Thank you for sharing Rob. As always a thoughtful and thorough explanation of your choices and reasons. My husband and I agreed to a Vasectomy after the birth of our 2nd child. Our reasons were the same as yours regarding birth control, and our ability physically, emotionally, and materially to properly care for our children. It was a great choice for us and we have no regrets. I would also like to say that as parents, we also support and respect our now grown children's decision to not procreate as their life choices.

[@senaeternus]

I love how you articulated the choice to be child-free. And the equal responsibility thing. It was all just so well said and an empowering message that people really need to hear.

[@liberatedlioness6478]

You're a very responsible human being Rob. As usual, you're a true inspiration 🙏🏿. I've subscribed to your channel a few years ago and I know it wasn't by accident that I found you. Everytime I hear you, it's like an echo. I too am an extremist when it comes to choices I know are best for me. I have so much gratitude for what you share🙏🏿❤️

[@kellihillebrand8341]

I appreciate you for sharing this! I believe many could benefit from listening to all aspects touched on in this video🙏🌱🌞

[@secondnaturevibes]

It is really powerful that this is your first video since returning to KZbin. I have recently found out about how my own body and hormones work, at 29, and I know that people with uteruses much older than me still don't know. I have had serious depression issues with hormonal birth control, and mentally was uncomfortable being under the control of the medical system to get my medication every month or have an IUD replaced every 3-10 years. My current partner had a vasectomy before we met and I am so so happy that he did. A lot of people are afraid "what if the person I want to be with does want kids?" And some doctors will try to convince you of that concern when having consultations. I think it's a matter of decision. How well do you know yourself and your life path? If you know that isn't something you want, you most likely won't end up with someone who does want kids, because of other incompatibilities as well. I do want to mention that there are physical risks associated with having a vasectomy, and they tend to be understated statistically when having consultations. My partner ended up having complications with the procedure, whether due to his own anatomy or the doctor's technique we will never know. When having consultations for a reparative surgery, he found out the statistics of people having problems are much higher than he was initially told. While everything ended up okay in the end there are things that people should be aware of before making a surgical choice. There are promising non-hormonal male birth control options on the way, hopefully they get here soon so surgery won't be the only good choice for men wanting to take control of their fertility. :) - Katrina

[@IHCOYT]

Thank you for sharing Rob! I learned a lot and loved to hear about your perspective! That’s also unfortunate that the media tries to twist your message but it’s not surprising

[@leahv.2537]

You're right Rob, good for you! It appears to me that there are so many people with kids that have no business having kids. I'm happy for people who know they don't want kids and stick to that.

[@haleyharkin]

Thank you for using your platform to share about this! 💗

[@maiteismail3710]

Thanks for sharing your story 🙏 and your experience. I understand your way of thinking😊 lots of love 💚

[@AndrooJeanPierre]

After having had 3 children, at 46 years old, it felt perfectly natural to have a vasectomy. No side effects at all for me. No more problem for my wife in terms of birth control.

[@TheMarkvq]

Funny. I had mine yesterday. This video came in a timely moment.

[@pigscanfly522]

Thanks Rob! There is a lot of pressure to have kids out there and I am glad you are sharing your experience with this. I don't really want any kids and it feels like this made my path a little easier.

[@atfarquharsonflats9615]

Fantastic message, Rob. Thanks for putting it out there

[@EinhornAnspitzer]

I really admire your clarity! awesome video

[@sherw6456]

Thank you for sharing your experience and your insight! Would that others see the wisdom in your path; it could make a huge difference in the world. As for me, I knew from a very young age I never wanted to have children and took careful precautions for over 25 years, finally getting a tubal ligation to not have to rely on hormonal contraception. Wish I had done it years sooner! I am now menopausal so none of this is an issue for me anymore but I highly encourage others to look at their options when it comes to sexual health, as you stated so beautifully, Rob. Best to you. 🙂

[@michelegambini]

Great video, thanks. When I was younger I firmly believed that I should not have children, until I met my wife, then we changed, it was almost as if our children were calling us. We are truly blessed and so happy being parents of three beautiful children.

[@wren5291]

Kudos for being authentic and true to yourself. Funnily enough, I've been wondering if a procedure would be right for me or not. I love kids, however, between one thing and another plus the state the world is in, it would seem that not having them biologically is the best route for me as well. As you adequately put, there are plenty of kids already in this world that need adopting and caring for. I love your vids, keep up with the insights👍🏽💚💙.

[@verdulo]

I really hope there will be a reversible vasectomy option some day so that men who might want children in the future can be better protected against unintended pregnancy.

[@kathleenkaar6557]

So glad to see you back here Rob!

[@TheBayoubreeze]

Thank you for sharing this. Have not seen this perspective talked about. 👏👏👏

[@marionkine]

Something absurd is that most of the birth control rely on women BUT it's pretty difficult nowadays for a woman to get her tubes tied unless she already has several children. Men ? They can do what they want without anyone questionning their choice. Not to mention what societies do with our unwanted pregnancies ... i'm so mad at this ... (i won't respond to any anti abortion comment, keep your personal energy for something else, like helping someone in need)

[@plabebob]

Yeah it's total crap. I've even been asked by the doctor if my boyfriend wants kids - as if my own health choices should depend on what my boyfriend wants! I've been asking for years, I'm 38 & they still won't do it for me.

[@sherai55]

I can here to say this. How lucky men in the United States are to get to make their own decisions regarding their reproductive health. A woman at 25 would never be allowed to make such a decision. Also not hating, love your videos and respect this decision. I love your opinions on how this should be an equal responsibility!

[@naomimay82]

It is a load of crap that young women cannot get their tubes tied. I just had this discussion with a coworker. She wanted to get her tubes tied and they told her she was too young. I think a grown adult woman should have the right to choose a permanent option to prevent pregnancy. They make women wait until 25 here in the US. I had my tubes tied at 22 after my second child, but the doctor didn’t really want to do it. When she argued with me, I explained that I didn’t want to have a bunch of kids I could not afford and financially, two was my limit. She relented and tied my tubes. Most young women are denied this.

[@aprilalice04]

I really loved this video and your words, so gentle and profound. Thank you! I feel, especially for women, that having children is more an obligation than a choice, and that in some ways takes away the research for finding yourself, your purpose, your mission in this life. Of course not for everyone is like that, but something to truly reflect on!

[@lichi1244eva]

I'm a foster parent of 2. I knew I wanted to care for children, and be an ongoing positive and loving source for several children. I knew I didn't want to give birth.

[@kelebeksky]

I feel the same...may I ask how the experience is going?

[@lichi1244eva]

@@kelebeksky the experience is going well, I still have the same placements I had when I made my previous comment on Rob's video. Foster care is extremely challenging, the problems start on a national level - from institutional economic, healthcare, educational, racial and class disparities - and trickle on down. It's all related. But the kids in my care are by far the best thing that has happened to me. If you're interested in foster care and supporting reunification, then definitely consider it!

[@kelebeksky]

@@lichi1244eva thanks 😊 🙏 I know some couples in my country who ended up adopting the kids because reunification was pretty impossible. Definitely something I would love doing, it inspires me more than being pregnant and giving birth. I thought I wasa weird one 😁 Sending you and your kids my best wishes

[@trangpham4176]

Thank you so much for sharing. I've been long wanting to know if there's someone out there sharing this reservation about having my own children, which is essentially similar to what you've shared, of there are still so many children out there without care.

[@donnasleight717]

Thank you for sharing this part of your personal life with us, not a lot of people are fully educated on birth control. Children are a blessing but personally I would only like 1 biological child closer to my 30's 😃💚

[@qu33rtig3r]

thank you for sharing this information and your personal stories along with it!

[@emilyquinlan7126]

5:56 is my favorite part. Can only imagine the vast number of children who Rob will reach over the years. SO much respect. ✊

[@emilyquinlan7126]

Also love the vlog style of the vid. Feels like a friendly conversation by the pond. 🪷 such a vital and relevant topic. Thank you for sharing.

[@tamiwithani]

This video is 1000% what i believe as well. Every. Single. Word. Good job, Rob

[@Colesbaby1999]

I’m about to make this decision soon 🔜 it’s gonna be one of my smartest moves

[@Constantinului]

Thank you for sharing this thoughts, dear brother ! Some interesting and useful insights

[@mallorylischer]

Beautifully said. Thanks for sharing.

[@aseeyahrhinesmith1413]

Thanks for showing and sharing a different way. Keep it up.

[@clairejohnson5674]

Thanks for sharing. Wise mind. I also wanted to put it out there that I love my IUD

[@childfreedude8656]

I had known as a teenager I never wanted kids. It's been more than 15 years since I had mine at 22 after thankfully avoiding two back-to-back scares, each the result of condom failure and not any irresponsibility on my part. I knew then that procreating was definitely never going to be in my playbook and took me no time at all to get the job done. As far as the other ethical and moral considerations are concerned, they become incredibly irrelevant once you're sterile. My only regret is that I couldn't find a doc to do it for me when I was younger.

[@SharonG-ip3ll]

I agree with all your points. I greatly admire you for taking the responsibility for your health. I'm surprised that a doctor would have performed that procedure on someone so young. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ckentzel717]

This is beautiful and definitely something I'm considering. What are your thoughts on reversing vasectomies? I've heard this is possible but know very little

[@helenhonghaha]

As a fellow non-breeder, thank you for sharing your perspective on this! Always appreciate you!

[@AnMarie711]

Very good video. I had my one baby and done. My family asked why not another. Well I only wanted one baby. I wish people would take a moment and be thoughtful and ask themselves if having kids is what they want.

[@Noukz37]

It's like you're reading my thoughts and speaking them out... DUDE! 👏🏻♥👍🏻

[@dianewomble527]

I appreciate your candidness and your mature way of looking at life. I know a man who lost his wife from breast cancer relating to birth control. More men and women should embrace mature ideas for a better life, for their best lives.

[@f71382]

Have to admit when I saw this video I was worried but I'm happy that you aren't a malthuist/over population person! (For those people in the comments, overpopulation is a myth, we massively overproduce, consumption doesn't track one to one with population and we are nowhere near the sustainable productive capacity of the earth as methods of production continue to become more sustainable, the problem is with capitalism and not with the number of people)

[@atfarquharsonflats9615]

@ Only Memories in the End! Exactly, overpopulation isn’t the problem. Consumerism, capitalism…. If we all lived like the San Bushman the earth could probably handle far more of us.

[@ahuman5772]

And when people have access to birth control, they tend to want less children than the replacement rate anyway.

[@taylorhorne6645]

Do you feel like getting a vasectomy had any negative effect on you energetically and/or spiritually?

[@mimi1o8]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I couldn’t agree more with your thinking Rob. Sure I’m sharing your message.

[@BeastMacin11]

Thank you for sharing

[@sherry1674w]

Hello, YES, the responsiblity is BOTH particpating parties! YES. Thanks for that. I Congratulate you for taking the responsiblity for all this. You are so so so enlightened and I Thank you for being who you are! God bless you in all things.

[@teresa_yps]

This is so wonderful. I love how clear and unselfconscious Rob is about the anatomy and physiology and the vasectomy process itself. And, I had to laugh at how straight-faced he said, "It's just a little scissors or scalpel and a little bit of...fire." 😄

[@spirou55]

Mad respect. I feel the same.

[@terecevladimir5250]

As a full time mother of two kids, I wish more men preferred a vasectomy over pharma. When a man doesn't want to take a responsibility for his creations, a vasectomy would be best.

[@junejewell]

You don’t need to be a parent to guide children to the right choices. Appreciate this video. I wish others would take the same responsibility.

[@sandielefant8258]

Can we clone you? So many reasons why, but you are just awesome! I love you man! May the force be with you always!!

[@RockabillyRavenVintage]

Thank you for sharing your perspectives and experiences. I had to get a court order allowing me, an unmarried woman, to have my tubes tied… and to do so had to leave my state of residence. Your willingness to see that birth control is the responsibility of all involved is much appreciated. Thank you Rob.

[@fruitascension5089]

😮 I cannot believe how unfair it is for women. This HAS to be corrected. It's discrimination and sexist. A woman is entitled to the same freedoms and having the same rights.

[@kriskabin]

That's outrageous! And now most girls & women can't get an abortionin the U.S.... oh, but in Mexico it's legal! 🙄🤬 Everyone should be out in the streets protesting this. Body sovereignty!

[@seanintenn4297]

Good for u man.

[@InonoYazy]

I understand you so much

[@Jake24378]

Good on you, man!

[@ganjaman290885]

thank you

[@adamsinclair9671]

just love Rob he is an amazing person..

[@elainedoremus2688]

Overpopulation and overconsumption are crucial concerns for our planet.

[@LemonyFresh2000]

Currently not deciding on getting a vasectomy. Partially due to being bi and being with a man currently, but also because I do want kids of my own one day. If we decide to adopt one day after quite a few years together, I'd probably get one. But if not then I'm able to have kids. If you're bi or bi curious then my opinion is to just be with men until you decide otherwise. I like men in more of a relationship standpoint, and women more in a sexual standpoint. I don't get along with women in relationships as I want to have more of a friendship in a relationship than the ones I've been with seem to be able to handle, while with men, they have been more willing to be my closer than the best of best friends with some sexual interactions in a monogamous relationship which is more my goal in any relationship. Personally, I'm not driven by lust or sex, and if you are I don't have much advice for you, but if you're a man who is like me, try being with another man for a while. It's a lot nicer than you'd expect. And if you are religious, then look into the wording the origional scripts have used and what translations have done to them in order to understand where the churches anti gay rhetoric has come from and only then make the decision you're comfortable with.

[@saracaldwell1738]

Good for you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[@lmjohnsono]

Heck yeah rob

[@adammurphy5372]

This guy seems really kind and sweet I think he would have made a great father but it's his choice.

[@marlenejennings1145]

Thank you! 💜💜💜 Love your truth! Keep sharing and teaching! I have mad respect for you!

[@romainmaurice7404]

having kids bring you joy

[@michaelrondo8091]

Blessing to u an your family an frends

[@jamesching41]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, 100%

[@igfinanse]

What type of vasectomy had you have. "Open ended", "total" or other. I ask because i don't know what to choose.

[@leopardlily3398]

I am grateful for the medications (anti depressant: anti anxiety) I take… I do feel they saved my life. I never wanted to need meds, but I’m grateful my insurance covers them, they keep me stable. I agree that the pharm companies and the waste is not healthy for this planet… what would the solution be? Love what you stand for, Rob.

[@artisticagi]

Naturally balancing brain chemistry…find a naturopathic doctor that can help with that….some people do naturally just make less serotonin and dopamine etc…but doesn’t hurt to try

[@overthesea5846]

Hello, you mentioned there are natural forms of birth control? Would you possibly please be able to share what those may be? I know there are herbs that are good? It would be great if you could share?

[@tonimartin6167]

My vasectomy caused me severe ED, it which 2:50 was a castration. If the "Doctor" warned me about hormonal changes, I would never do it, but now it is too late. Do NOT have a vasectomy if you still want to have testosterone

[@dilekuzelli7937]

Sen çok cesur bir insansın👏

[@graefx]

This has been a growing topic with rhe times but im glad you shared information so candidly and it will help a lot of people make a more informed and comfortable decision. Giant medical actions are daunting and an uneven amount of pressure is placed on one side of the population.

[@isabellezablocki7447]

Yes, kids were not for you in this life. Also your minimal life style would make it hard to provide for a child. Best to you Rob.

[@s.h.4241]

Thank you for this. We need more men to step up.

[@RR-fe8yt]

High respect to you 🤠👍🏼🇮🇳👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Hope to find a man like you for me . 🙏🏽

[@enatp6448]

Its a choice that needs to be heard... Thank you!

[@Unicorns707]

Get it!

[@jared3519]

ive also recently gotten a vasectomy

[@SimilarFrequencies]

💚

[@susannegerber7360]

Thank you a lot for sharing! You asked in the former video what we would like you to present on You Tube. I always found your videos especially interesting when they showed your actual life. How are you living now? What problems do come with it? How do you solve them. What does work very well in your life. What are your plans?

[@pixie0714]

♥️

[@farmoboy83]

i never had as a life objective to have a children but when it happened 4 years ago, that little girl was and is the best ever happened to me and i will make my best to ensure she will be a good addition to our planet. the energy, aura, goodness, simplicity, love that a good hearted girl like mine brings to our life is something impossible to describe. still, there are already too many humans on the planet and many kids seeking for love and a home, so adoption is another way. we can not miss something we never had and i dont agree with people justifying as the best option they took was not having children because they could only say that if they had known the other side of the coin.

[@achookangaroo]

Thanks for using inclusive language with sperm and egg. Love this video and how you describe responsibility!

[@yushihan1506]

It’s not a problem for me being a proud gay man. However, I respect your reasoning and compassion toward personal freedom and collective responsibility.