The Vasectomy That Wasn’t
By Gene Aronowitz
In 1984, I decided, after considerable reflection, to get a vasectomy. I was sitting in the waiting room at the time of the appointment, but was told that the doctor had not yet arrived. When he came in, he looked uncomfortable, and it seemed as if his back was hurting. I asked him about it, and he said he had been playing tennis just before and must have pulled something. He said he was fine, though, and would be ready in a few minutes. I sat there thinking of what might happen if he had a spasm at the wrong time, among the worst fears of all men. I got up, told the receptionist I was leaving, and left.
Two years later, his back was better.
A version of this memoir is included in Brief Memoirs.