My longtime SB at the time was comfortable with going BB, as we exchanged test results regularly. But she was not on BC (said it screwed up her hormones - a common issue) and I could not finish inside her.
We used all sorts of alternative BC methods. The best I could find was the sponge. But COVID made that impossible. It turns out all the sponges were made in a factory in India (trust me, I researched the HELL out of this!) and when the pandemic hit, the factory had to close to protect the workers. Once workers were allowed to come back, the key material providers were unable to send the components to the factory. The company folded and that was it. I scoured the internet to find any remaining supply; Amazon, US and Canadian drug stores and medical supply companies, even eBay. The last box I was able to buy cost me $75 for 3 sponges (normal cost was about $12). I also used to keep a supply of Plan-B doses at home (Amazon is the cheapest - about $35-40 versus $80 at drug stores in California).
I decided to get the surgery once my health care provider opened up for elective procedures. I had to fill out forms, chat with the surgeon (who just wants to make sure you know what you are doing) and schedule the 2-hour appointment. My recovery was a bit longer than normal; about 4 weeks. But then all was good.
Now when I start with a new SB, I show her my current STD test results and my zero-sperm count results as well. I still meet new POT's who don't want to risk it, or who ask for way too much allowance, but I just move on to the next.
The obvious advantages are easy to see. But there is a side advantage as well. There will be NO pregnancy scams. Since I have been enjoying my retirement by travelling to popular mongering destinations around the world (yeah, yeah, but somebody's got to do it!
, I am aware that many of these regions especially in SE Asia have women who will try to set up a western guy for extortion by claiming to her family and (corrupt) LE that he got her pregnant and is now trying to avoid responsibility. Well, I can whip out my test results to a local defense attorney and kill that scam quickly.
So IF you NEVER want to have kids (again), and you really want to enjoy BBFS (as I do) it's a sound strategy. Not very expensive and not very painful during or after (ask your Doc about that!). Oh and you may hear that having a vasectomy can reduce the intensity or volume of your ejaculate, I have not found that to be true. Finally, it can be reversed with another surgery. But if you really think you may want to have a kid after, you can easily freeze your sperm in advance.
Life is good
The Cat