Getting a vasectomy is a serious and highly personal decision. It’s also difficult and expensive to reverse if you were to later change your mind.
Additionally, misconceptions about vasectomies make the decision to get a vasectomy even more challenging for some guys.
Let’s start off by clarifying a few misconceptions about vasectomies. Vasectomies do not:
- cause erectile dysfunction
- lower testosterone
- noticeably influence ejaculation volume
- impact your masculinity
Moreover, this birth control option won’t hurt your sex drive or sexual performance in the slightest. Here’s everything you need to know about vasectomies if you’re considering getting one.
What is a Vasectomy?
Outside of condoms (which have a relatively high failure rate) vasectomies are the most effective approach to male birth control.
A vasectomy is a simple procedure used for family planning purposes. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens tubes are severed and closed.
Un-severed, these tubes connect the testicles to the urethra, allowing sperm – the part of male ejaculate that fertilizes a female’s eggs – to mix with seminal fluids. Combined, these fluids carry the sperm through the female partner’s vagina and to her eggs. There, sperm attempts to fertilize the egg. When an egg becomes fertilized by sperm, the woman will become pregnant.
By severing the vas deferens tubes, sperm never leaves the testicles (where they’re made) to mix with seminal fluids.
Without sperm in this fluid, it’s impossible to fertilize the egg. Even after a vasectomy, fluid still exits the penis during ejaculation, but without the sperm.
In other words, a vasectomy causes you to “shoot blanks” during ejaculation, thereby preventing pregnancy.
How is a Vasectomy Done?
A urologist generally does vasectomy procedures, though many general practitioners can do them. Urologists are physicians that specialize in reproductive organs, kidneys, the bladder, and the urethra.
There are a few different approaches to vasectomies. None require general anesthesia or hospitalization, just local numbing agents often paired with anti-anxiety medications prescribed ahead of time.
Vasectomy by incision
During a traditional vasectomy, the urologist uses a scalpel to make two to four cuts on the scrotum to reach the vas deferens.
First, local anesthesia is applied to the scrotum.
Once the organs are located, the surgeon severs these spaghetti-like tubes, cutting the connection between the testicles and the urethra. The two ends of the vas deferens are then cauterized, tied, clamped, or sewn shut.
The process will be repeated on the other vas deferens, effectively preventing sperm from exiting the testicles.
No-scalpel vasectomies
For a no-scalpel vasectomy, the doctor uses a device called a hemostat instead of a scalpel. This instrument operates like locking forceps and creates a tiny puncture instead of an incision. The surgeon then locates the vas deferens and pulls them through the puncture to continue the operation.
Once both tubes are cut, cauterized, and sealed, the procedure ends. Since there are no incisions made, there is no need for stitches on the scrotum.
What are the Risks of a Vasectomy?
Although it is a minor surgery, it is possible to experience bleeding, infection, or pain following a vasectomy. These side effects occur in just 1% of patients and can be treated easily.
Sperm may also leak from the vas deferens into your scrotum tissue. This can cause increased sensitivity or pain, but it is not dangerous. Leakage often occurs without the patient even realizing it.
An important risk – though non-medical – is regretting the vasectomy. Anytime anyone elects for a surgical procedure, it’ll definitely make a significant change in their life. Reversing a vasectomy is typically more expensive and more difficult than a vasectomy itself.
If you are considering a vasectomy, you should be absolutely certain that you do not want children and it will never be a possibility for you. Whether this is a decision you make on your own or with your partner, it’s important to deeply consider what it means to completely cut off your ability to have biological children.
What Happens After a Vasectomy?
Following a vasectomy, minor pain and discomfort are common. For most men, this pain will only last a few days, and it can be largely alleviated with over-the-counter pain medications.
Your doctor will likely recommend you relax and move around minimally for the first full day of recovery, and take it easy for the next few days: no exercise or strenuous movements with your lower body. Additionally, your doctor will likely suggest not ejaculating and no sex for at least a week after the procedure.
Vasectomy incisions should heal fully within a week or two.
Although sperm can no longer exit your testicles, doctors typically instruct patients to practice other means of birth control for two to three months following the procedure, as residual sperm can remain in the vas deferens. For that reason, pregnancy is possible for the first few months after a vasectomy.
After 30 to 90 days, a doctor will usually request a semen analysis to confirm no sperm remains in your ejaculate.
Can a Vasectomy Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
Erections have nothing to do with your sperm, testicles, or scrotum. A vasectomy is not a viable treatment for ED. ED is often a side effect of heart disease, circulatory issues and other health problems
Most commonly, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, stress, or depression cause ED. Because vasectomies do not affect these ailments, they will not cure ED.
How can you treat erectile dysfunction?
If you’re experiencing ED, great solutions do exist, though they have nothing to do with a vasectomy.
Oral medications and vacuum pumps can help, and in some cases, men with ED get penile implants to address the problem.
Oral medications for ED
You’ve probably heard of Viagra®, Cialis®, and Levitra®, all common medications for ED.
These drugs help dilate your blood vessels and increase blood flow into your penis. Strong and consistent blood flow is essential for maintaining an erection strong enough for sex.
The effects of these medications usually last four to six hours, though the duration can vary depending on your metabolism and the dose. These medications work well for the vast majority of men who try them.
Vacuum pumps for ED
If you cannot become aroused or take oral medications, a vacuum pump device may be a viable alternative.
This device is a cylinder placed over the penis that creates suction around your penis and draws blood to the penile tissue, resulting in an erection.
Once the vacuum pump forms an erection, remove the device and slip on a constriction band to keep the blood in place. Vacuum pumps are an effective way to get an erection.
Will a Vasectomy Change Your Sexual Abilities?
After getting a vasectomy, you will still achieve erections, orgasm, ejaculate, and experience the same levels of pleasure as before.
Your body will continue to create sperm, but it will have no way of leaving your testicles and impregnating your partner. This trapped sperm is reabsorbed harmlessly by the body.
How Rex MD Can Help
A vasectomy is the most effective form of male birth control for sexually active men who don’t want children (or have enough children already).
As with every surgery, vasectomies come with minor risks, but these are rare and should not impact sexual performance or cause erectile dysfunction.
If you’re having difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection, prescription medications may help. Get started on a free online consultation today to determine if ED meds are right for you. If so, they will be mailed directly to your door quickly and discreetly. The best part is, you’ll never have to leave your home.
