Many couples reach a certain point in life when they desire long-term or permanent contraception, and start looking into surgical solutions. Vasectomies are less expensive and much safer than tubal ligation procedures in women (what is commonly referred to as having your tubes tied), and yet tubal ligations are 50% more common than vasectomies. Why is this the case?
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around men having vasectomies and a widespread misconception that vasectomies are linked to decreased sex drives. The reality is good news—there is no evidence linking vasectomies to changes in libido.
A vasectomy only affects the sperm’s ability to enter semen, which is done by disconnecting the vas deferens. There is no change or disturbance to any other nerve or blood vessel in or near the testicles, so the body systems having to do with arousal and sexual performance remain unaffected. The main sex drive hormone is testosterone, and a vasectomy has proven to have no impact on the testes’ ability to keep producing it.
In fact, the only appreciable difference following a vasectomy is the volume of fluid that is ejaculated. Without the sperm entering ejaculate fluid, the volume decreases only by 2 to 5%, not really enough to even be noticeable.
So where does the misconception that a vasectomy will lower sex drive come from? There are many possible reasons this assumption came about, including :
- Unrelated physiological changes after a vasectomy: Many men have vasectomies at an age where certain physiological changes that do impact sex drive may be occurring simultaneously and assume their decreased libido is due to their vasectomy. After age 30, men experience a 1% decrease in testosterone production each year and are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate. These conditions are definitely linked to decreased sex drive, but vasectomies are not, nor do vasectomies increase the risk of any of these conditions.
- Psychological changes after a vasectomy: Some men may experience psychosomatic symptoms following a vasectomy, which means their worries, fears, and anxieties could be impacting the health and wellness of their bodies. When all other physiological causes of reduced libido are ruled out, stress, anxiety, and depression may be at the root. Some men feel that having a vasectomy makes them less of a man, or may experience sadness that their child-conceiving days are over. Any of these situations can make it more difficult to become aroused and perform the same as before the procedure.
With a scalpel-free vasectomy, the procedure itself is virtually painless. Side effects and complications are extremely uncommon, and sex after a vasectomy should be the same as it was before. Actually, many men and couples report increased satisfaction as a result of not having to worry about contraception and unplanned pregnancy. Couples can be more spontaneous than before.
Are you considering a vasectomy? You need an experienced surgeon to ensure your procedure is successful. Dr. Desi Avila is a Scottsdale-area urologist specializing in microsurgical procedures, and he has extensive experience with all male reproductive procedures, including vasectomies. Call for an appointment today at (480) 961-2323, or request an appointment online.
